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The Devil Is a Sissy

1936 · Movie · G · 92 min · ★ 7.0

ComedyDrama

No squealers, that's the rule. And Claude Pierce, a child of privilege eager to throw in with two rough-and-tumble lower East Siders, aims to live by it. But through their adventures the trio of would-be toughs discovers another rule. It's harder to go straight than to live a life of crime. That's why The Devil Is a Sissy. This full-hearted drama from the era of Dead End unites a trio of top 1930s child stars for the only time: Freddie Bartholomew (David Copperfield), Jackie Cooper (The Champ) and Mickey Rooney. All three shine. "But it is Mickey Rooney, the Puck of A Midsummer Night's Dream, who penetrates beyond the script and emerges as a living study of Gig, the son of a murderer" (Frank S. Nugent, The New York Times).

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Details
Years
1936
Release date
1936-09-18
Language
English
Rated
G
Runtime
92 min
TMDB rating
7.0/10 (12 votes)

Themes

  • peer pressure
  • divorced parents
  • street kid
  • probation
  • assimilation
  • father son relationship
  • breaking and entering
  • school yard
  • urban neighborhood
  • courage

Awards & recognition

  • National Board of Review: Top Ten Films

Cast & crew

Directed by W.S. Van Dyke