Upper-crust British immigrant Claude Pierce (Freddie Bartholomew) is a fish out of water in a rough public school in Lower Manhattan. His parents are newly divorced. His father is trying to get him away from his mother's high society. He is assigned to sit with angry Gig Stevens (Mickey Rooney). Gig's father is set to be executed. Robert 'Buck' Murphy (Jackie Cooper) is another tough classmate. Claude gains respect by not squealing.
These are three child superstars of the early talkies. Only one of them would become an adult superstar. The difference is there on the screen. Jackie Cooper is being overshadowed by Mickey Rooney's acting range and presence. It makes sense that Buck is the dumber one. Freddie Bartholomew is on the opposite side and that saves him from being compared directly. Freddie is a different type anyways. As for the story, I like the first half and the three kids each struggling to figure it out. The second half is a bit messy with a few too many turns. I wouldn't mind simplifying it.
These are three child superstars of the early talkies. Only one of them would become an adult superstar. The difference is there on the screen. Jackie Cooper is being overshadowed by Mickey Rooney's acting range and presence. It makes sense that Buck is the dumber one. Freddie Bartholomew is on the opposite side and that saves him from being compared directly. Freddie is a different type anyways. As for the story, I like the first half and the three kids each struggling to figure it out. The second half is a bit messy with a few too many turns. I wouldn't mind simplifying it.