The Little Fugitive

Watch The Little Fugitive

"Morris Engel's All-American Classic"
  • NR
  • 1953
  • 1 hr 20 min
  • 7.5  (3,010)
  • 91

The Little Fugitive is a black-and-white film from 1953 that tells the story of Joey Norton, a seven-year-old boy who lives in a crowded Brooklyn apartment with his older brother Lennie and their parents. One day, Lennie plays a cruel joke on Joey, convincing him that he has shot and killed him with a gun. Scared and alone, Joey runs away to nearby Coney Island, hoping to find safety and adventure in the colorful amusement park.

What follows is a heartwarming and often comic story of a child's coming-of-age as he navigates the unfamiliar and sometimes dangerous world of the boardwalk. At first, Joey is hesitant and unsure, wandering around aimlessly and trying to avoid being caught by the police. But as he becomes more comfortable in his new surroundings, he begins to explore the many attractions of Coney Island, from the ferris wheel and the arcade games to the hot dog vendors and the beach.

Along the way, Joey meets a cast of colorful characters, including a friendly shoeshine man, a gruff but kindhearted hot dog vendor, and a group of rowdy boys who challenge him to games and pranks. He also crosses paths with a young girl named Rhoda, who becomes his unlikely ally and friend as he tries to evade the police and find his way back home.

The Little Fugitive is notable for its realistic and unsentimental portrayal of a child's perspective, avoiding the usual cliches and sentimentality found in many films of its kind. Shot on location in Coney Island and other parts of Brooklyn, the film captures both the grittiness and the charm of urban life in the 1950s, from the crowded streets and grimy storefronts to the lively boardwalk and colorful amusement park.

The three main child actors, Richard Brewster as Joey, Winifred Cushing as Rhoda, and Jay Williams as Lennie, are all excellent in their roles, conveying a sense of naturalism and spontaneity that is refreshing and engaging. Director Morris Engel, who co-wrote the script with Ruth Orkin and Raymond Abrashkin, shows a deft touch for visual storytelling, using long takes and documentary-style camera work to create a sense of immediacy and realism.

Overall, The Little Fugitive is a charming and delightful film that captures the innocence and wonder of childhood while also exploring the complexities and challenges of growing up in a tough urban environment. It is a timeless classic that still resonates today, reminding us of the power of simple pleasures and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Little Fugitive is a 1953 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 91.

The Little Fugitive
Description
Where to Watch The Little Fugitive
The Little Fugitive is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download on demand at Amazon Prime. Some platforms allow you to rent The Little Fugitive for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1953
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 20 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (3,010)
  • Metascore
    91
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