"This Is The Bowery" is one in "The Passing Parade" series of MGM one-reel shorts, narrated by John Nesbitt, mainly dealing with the changing American scene. There were at least 68 released between 1938 and 1949. "This Is The Bowery" follows one homeless man as he drifts from handout to handout in New York City's Bowery District until he is finally salvaged by the Bowery Mission operated by Charles St. John, who appears as himself. What starts as a depressing depiction of humanity at its barest, ends with an inspirational uplift as we see a broken human being fixed both physically and emotionally, heading uptown to a renewed life of hope.
This is a typical entry in the series and if somewhat dated in method and script, is still entertaining and worthwhile. Plus the cinematography by William Miller of the Bowery in crisp black and white is eye catching.
This is a typical entry in the series and if somewhat dated in method and script, is still entertaining and worthwhile. Plus the cinematography by William Miller of the Bowery in crisp black and white is eye catching.