Watch Pride of the Bowery

In 1940, the beloved East Side Kids film series released Pride of the Bowery, and audiences quickly fell in love with the gang's latest adventures. Starring Leo Gorcey as the group's leader, Muggs McGinnis, the film follows the Kids as they face off against a corrupt boxing promoter who's using rigged matches to take advantage of vulnerable fighters.

When a friend of the Kids is hospitalized following a fixed fight, Muggs takes matters into his own hands and enters the ring himself, hoping to expose the promoter's schemes and clear his friend's name. Along the way, the gang gets into the usual shenanigans that fans have come to expect, from chasing after girls to getting into street fights with rival gangs.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Pride of the Bowery is the camaraderie among the Kids themselves. Gorcey is a commanding presence as Muggs, and his tough, streetwise demeanor belies a soft heart and a genuine loyalty to his friends. Bobby Jordan, as the bumbling but well-meaning Danny, provides plenty of laughs with his clumsy antics and naiveté.

Kenneth Howell rounds out the group as the bespectacled and brainy Algernon, who serves as the Kids' resident genius and often comes up with the clever solutions to their problems. Together, the three actors have an easy, natural chemistry that makes the gang feel like a real group of friends, rather than just a collection of actors playing roles.

The boxing scenes in Pride of the Bowery are also impressively staged, with well-choreographed fights that feel authentic and exciting. The film does a good job of showing both the physical toll that boxing can take on a fighter, as well as the emotional stakes involved in each match. Viewers will find themselves rooting for Muggs as he steps into the ring, even as they worry about the danger he's putting himself in.

Of course, the film isn't all gritty drama; there are plenty of comedic moments throughout, thanks to the Kids' well-honed comic timing and their penchant for getting into trouble. Fans of the East Side Kids series will appreciate the familiar sight gags and running jokes that are present in nearly every scene. Even viewers who are new to the gang will find themselves laughing along with the Kids' antics.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it engages with issues of class and social justice. The East Side Kids are portrayed as tough but sympathetic characters who have been pushed to the margins of society due to poverty and lack of opportunity. While they may be scrappy and often lawless, they're also shown to be fiercely loyal to one another, and willing to stand up for what's right in the face of corruption and injustice.

The film's villain, on the other hand, is a wealthy and powerful man who ruthlessly exploits the less fortunate for his own gain. It's a classic example of the haves vs. the have-nots, and the film takes a clear stance in favor of the underdog. This makes Pride of the Bowery not just an entertaining movie, but also a powerful commentary on the issues of its time.

Overall, Pride of the Bowery is a classic example of the East Side Kids series, and a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood comedies and sports movies alike. With strong performances, exciting boxing scenes, and plenty of laughs, it's an enjoyable and engaging film that will leave viewers rooting for the Kids to come out on top.

Pride of the Bowery is a 1940 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.