Storyline:
"Newsies" is a 1992 musical drama film directed by Kenny Ortega. Inspired by the real-life newsboys' strike of 1899 in New York City, the movie takes viewers back to the turn of the century and tells the story of a group of courageous young newspaper sellers. The film follows the charismatic and spirited Jack Kelly (played by Christian Bale), a newsboy who dreams of a better life away from the hardships of selling papers on the streets. When the publishing giants, led by Joseph Pulitzer (played by Robert Duvall), decide to raise the price of newspapers for the newsboys, it sparks a rebellion. Jack becomes a leader among the newsies and rallies his fellow sellers to stand up for their rights. Together, they form a union and go on strike, challenging the powerful newspaper industry and demanding fair treatment and better wages.
As the strike gains momentum, the newsies face numerous obstacles and confrontations. They find allies in the form of journalist Bryan Denton (played by Bill Pullman) and the kind-hearted vaudeville performer Medda Larkin (played by Ann-Margret). Through their collective efforts, the newsies strive to make their voices heard and bring about social change. "Newsies" is a vibrant and energetic musical, featuring memorable song and dance numbers that capture the spirit of the era. The film explores themes of youth empowerment, social justice, and the strength that comes from solidarity. It portrays the determination and resilience of the newsies as they fight against injustice and seek a better future for themselves and their community. Christian Bale delivers a standout performance as Jack Kelly, infusing the character with a mix of charm, passion, and vulnerability. The film's ensemble cast of young actors brings a sense of camaraderie and authenticity to their roles, creating a compelling and uplifting narrative. With its catchy tunes, dynamic choreography, and heartfelt storytelling, "Newsies" is a feel-good film that inspires and entertains. It celebrates the power of unity and the ability of young voices to effect change, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and triumph.
Christian Bale, who portrayed the character of Jack Kelly, reportedly felt embarrassed to admit to his friends that the movie was a musical. This sentiment reveals a personal preference or perception he had about musical films.
During its release, the film faced commercial challenges and became one of the lowest grossing live-action movies in the history of Walt Disney Pictures. Despite the film's financial performance, its impact and legacy have grown over time.
The historical context of the film is interesting. Following the Newsboys strike, newspaper moguls like Joseph Pulitzer would organize events for the newsboys, including Christmas dinners and holiday gatherings. In an effort to regain favor, Pulitzer even arranged weekend events in vaudeville houses, which were popular entertainment venues for children at the time.
In the scene where Jack Kelly sings "Santa Fe" while riding a horse, there is a particular moment where he throws his arms out and bends backward. Interestingly, during that specific moment, Christian Bale is actually riding on the shoulders of his stunt master. This demonstrates the behind-the-scenes collaboration and ingenuity involved in creating captivating visual sequences.
Initially, the film was conceived as a drama rather than a musical. This suggests that the creative direction evolved during the development process, ultimately leading to the decision to incorporate music and musical numbers into the storytelling.
