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About this movie

Genres:
Family
Language:
English
Subtitles:
English
Running time:
2:01:27
Partner rating:
PG
Released:
Quality:
480 (DVD equivalent)

Cast & Crew

Cast

  1. Christian Bale Jack Kelly
  2. Bill Pullman
  3. Ann-Margret Medda Larkson
  4. Robert Duvall Joseph Pulitzer
  5. David Moscow David Jacobs
  6. Luke Edwards Les Jacobs
  7. Max Casella Racetrack
  8. Marty Belafsky Crutchy
  9. Ele Keats Sarah Jacobs
  10. Arvie Lowe, Jr. Boots
  11. Aaron Lohr Mush

Directors

  1. Kenny Ortega

Producers

  1. Michael Finnell

Writers

  1. Bob Tzudiker
  2. Noni White

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Newsies

ThumbnailPlay video in overlay1:50

Trailer for Newsies

A failed effort to revive the big-budget movie musical, Newsies attempted to create toe-tapping, song-and-dance excitement out of the true story of an 1899 strike by newspaper boys against publishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer. The "newsies" band together to protest a pay cut by Pulitzer (Robert Duvall), organizing a union to protect their rights and ensure fair wages. They are helped along the way by Medda (Ann-Margret), a local dance-hall perfo... A failed effort to revive the big-budget movie musical, Newsies attempted to create toe-tapping, song-and-dance excitement out of the true story of an 1899 strike by newspaper boys against publishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer. The "newsies" band together to protest a pay cut by Pulitzer (Robert Duvall), organizing a union to protect their rights and ensure fair wages. They are helped along the way by Medda (Ann-Margret), a local dance-hall performer who befriends the boys and provides an opportunity for an additional song or two. Director Kenny Ortega had previously choreographed Dirty Dancing, and composer Alan Menken had provided the acclaimed scores for Beauty and the Beast and Little Shop of Horrors, but their work here failed to capture the spark of their popular successes. Unable to connect with older or younger viewers, Newsies gained a reputation as a major bomb that cut short an attempt to bring back the live-action musical, though in the intervening years it has gained a small but appreciative cult.

Reviews by Rotten Tomatoes

Scored 'rotten' by Rotten Tomatoes

30%Tomatometer score: 30% positive reviews from professional critics.

percent positive reviews

  1. Negative review
    Variety Staff, Variety The writers have created cardboard cutouts instead of flesh-and-blood characters. Full review External link
  2. Positive review
    James Berardinelli, ReelViews It's a bit of a throwback and a solid family film and, at the time, represented a well-intentioned leap of faith of the sort that studios rarely take. Full review External link
  3. Positive review
    Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out If you have a soft spot for feisty, back-talking bambini with cute squints, backwards caps and names like Crutchy, Dutchy and Bumlets, your heart will melt. Full review External link
  4. Negative review
    Janet Maslin, New York Times This film's real trouble lies in its joyless, pointless execution. Full review External link
  5. Negative review
    Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times Although the material does indeed involve young protagonists, no effort is made to show their lives in a way today's kids can identify with. This movie must seem as odd to them as a foreign film. Full review External link
  6. Negative review
    Hal Hinson, Washington Post Its intentions seem fairly modest, and so are its achievements. It's a modestly enjoyable diversion. Full review External link

Read more reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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Play all

YouTube Movie Extras

  1. ThumbnailPlay video in overlay3:10

    Disney's NEWSIES - Paper Mill Playhouse Opening Night

    Go behind the scenes of Opening Night of NEWSIES at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NY on Sept. 25, 2011! After it's critically-acclaimed run at the ...

    by DisneyOnBroadway
  2. ThumbnailPlay video in overlay4:04

    Disney's NEWSIES Performs on "The View" - Now on Broadway!

    The cast of Disney's NEWSIES, the breakout new American musical, performs "Seize the Day" and "Santa Fe" on ABC's "The View." Disney's NEWSIES is now on Broa...

    by DisneyOnBroadway
  3. ThumbnailPlay video in overlay2:17

    Newsies at the turn of the century

    Newsboys as young 6 years old hit the streets of Wilmington, St. Louis, New Haven, Jersey City, St. Louis and New York City. The HD photos and video give a g...

    by ShorpyTV
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