The "Dead End" Kids in "Little Tough Guy" (1938) | Directed by Harold Young

The Dead End Kids in Little Tough Guy is a crime drama that follows a group of streetwise youths caught in the cycle of poverty, crime, and injustice. The story focuses on Johnny Boylan, whose father is wrongfully convicted and executed. Filled with anger and disillusionment, Johnny and his gang turn to petty crime, only to find themselves pulled deeper into trouble. The film highlights the social struggles of urban youth during the Depression era, blending melodrama with the raw energy of its young cast.

Genre: Crime Drama

Director: Harold Young

Harold Young (1897–1972) was an American film editor and director. He began as an editor on silent and early sound pictures before moving into directing in the mid-1930s. While much of his career was spent on modest B-pictures, he worked across a variety of genres including mysteries, comedies, and youth dramas. His most notable credit was directing The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934) before transitioning into more routine studio assignments such as Little Tough Guy.

Star Cast:

Robert Wilcox as Paul Wilson
Helen Parrish as Kay Boylan
Marjorie Main as Mrs. Boylan
Jackie Cooper as Johnny Boylan
Robert Baldwin as Pop Boylan
Peggy Stewart as Lola
Edward Pawley as Ace
The Dead End Kids (Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Bernard Punsly, Charles Duncan, Hally Chester)

The film was received as a gritty, socially conscious drama that tapped into the popularity of the Dead End Kids, who had become box office draws after their success in Dead End (1937). Audiences responded to its mix of youthful energy, urban realism, and moral lessons. While considered a B-picture, it cemented the Dead End Kids as cultural icons of Depression-era cinema and helped pave the way for their long-running series of films.

Fun Facts:

This was the first film in which the Dead End Kids were billed as the central stars, following their breakout in Dead End (1937).
Jackie Cooper, already a former child star from the 1930s, joined the cast, adding extra appeal to the film.
Marjorie Main, who played the mother, later became famous for her role as Ma Kettle in the Ma and Pa Kettle series.
The film was produced by Universal Pictures, which hoped to capitalize on the Dead End Kids’ growing popularity.
The success of Little Tough Guy led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, including films under the banners of The East Side Kids and The Bowery Boys, keeping the troupe active for over two decades.
The movie reflected broader Hollywood trends of the late 1930s, using stories of delinquent youth to address social problems while providing melodrama and action for audiences.