
The Devil Is a Sissy
1936 · Movie · G · 92 min · ★ 7.0
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

Freddie Bartholomew
as Claude Pierce

Jackie Cooper
as 'Buck' Murphy

Mickey Rooney
as 'Gig' Stevens

Ian Hunter
as Jay Pierce

Peggy Conklin
as Rose Hawley

Katharine Alexander
as Hilda Pierce

Gene Lockhart
as Mr. Jim Murphy

Kathleen Lockhart
as Mrs. Murphy

Grant Mitchell
as Paul Krumpp

George Davis
as Charlie - the Diner Owner (uncredited)
Directed by W.S. Van Dyke