Watch Barefoot Boy

Barefoot Boy is a heartwarming drama film from 1938 that features a remarkable performance from Jackie Moran in the lead role of "Teddy Casey". Directed by Karl Brown and produced by Monogram Pictures, Inc., the black-and-white movie revolves around the life of a young boy from a humble background, who struggles to overcome the limitations imposed by his impoverished circumstances and make something of himself.

Teddy Casey is a twelve-year-old boy who lives with his hardworking mother in a small town in upstate New York. He is well-liked by his peers but is often ridiculed and bullied by the wealthier kids in the neighborhood because of his rundown clothing and lack of proper footwear. Despite the taunts and jeers, Teddy refuses to let his poverty define him, and his innate intelligence and determination catch the eye of Mr. Carruthers, a kindly rich man who takes a liking to the boy and decides to help him out.

Under the tutelage of Mr. Carruthers, Teddy begins his journey towards a better future. The wealthy man gifts him with new shoes and clothes, helps him with his studies, and introduces him to high society. Teddy is initially overwhelmed by the foreign world of privilege and luxury, but he soon adapts to the new environment and discovers that he has a talent for music.

With his newfound passion for music, Teddy starts taking violin lessons from Mr. Carruthers' daughter, Cynthia, who is played by Marcia Mae Jones. Cynthia is at first somewhat aloof and distant, but she warms up to Teddy as she recognizes his natural talent and dedication. The two form a special bond that strengthens as they work together towards Teddy's dream of attending a prestigious music school.

However, Teddy's path to success is not without obstacles. As he begins to attend high society functions, he is ostracized by the other wealthy kids who regard him as an upstart and an interloper. A particularly nasty boy named Billy Taft (played by Billy Lee) takes a particular dislike to Teddy and does everything he can to sabotage him. Additionally, Teddy's mother does not approve of her son's newfound aspirations and fears that he might be getting too big for his boots.

As Teddy struggles to overcome these obstacles, he finds himself torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to pursue his dreams. He must decide whether to continue on his path of self-improvement or return to his old life and forget about his hopes and aspirations. The movie culminates in a tense and emotional final scene where Teddy must confront Billy Taft in a musical competition that will determine his future.

Overall, Barefoot Boy is a beautifully told story of resilience, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The movie is a tribute to the power of hard work and determination, and it shows that no matter how tough the road may seem, one can always overcome the odds and achieve great things with the right mindset and support. The cast of the movie is excellent, with Jackie Moran giving an outstanding performance as Teddy Casey, and Marcia Mae Jones being a highlight as Cynthia Carruthers. Ralph Morgan also delivers an impressive performance as the benevolent Mr. Carruthers. The film is a timeless classic that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Barefoot Boy is a 1938 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.