Bugsy Malone
Memory Lane strikes again... This time, with the absolute classic that was and still is - Bugsy Malone. I can't even recall how old I was when I first saw this genius film. But, with many iconic films that you watch as a child - they have that knack of in-printing themselves into your memory.
This British musical gangster film took it's inspiration from Chicago, early 1920's - 30's. The eras in which bona fide gangsters such as the infamous Al Capone ran things.
As a younger chap I had no idea about dudes like Al Capone or the underworld that was frequented by gangsters. Regardless of that - Bugsy Malone was just one of my favourites. A super talented cast of all children - pretending to be adults. Singing (with adult voice overs). dressed in the fine garb of that day. Peddling those stylish vintage cars about in manic fashion. And, of course, the legendary 'splurge guns' A tommy gun that would be used in gun warfair - but instead of bullets it would splurge a person into a horrible mess. (They never actually really died as a result). They were just deemed as 'finished'. Brilliant scenes.
The characters and music are so, so memorable to those who have seen this film. Bugsy Malone, the main character was the cool kid who plays a boxing promoter with no money. A man (well, boy) liked by the broads (girls). Then there was Fat Sam, a loveable porky kid who is the mob leader who has his little empire alongside his own speakeasy (the clubs of those days). Then there was Blousey Brown, Bugsy's love interest, an aspiring singer. And although I was young at the time (and didn't really pay attention) - the child actor that would go on to become the biggest actor of the then cast was; 'Tullulah' the sassy marquee performer in Fat Sam's speakeasy. She was played finely by a very young Jodie Foster at the time.
Miss Foster more than demonstrated back in her formative years just how good an actor she was. Her singing performance in the early part of film is as a clear as day when I think about this gem.
Even the 'baddie' in Bugsy Malone was spot on. He just looked like a calculated kid, with his little moustache. His troupe of gangsters were Fat Sam's main rivals, constantly proving to be a pain in his chubby backside. Things between these two rivals often got very messy. I am sure I must have sat there wide eyed loving all the antics that went on in this film.
The music sequences and acting were all spot on in this film. Even if I were to watch it again now - I know that I would still enjoy the spectacle. All of the characters play their roles so well. And even if many of these actors fell into the depths of acting obscurity after the production ceased - they will forever be remembered, (if recognised, when working in a supermarket, perhaps) - for being in the well loved film that brings a smile to many faces.
Actually, I need this happy memory in my DVD collection. It is usually shown in the UK around the holiday season - and when it is - I always sit down to watch whilst frantically texting my sister and friends to alert them that the classic film, Bugsy Malone, is on television... Top notch!
Demola, TCC
This British musical gangster film took it's inspiration from Chicago, early 1920's - 30's. The eras in which bona fide gangsters such as the infamous Al Capone ran things.
As a younger chap I had no idea about dudes like Al Capone or the underworld that was frequented by gangsters. Regardless of that - Bugsy Malone was just one of my favourites. A super talented cast of all children - pretending to be adults. Singing (with adult voice overs). dressed in the fine garb of that day. Peddling those stylish vintage cars about in manic fashion. And, of course, the legendary 'splurge guns' A tommy gun that would be used in gun warfair - but instead of bullets it would splurge a person into a horrible mess. (They never actually really died as a result). They were just deemed as 'finished'. Brilliant scenes.
The characters and music are so, so memorable to those who have seen this film. Bugsy Malone, the main character was the cool kid who plays a boxing promoter with no money. A man (well, boy) liked by the broads (girls). Then there was Fat Sam, a loveable porky kid who is the mob leader who has his little empire alongside his own speakeasy (the clubs of those days). Then there was Blousey Brown, Bugsy's love interest, an aspiring singer. And although I was young at the time (and didn't really pay attention) - the child actor that would go on to become the biggest actor of the then cast was; 'Tullulah' the sassy marquee performer in Fat Sam's speakeasy. She was played finely by a very young Jodie Foster at the time.Miss Foster more than demonstrated back in her formative years just how good an actor she was. Her singing performance in the early part of film is as a clear as day when I think about this gem.
Even the 'baddie' in Bugsy Malone was spot on. He just looked like a calculated kid, with his little moustache. His troupe of gangsters were Fat Sam's main rivals, constantly proving to be a pain in his chubby backside. Things between these two rivals often got very messy. I am sure I must have sat there wide eyed loving all the antics that went on in this film.
Actually, I need this happy memory in my DVD collection. It is usually shown in the UK around the holiday season - and when it is - I always sit down to watch whilst frantically texting my sister and friends to alert them that the classic film, Bugsy Malone, is on television... Top notch!
Demola, TCC
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