PRIDE OF THE BOWERY (1940) The East Side Kids | Comedy, Drama | B&W

Pride of the Bowery is a black-and-white 1940 film and the fourth installment in the East Side Kids series. It was directed by Joseph H. Lewis and produced by Sam Katzman. It was released by Monogram Pictures on December 15, 1940.

SYNOPSIS
Muggs, a tough kid from New York City's East Side, brings his streetwise attitude to a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp after demanding his own private training facility for an upcoming Golden Gloves boxing match. To appease him, his friend Danny convinces the Vassey Street Boys' Club to join the CCC, hoping the camp will provide the discipline Muggs needs.

Upon arrival, Muggs clashes with Allen, the camp leader, and treats the facility as his personal playground. However, when a dangerous situation arises, Muggs reveals his true character by risking his life to save a fellow camper, Al, from a falling tree. The camp captain commends Muggs for his bravery, and Muggs requests a boxing match with Al as a reward. The match, observed by small-time boxing promoter Norton, ends in a draw, but Muggs' refusal to shake Al's hand alienates him from the other boys.

Despite the captain's attempts to reform Muggs, it’s his daughter, Elaine, who begins to soften his rough edges with kindness. Meanwhile, Willie, another camper, steals $100 from the camp’s cash box and convinces Muggs that he needed the money for his sick aunt. To help Willie, Muggs agrees to a grueling fight arranged by Norton, earning the money to replace what was stolen.

Caught while returning the cash, Muggs is accused of theft but refuses to betray Willie, choosing instead to run away. However, Danny forces Willie to confess, clearing Muggs' name and showing the camp that behind his tough exterior, Muggs has a heart of gold.

CAST & CREW
Leo Gorcey as Muggs McGinnis
Bobby Jordan as Danny Graham
Donald Haines as Skinny
David Gorcey as Peewee
Additional cast
Sunshine Sammy Morrison as Scruno
Bobby Stone as Willie
Eugene Francis as Algy (uncredited)
Kenneth Howell as Allen
Mary Ainslee as Elaine White
Kenneth Harlan as Captain Jim White
Nick Stuart as Thumb Butte Ranger
Lloyd Ingraham as Camp Doctor

Directed by: Joseph H. Lewis
Written by: William Lively, George H. Plympton
Story by: Steven Clensos
Produced by: Sam Katzman
Distributed by: Monogram Pictures Corporation
Release Date: December 15, 1940
Running Time: 68 minutes
Language: English

NOTES
Pride of the Bowery was released in the United Kingdom under the title Here We Go Again which was the final line of the film.

Despite referencing the previous film with having Muggs take up boxing, there are noticeable continuity gaps (mainly with Scruno as a CCC member, rather than an East Side Kid).

Despite only having a small cameo, East Side Kid Eugene Francis was contractually obligated to appear in this film.

Bobby Stone's first East Side Kids film. Stone would initially alternate between playing East Side Kid members and villains. By 1942, he became a full-fledged East Side Kid.