Film Review: Bugsy Malone (1976)
It could be argued that 1970s represented the zenith of creative freedom in world’s cinema because many strange, bizarre and sometimes even dangerous idea found the way to be represented on screen like never before and never again. Gangster film with the cast made entirely of children is one of such idea, and it was implemented by British director Alan Parker in Bugsy Malone, his feature film debut.
The plot is set in 1929 New York and the title character, played by Scott Baio, is penniless boxing promoter. He might have problems with finance, but he is good with the ladies and it becomes apparent when he comes to the speakeasy bar run by hid friend, gang boss Fat Sam (played by John Cassisi). He sees Blousey Brown (played by Florrie Drugger), an aspiring singer seeking job there, and falls in love with her. Their romance might be sabotaged by Tallulah (played by Jodie Foster), Fat Sam’s girlfriend and main singer, who likes to flirt with Bugsy. In the meantime, Fat Sam is involved in escalating war with rival mob boss Dandy Dan (played by Martin Lev).
Whether the audience will accept or reject Bugsy Malone, depends on how seriously it takes the basic premise. There are some viewers that might be troubled with the sight of children being dressed up like adults, made up like adults, talking like adults or acting like adults, or at least adults in classic Hollywood 1930s gangster films this film tries to spoof. There are likely some viewers who will be troubled with the sight of pre-pubescent girls dressed up like showgirls. Mercifully, Parker discards seriousness by making Bugsy Malone as musical. After that it is easier to interpret this film like nothing more than children’s play in which children simply try to have some fun mimicking adults. This effect is further made with “Tommy Guns” being replaced with so-called “Splurt guns” that fire whip cream instead of bullets and protagonists driving 1920s “toy” cars that use pedals instead of motor. It actually works like a joke, but this is not enough for feature film length and after a while all those “clever” scenes become slightly repetitive. Film also suffers because of children’s cast which is by definition inexperienced, and it isn’t surprising that only Baio and Foster (who actually delivers only truly memorable performance) continued their professional careers as adults. The general impression is saved by likeable musical score and songs by Paul Williams, although the use of adult singers which child actors lip-synch is too awkward. Despite those flaws, Bugsy Malone was relatively successful, earning Golden Globe nomination and later gaining some sort of cult status and various stage adaptations.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/8446-bugsy-malone
Critic: AA