KID DYNAMITE (Monogram, 1943), directed by Wallace Fox, marks the 12th installment to "The East Side Kids" series starring Leo Gorcey (Muggs), Huntz Hall (Glimpy) and Bobby Jordan (Danny). The format returns with its boxing theme, which was used earlier in BOWERY BLITZKREIG (1941) and would be used again in another installment later on. With series regulars as Sunshine Sammy Morrison ("Scruno"); David Durand (Joe "Skinny" Collins); Bobby Stone (Harry "Stony" Stone) and Bennie Bartlett (Benny "Beanie" Miller) in support; Gabriel Dell makes his fourth appearance in the series, all playing different characters. Though this particular series proved popular with audiences, they were never consistent from one film to the next. With Leo Gorcey's character starting off as having no family, he now has a mother and a sister; and Bobby Jordan last name is now Lyons. While the formula could have stood well enough as an individual film, inconsistencies would resume to its concluding segment by 1945.
Based on the Saturday Evening Post story "The Old Gang" by Paul Ernst, and following the usual visual opening of New York City's east side, the plot summary opens with Muggs Maginnis (Leo Gorcey) preparing himself for the upcoming boxing match with Hank Johnson from the West Side, with Glimpy (Huntz Hall) as his manager. Mugg's best pal, Danny Lyons (Bobby Jordan) rehearses for the jitterbug dancing contest with his sister, Ivy (Pamela Blake). After winning a pool game with Harry Wyckoff (Gabriel Dell), and Muggs refusing to pay the $5 bet, Wyckoff arranges to have Muggs kidnapped the night of the boxing match. With Muggs not at the arena, the gang substitutes Danny in his place. Winning the championship and the belt prize, Muggs, now released, accuses Danny of hiring the thugs so he can claim the prize for himself. No longer a member of he East Side Kids, with Danny now working in a garage for Louis Gendick's (Henry Hall), which happens to be the job Muggs wanted, problems persist between these boys, the final straw when Danny forms a romantic interest with Ivy.
Others cast members include: Vince Barnett (Mr. Klinkhammer); Charles Judels (Nick); Minerva Urecal (The Lady Judge); Margaret Padula (Mrs. Lyons) and Dudley Dickerson (Milky, Scruno's Father). For the jitterbug dance segment, music is provided by Mike Riley and his Orchestra, with Marion Miller singing "Coming Through the Rye."
As usual, Leo Gorcey's Muggs character is both arrogant and a sore loser, which makes him quite unpopular with the gang and those around him. Bobby Jordan's Danny is loyal to his pal, but becomes a disappointment for Ivy when Danny does not stand up for himself. Huntz Hall gets one funny scene at the jitterbug dance accompanied by a giant girlfriend. Though there have been different actresses playing Muggs mother, ranging from Martha Wentworth to Mary Gordon, Daphne Pollard seems to be the logical choice which makes one wish she resumed her part for the duration of the series. Hence its title, KID DYNAMITE is not pure boxing story, but a fine mix of drama, humor and a touch of sentiment. It somewhat improves over some earlier installments, making this a passable item.
Available on both video cassette and DVD format, KID DYNAMITE did play on some cable channels over the years, especially Turner Classic Movies since 2004. Next installment: CLANCY STREET BOYS (1943) a pure comedy item where Huntz Hall steals every scene he's in. (**1/2)
Based on the Saturday Evening Post story "The Old Gang" by Paul Ernst, and following the usual visual opening of New York City's east side, the plot summary opens with Muggs Maginnis (Leo Gorcey) preparing himself for the upcoming boxing match with Hank Johnson from the West Side, with Glimpy (Huntz Hall) as his manager. Mugg's best pal, Danny Lyons (Bobby Jordan) rehearses for the jitterbug dancing contest with his sister, Ivy (Pamela Blake). After winning a pool game with Harry Wyckoff (Gabriel Dell), and Muggs refusing to pay the $5 bet, Wyckoff arranges to have Muggs kidnapped the night of the boxing match. With Muggs not at the arena, the gang substitutes Danny in his place. Winning the championship and the belt prize, Muggs, now released, accuses Danny of hiring the thugs so he can claim the prize for himself. No longer a member of he East Side Kids, with Danny now working in a garage for Louis Gendick's (Henry Hall), which happens to be the job Muggs wanted, problems persist between these boys, the final straw when Danny forms a romantic interest with Ivy.
Others cast members include: Vince Barnett (Mr. Klinkhammer); Charles Judels (Nick); Minerva Urecal (The Lady Judge); Margaret Padula (Mrs. Lyons) and Dudley Dickerson (Milky, Scruno's Father). For the jitterbug dance segment, music is provided by Mike Riley and his Orchestra, with Marion Miller singing "Coming Through the Rye."
As usual, Leo Gorcey's Muggs character is both arrogant and a sore loser, which makes him quite unpopular with the gang and those around him. Bobby Jordan's Danny is loyal to his pal, but becomes a disappointment for Ivy when Danny does not stand up for himself. Huntz Hall gets one funny scene at the jitterbug dance accompanied by a giant girlfriend. Though there have been different actresses playing Muggs mother, ranging from Martha Wentworth to Mary Gordon, Daphne Pollard seems to be the logical choice which makes one wish she resumed her part for the duration of the series. Hence its title, KID DYNAMITE is not pure boxing story, but a fine mix of drama, humor and a touch of sentiment. It somewhat improves over some earlier installments, making this a passable item.
Available on both video cassette and DVD format, KID DYNAMITE did play on some cable channels over the years, especially Turner Classic Movies since 2004. Next installment: CLANCY STREET BOYS (1943) a pure comedy item where Huntz Hall steals every scene he's in. (**1/2)