After unsuccessfully trying to break out of reform school, juvenile guttersnipes Billy Halop (as "Tom"), Huntz Hall (as "Pig"), Gabriel Dell (as "String"), and Bernard Punsly (as "Ape") receive a reprieve when mob boss gone legit Barton MacLane (as James J. Ryan) agrees to serve as their guardian. Mr. MacLane would like to make amends, since "The Dead End Kids" became orphans on his watch. So, the "sons of old employees" go to live on the now apparently very wealthy MacLane's estate. There, they come under the care of his understanding wife, Gladys George (as Molly). Ms. George turns out to have a street-wise background.
Sensing Mr. Halop is the "Dead End" kid leader, George tries some straight talk with him. But, Halop and the lads aren't ready to reform. They become involved with the mobsters responsible for killing their fathers. Halop realizes he's been had, and tries to retrieve some stolen money (which was set to start a school for wayward boys), with his pals' help. Joining the "Dead End/Little Tough Guy" group for a go-round is pre-teen crybaby Bobs Watson (as "Pesky"), from the "Boys Town" movies. Missing is Bobby Jordan, who joined Leo Gorcey and "The East Side Kids" (though Mr. Jordan would be lured back for one last Universal Picture).
**** Hit the Road (6/27/41) Joe May ~ Billy Halop, Bobs Watson, Gladys George, Barton MacLane
Sensing Mr. Halop is the "Dead End" kid leader, George tries some straight talk with him. But, Halop and the lads aren't ready to reform. They become involved with the mobsters responsible for killing their fathers. Halop realizes he's been had, and tries to retrieve some stolen money (which was set to start a school for wayward boys), with his pals' help. Joining the "Dead End/Little Tough Guy" group for a go-round is pre-teen crybaby Bobs Watson (as "Pesky"), from the "Boys Town" movies. Missing is Bobby Jordan, who joined Leo Gorcey and "The East Side Kids" (though Mr. Jordan would be lured back for one last Universal Picture).
**** Hit the Road (6/27/41) Joe May ~ Billy Halop, Bobs Watson, Gladys George, Barton MacLane