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, Robert Duvall

1 win & 6 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.

---

Plot Keywords:

orphan | year 1899 | teenage boy | paperboy | based on true story | 

---

Taglines:

They Found The Courage To Challenge The Powerful! (DVD release)

---

Genres:

Drama | Family | History | Musical

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

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 USA:

$2,819,485

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:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The dress that Ele Keats (Sarah Jacobs) wears in the "High Times, Hard Times" number is an authentic 1899 dress. After every take, the costumer had to constantly sew up small holes because the dress was so old and delicate.

---

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.

---

Quotes

Jack Kelly: Santa Fe, my old friend/I can't spend my whole life hiding/You're the only light that's guiding me today/Will you keep a candle burning?/Will you help me find my way?/You're my chance to break free/And who knows when my next one will be?/Santa Fe, wait for me...

---

Crazy Credits

During the closing credits, the names of the cast are divided in three groups billed as such: The Newsies, Friends of the Newsies and The Opposing Forces.

---

Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Biggest Disney Movie Flops (2017)

---

Soundtracks

HIGH TIMES, HARD TIMES
Written by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Performed by Ann-Margret and the Newsies Ensemble

User Reviews

An energetic,family friendly film.

It is so hard to find something that the whole family can watch but this one of the few. Christian Bale does it again bringing laughter and tears to his portrayal of Jack Kelly. Jack is a Newsie(a young boy who sells newspapers) that helps lead a stike against the newspaper owners of NYC in the late 1800's. With the help of his friends, Jack overcomes and wins his rights as a working boy of NYC. Along the way he wins the heart of the girl he loves,confronts his past, and sings and dances his way into the hearts of everyone how watches this film. The music and dance routines are fun and energetic,making everyone want to join in the fun. Includes apreances by:Bill Pulman and Ann-Margret. Music by: Alan Menkin