Great opportunity to see three of the biggest child actors of the 1930s, at different stages in their careers. The 1930s started with Jackie Cooper on top; then, mid-decade, Freddie Bartholomew ruled; and, finally, Mickey Rooney reigned. This film was made during Mr. Bartholomew's peak of popularity.
After some promising scenes, it becomes obvious Bartholomew, Cooper, and Rooney are not being well served by the production. Some of their scenes appear rushed; at times, it looks as if they are rehearsing alongside each other, rather than acting together. Possibly, this is due to director W.S. Van Dyke being assigned to the film, after the firing of Rowland Brown. Mr. Van Dyke was known for his sometimes hurried direction. Still, the actors are professional, and earnest; and, some on-screen rapport is in evidence.
Rowland Brown's story is excellent - much more realistic than several similar 1930s "young hoodlum" dramas. Rooney gets the best part; and, naturally, he makes the most of it; scene stealers Bartholomew and Cooper wouldn't have missed a similar opportunity. This is one of Rooney's best-written, best-performed early roles; he is a terrific actor, and his portrayal of "Gig Stevens" should be more renown. Writer Brown, fired as the film's director, would go on to pen "Angels with Dirty Faces". With some more care, this film might have been as classic.
******* The Devil Is a Sissy (9/18/36) W.S. Van Dyke ~ Freddie Bartholomew, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney, Peggy Conklin
After some promising scenes, it becomes obvious Bartholomew, Cooper, and Rooney are not being well served by the production. Some of their scenes appear rushed; at times, it looks as if they are rehearsing alongside each other, rather than acting together. Possibly, this is due to director W.S. Van Dyke being assigned to the film, after the firing of Rowland Brown. Mr. Van Dyke was known for his sometimes hurried direction. Still, the actors are professional, and earnest; and, some on-screen rapport is in evidence.
Rowland Brown's story is excellent - much more realistic than several similar 1930s "young hoodlum" dramas. Rooney gets the best part; and, naturally, he makes the most of it; scene stealers Bartholomew and Cooper wouldn't have missed a similar opportunity. This is one of Rooney's best-written, best-performed early roles; he is a terrific actor, and his portrayal of "Gig Stevens" should be more renown. Writer Brown, fired as the film's director, would go on to pen "Angels with Dirty Faces". With some more care, this film might have been as classic.
******* The Devil Is a Sissy (9/18/36) W.S. Van Dyke ~ Freddie Bartholomew, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney, Peggy Conklin