Newsies

Set in the bustling streets of turn-of-the-century New York, Newsies is a musical drama film that sheds light on the lives of child newspaper sellers, known as newsies, who toiled at the bottom of the social ladder. The story revolves around a group of newsies who, despite the challenges and hardships they face, refuse to be exploited by their ruthless publisher, Joseph Pulitzer. The film begins on a typical day in 1899, showcasing Jack Kelly, a charismatic and resourceful newsie, played by Christian Bale, and his team as they tirelessly sell newspapers to earn a meager living. The newsies scavenge for papers on the streets, trying to sell as many as possible to the city's pedestrians while evading the police and the ire of the city's elite. However, the newsies' life takes a turn for the worse when Pulitzer, the publisher of the New York World newspaper, announces a price hike for the papers, cutting the newsies' meager profit margins even further. Pulitzer, played by Robert Duvall, is a cunning and ruthless businessman who cares little for the welfare of his newsies. He sees them as mere pawns in his quest for profit and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. As the newsies struggle to make ends meet, Kelly comes up with the idea of organizing a strike to protest against Pulitzer's new prices. The strike is met with a mixture of enthusiasm and trepidation, with some of the newsies fearing the consequences of standing up to their publisher. However, with the support of a local orphanage worker, Medda Larkson, played by Ann-Margret, and the help of several sympathetic adults, including Crutchy, a veteran newsie, and his protégé, David Jacobs, the strike gains momentum. The newsies begin to stand up for their rights, refusing to sell newspapers unless their demands are met. As the strike continues, the newsies face off against Pulitzer's goons, who will stop at nothing to break the strike and maintain the status quo. The story also explores the blossoming romance between Jack and Sarah Simpkins, a shy and kind newsie who is initially hesitant to join the strike. The love story adds a touch of warmth and humanity to the film, highlighting the struggles and challenges faced by the newsies in their personal lives. The character of David Jacobs, played by David Moscow, adds an interesting dynamic to the story as the new kid on the block who is desperate to prove himself as a newsie. The climax of the film features the newsies facing off against Pulitzer's goons in a dramatic confrontation. The newsies, armed with nothing but their determination and courage, put up a fierce fight against the police and the publisher's henchmen. In the end, it is Kelly's leadership, coupled with the unwavering support of his fellow newsies, that leads to a triumphant victory for the strikers. Newsies showcases the resilience and determination of the working-class in turn-of-the-century New York and highlights the struggles they faced as they fought for their rights. The film's musical numbers, penned by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, add a touch of vibrancy and energy to the story, capturing the spirit of the newsies as they fought for their rights. The film is a memorable tribute to the newsies who paved the way for labor laws and rights, and a testament to the power of unity and determination in the face of adversity.