...especially "Johnny West", who wants to burn down everything in sight about this show.
OK..I value the guy's first-hand experience with the low-life of New York, with which the writers and producers of "Naked City" in 1958 were certainly acquainted. But the very fact that the "sidewalk" custom existed is an intriguing plot device from which to spin this episode. I'm sure there were SOME guys forced to make their living this way who were not scum-bags.
It's certainly a melodramatic and manipulative show, with the heart-on-sleeve plight of Jay Novello and the little kid, offset by the cruelty of the juvie thugs who terrorize him. But is it any more manipulative than most of the TV cop shows you see today?
The other reviewer who dribbles on about an element of pedophilia in this episode needs to settle down and examine his own cynical, way-too-"modern", jaded fantasies.
Jay Novello's performance (which occasionally veers towards caricature) is nevertheless typical of this fine actor; he's very good, and his appeal to the orphanage board is sensitive, moving, beautifully paced, and totally honest. (I added an extra rating-star for this scene). And the public bath house setting of the climatic scene provides director Heyes with a uniquely sleazy, depressing backdrop.
Then there's the plot resolution, which is unexpected; either the board was going to reverse its decision or not. Instead, we get a half-way decision that does neither. It's quite bittersweet, and the joy it brings to Jay's character seems to highlight the desperation and emotional sadness that engulfs him. One of those "happy-sad" endings, more real-world than Hollywood. LR.
PS-- the other "reviewer" here who slams actor John McIntyre obviously doesn't recognize or appreciate fine character acting.
OK..I value the guy's first-hand experience with the low-life of New York, with which the writers and producers of "Naked City" in 1958 were certainly acquainted. But the very fact that the "sidewalk" custom existed is an intriguing plot device from which to spin this episode. I'm sure there were SOME guys forced to make their living this way who were not scum-bags.
It's certainly a melodramatic and manipulative show, with the heart-on-sleeve plight of Jay Novello and the little kid, offset by the cruelty of the juvie thugs who terrorize him. But is it any more manipulative than most of the TV cop shows you see today?
The other reviewer who dribbles on about an element of pedophilia in this episode needs to settle down and examine his own cynical, way-too-"modern", jaded fantasies.
Jay Novello's performance (which occasionally veers towards caricature) is nevertheless typical of this fine actor; he's very good, and his appeal to the orphanage board is sensitive, moving, beautifully paced, and totally honest. (I added an extra rating-star for this scene). And the public bath house setting of the climatic scene provides director Heyes with a uniquely sleazy, depressing backdrop.
Then there's the plot resolution, which is unexpected; either the board was going to reverse its decision or not. Instead, we get a half-way decision that does neither. It's quite bittersweet, and the joy it brings to Jay's character seems to highlight the desperation and emotional sadness that engulfs him. One of those "happy-sad" endings, more real-world than Hollywood. LR.
PS-- the other "reviewer" here who slams actor John McIntyre obviously doesn't recognize or appreciate fine character acting.