BOYS OF THE CITY (Monogram, 1940) directed by Joseph H. Lewis, a direct sequel to EAST SIDE KIDS (1940), became the official entry to the "East Side Kids" series. With Dave O'Brien retaining his original role of "Knuckles" Dolan, for this second installment, there are cast changes: Bobby Jordan replaces Harris Berger as Danny Dolan; Frankie Burke (the James Cagney look-alike) becomes Pete; Eugene Francis replaces Jack Edwards as Algernon "Algy" Wilkes; Hally Chester, whose character is killed off in EAST SIDE KIDS, returns as Buster. Leo Gorcey, "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison, Donald Haines and David Gorcey join in this new cast ensemble.
With opening shots of New York City's Chrysler Building, next scene shifts to the east side neighborhood where a group of teenagers known as The East Side Kids: Danny (Bobby Jordan), Mugs (Leo Gorcey); Hally Chester (Buster); Frankie Burke (Pete); Sammy Morrison (Scruno); David Gorcey (Pee-Wee) and Donald Haines (Skinny), members of the Vassey Street Junior Police Club, trying to cool themselves off during the hot summer day. Danny's older brother and guardian, "Knuckles" (Dave O'Brien), wanting the kids to stay out of trouble after running off the water from the fire hydrant, wants to keep Danny's gang from facing juvenile court. Algy (Eugene Francis), a sophisticated friend of the boys, suggests in having his father arrange for the boys by going to summer camp out in the country. On their way to the Adirondacks via station wagon driven by Knuckles, they stop to assist Judge Malcolm Parker (Forrest Taylor), Louise Mason (Inna Gest), his niece, Giles (Dennis Moore) his personal secretary and Simp (Vince Barnett), his bodyguard, for a ride to Briarcliffe Manor after their car breaks down on the road. Parker, who happens to be the same judge who sent Knuckles to prison a year ago on a murder charge, is in fear of his life. Because he is to testify against the Morey gang, and receiving death threats, Parker hides out in Briarcliffe Manor until the trial begins. Inviting the kids for an overnight stay for more protection, due to the manor being located near a graveyard, and the creepy appearance of gracious housekeeper named Agnes (Minerva Urecal) The East Side Kids are led to believe the place is haunted. With Louise mysterious disappearance, a strange man on property, and the judge's murder having Giles accusing Knuckles for his death, Danny and his gang do whatever they can to prove his brother innocent. Co-starring Alden Chase (Jim Harrison) and Jerry Mandy (The Cook).
A nice 64 minute mix of humor, murder mystery and haunted house theme (secret panels, ghostly images, etc.) BOYS OF THE CITY is a fine start to the series, having the distinction of using two plot developments for the price of one. Still early in the series, with Bobby Jordan (in striped shirt) heading the cast, the material provided would be recycled again using more humor than serious overtones. Minerva Urecal, who would appear in the future installments playing different characters, highlights the story as the mysterious housekeeper. Though Scruno has his moments of comedy, BOYS OF THE CITY often cries to the antics of Huntz Hall, who would later join this series playing Glimpy.
Available on home video and DVD, BOYS OF THE CITY did have cable television broadcasts, namely Turner Classic Movies where it premiered in 2004. Next installment: THAT GANG OF MINE (1940) using the same opening credit underscoring from BOYS OF THE CITY with more emphasis on Leo Gorcey's character. (**)
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