Newsies (1992)

A musical based on the New York City newsboy strike of 1899. When young newspaper sellers are exploited beyond reason by their bosses they set out to enact change and are met by the ruthlessness of big business.

Director:

Kenny Ortega

Writers:

Bob Tzudiker, Noni White

Stars:

Christian Bale, Bill Pullman, Ann-Margret

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christian Bale	...	Jack Kelly
David Moscow	...	David Jacobs
Luke Edwards	...	Les Jacobs
Max Casella	...	Racetrack Higgins
Gabriel Damon	...	Spot Conlon
Marty Belafsky	...	Crutchy
Arvie Lowe Jr.	...	Boots
Aaron Lohr	...	Mush
Trey Parker	...	Kid Blink
Dee Caspary	...	Snitch
Joseph Conrad	...	Jake
Dominic Maldonado	...	Itey
Matthew Schoenfeld	...	Snipeshooter (as Matthew Fields)
Mark David	...	Specs
Ivan Dudynsky	...	Dutchy

Storyline

July, 1899: When Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise the distribution price one-tenth of a cent per paper, ten cents per hundred, the newsboys, poor enough already, are outraged. Inspired by the strike put on by the trolley workers, Jack "Cowboy" Kelly (Christian Bale) organizes a newsboys' strike. With David Jacobs (David Moscow) as the brains of the new union, and Jack as the voice, the weak and oppressed found the strength to band together and challenge the powerful.

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Plot Keywords:

newspaper | new york city | publisher | orphan | fight | 

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Taglines:

A Thousand Voices. A Single Dream.

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Genres:

Drama | Musical

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 April 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Newsboys

Filming Locations:

Burbank, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$2,819,485 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchwood Pacific Partners 1, Walt Disney Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The song "King of New York" was written as an afterthought by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and became their favorite song in the movie.

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Goofs

In the director's commentary they comment on the real outcome of the strike. Indicating that they were aware of the reality, but probably wanted to simplify the ending.

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Quotes

Pulitzer: Now when I created the World...

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Crazy Credits

Right before the credits begin rolling, a boy with a newspaper jumps up and the shot freezes on him. At the end of the credits the shot unfreezes and he falls down and rolls on the ground.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Outlaw (1993)

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Soundtracks

THE NEWSIES ENSEMBLE IS:
Christian Bale (Jack)
David Moscow (David)
Luke Edwards (Les)
Max Casella (Racetrack)
Aaron Lohr (Mush)
Arvie Lowe, Jr. (Boots)
Marty Belafsky (Crutchy)
Trey Parker (Kid Blink)
Mark David (Specs)
Ivan Dudynsky (Dutchy)
Robert Feeney (Snoddy)
Michael A. Goorjian (Skittery)
Matthew Fields (Snipeshooter)
Dee Caspary (Snitch)
Joseph Conrad (Jake)
Dominic Lucero (Bumlets)
Dominic Maldonado (Itey)
David Sidoni (Pie Eater)
Kevin Stea (Swifty)
Gabriel Damon (Spot)

User Reviews

A Thousand Fans. One Great Film.

"Newsies" is one of the few Disney films that can be classified as 'great'. What makes it even more amazing is the fact that, although it's a Disney movie and based on actual events, it actually stays very close to what actually happened. (Who would've thought?) The movie has a very good script, great acting, and music that make even the biggest musical-hater tapping his/her feet. Add into this mix show-stopping choreography, humor, and some of the best actors and actresses you can find anywhere, and you will see why this movie has generated more fans than any other movie in history.