Watch The Kid from Brooklyn

The Kid from Brooklyn is a 1946 comedy musical film starring renowned entertainer Danny Kaye as Burleigh Sullivan, a milkman who becomes a successful boxer. The film is directed by Norman Z. McLeod and written by Don Hartman and Melville Shavelson. Set in Brooklyn, the story follows the unexpected fame of Burleigh, who transforms from a clumsy and shy milkman to a confident and charming boxer, known as "The Milkman." The change comes when Burleigh intervenes in a street fight between a group of men and a woman, and accidentally punches the leader of the group, who is also a professional boxer. The incident is caught on camera, and the footage goes viral, making Burleigh a sensation overnight.

Despite his newfound stardom, Burleigh's mother, played by Eve Arden, disapproves of his boxing career, and his girlfriend Polly Pringle, played by Virginia Mayo, is hesitant about his new lifestyle. However, Burleigh is determined to prove himself and becomes attached to his new manager Spider Schultz, played by Steve Cochran. He begins to train with acclaimed boxer Gabby Sloan, played by Walter Abel, who helps refine his skills and technique.

As Burleigh navigates the ups and downs of the boxing world, he faces various challenges, including rival boxer "Speed" McFarland, played by Jeff York, who is jealous of his success and dislikes his flamboyant personality. Burleigh also faces scrutiny from a reporter named Ann Westley, played by Vera-Ellen, who is determined to uncover the truth about his past.

Throughout the film, Danny Kaye shines as the lovable and comical protagonist, whose wit and charm win over audiences. He delivers several memorable musical performances, including a rendition of the classic song "Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet." Kaye's chemistry with his co-stars, particularly Virginia Mayo, is evident and adds depth to his character.

The Kid from Brooklyn is an entertaining and light-hearted comedy film that showcases the talent of Danny Kaye as a multi-talented performer. It is a quintessential example of the musical-comedy genre popular during the 1940s and is a testament to Kaye's enduring popularity as one of Hollywood's greatest entertainers.

The film's expert direction by Norman Z. McLeod, coupled with Don Hartman and Melville Shavelson's clever screenplay, results in a seamless blend of comedy, drama, and music that is both humorous and poignant. The set design is excellent, capturing the essence of Brooklyn during the 1940s, and the musical score is catchy and immersive.

In conclusion, The Kid from Brooklyn is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood musical-comedies and Danny Kaye. It is a charming and enjoyable film that stands the test of time and remains a beloved classic. Its lighthearted humor, catchy musical numbers, and memorable performances make it an enduring favorite of audiences of all ages.

The Kid from Brooklyn is a 1946 comedy with a runtime of 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.