Little Fugitive (1953 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Fugitive |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Music by | Eddie Manson |
| Cinematography | Morris Engel |
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| Studio | Little Fugitive Production Company |
| Distributed by | Joseph Burstyn Inc. |
| Release date(s) | September 2, 1953 (Venice Film Festival) October 6, 1953 (United States) |
| Running time | 80 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Little Fugitive is a classic American independent film from 1953. It was written and directed by Raymond Abrashkin (also known as Ray Ashley), Morris Engel, and Ruth Orkin. The movie tells the exciting story of a young boy who finds himself all alone on Coney Island.
The main character, Joey Norton, is played by Richie Andrusco. Richard Brewster plays Joey's older brother, Lennie.
Little Fugitive was very important for filmmaking. It even influenced a famous style of movies called the French New Wave. Film experts today still see it as a groundbreaking movie. This is because it used a very natural style and featured everyday people, not famous actors, in the main roles.
The film was nominated for an Oscar for its story. It also won the Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. In 1997, the United States Library of Congress chose Little Fugitive to be kept in the National Film Registry. This means it is considered "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
This movie was the first and most famous of Morris Engel's three feature films. He later made Lovers and Lollipops in 1956 and Weddings and Babies in 1960. All three films were shot with special hand-held cameras. For the first two movies, the sound was added later because the cameras couldn't record it.
The Story of Little Fugitive
Joey Norton is a seven-year-old boy who lives in Brooklyn with his older brother, Lennie. Joey is often left out because he is too small to play with Lennie and his friends.
One day, their mother is away visiting her sick mom. Lennie and his friends decide to play a trick on Joey. They use ketchup and a toy gun to make Joey think he has accidentally shot and killed his brother.
Joey is told that the police will come and put him in jail. Scared, he runs away to the train station and heads to Coney Island. He seems to forget his troubles as he explores the fun place. He spends the day enjoying the arcades, pony rides, and the beach.
Joey finds money for snacks by collecting empty bottles and cashing them in. When night comes, he sleeps under the boardwalk. Meanwhile, Lennie is desperately searching for Joey. Their mother is due home soon, and Lennie is worried.
Joey really loves horses. He starts spending a lot of time near a pony ride. The owner of the pony ride notices Joey and suspects he might be a runaway. He cleverly gets Joey to tell him his address. The owner calls Joey's home and tells Lennie where Joey is.
Lennie quickly comes to Coney Island. After a frantic search, he finally finds his little brother, Joey. The two brothers arrive home just as their mother returns. She doesn't know about the big adventure. She is happy that her sons behaved well. As a treat, she promises them a trip to Coney Island that weekend!
Meet the Cast
Here are the main actors who brought the characters to life:
- Richie Andrusco as Joey Norton
- Richard Brewster as Lennie Norton
- Winifred Cushing as Mother
- Jay Williams as Jay the Pony Ride Man
- Will Lee as Photographer
- Charlie Moss as Harry
- Tommy DeCanio as Charley
Awards and Honors
Little Fugitive received several important awards and recognitions:
- It won the Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival in 1953. This award recognized the directors Ray Ashley, Morris Engel, and Ruth Orkin.
- The Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists gave it a Silver Ribbon for Best Foreign Film in 1954.
- The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Story in 1953.
- In 1997, the movie was chosen for the National Film Registry. This means it is considered a very important film in American history and culture.
A New Version of the Story
A new version of Little Fugitive was made in 2005 by Joanna Lipper. It kept the same name. This new film was first shown at the 2006 Seattle International Film Festival.
