This was the last time Freddie Bartholomew was top billed and in my opinion outshone the very annoying Irish accented Mickey Rooney.
Called "The Boy From Barnardos" in England it is the story of Jeffrey Braemer (Freddie Bartholomew) who as "Lord Jeff" is one of a trio of upper crust jewel thieves. He is masquerading as a young Lord, who, along with his dowdy "governess" (a disguised Gale Sondergaard) is making life very unpleasant for staff at a grand hotel with his demands and behaviour. After their capture, he is sent to the naval division of Dr. Barnardos to learn a trade. He isn't liked any more by the boys than he was by the hotel staff - they think him a "swell". He does make one friend, the very amiable Albert (Terry Kilburn is excellent in this role).
Terence McMulvaney (Mickey Rooney) is the head boy, a likable Irish lad, and is asked to take Jeff under his wing. (A young Peter Lawford also plays one of the new boys). Terence has been chosen to be an apprentice on the "Queen Mary" - a position of great trust. With no letters from his "friends" Jeff decides to run away. He gets the opportunity at a Liberty party that the boys are invited to. Terence sets out to bring him back and while returning to the dormitory, is seen and reported. He is punished by the removal of his stripes so he cannot go to his apprenticeship on the "Queen Mary". The boys realise what has happened and send Jeff to "Coventry".
The annual boat race is due and "Crusty" Jelks (Herbert Mundin), who has a soft spot for Jeff, makes him Cox - his crew is not happy, even though they win!!!
On yet another outing he renews his acquaintance with his initial companions (Sondergaard and George Zucco). She wants him to come back to them and resume his old ways, but Jeffrey now realizes his true loyalty lies with Barnardos and is also determined to join the "Queen Mary". They, in their turn, hide a dazzling necklace in his coat and Jeff is caught and may be sent to reform school. It all turns out okay when the couple are caught trying to flee the country and both Jeff and Terry get berths on the "Queen Mary".
It is a very enjoyable film that is not too preachy. Charles Coburn is very good as Captain Briggs.
Highly Recommended.
Called "The Boy From Barnardos" in England it is the story of Jeffrey Braemer (Freddie Bartholomew) who as "Lord Jeff" is one of a trio of upper crust jewel thieves. He is masquerading as a young Lord, who, along with his dowdy "governess" (a disguised Gale Sondergaard) is making life very unpleasant for staff at a grand hotel with his demands and behaviour. After their capture, he is sent to the naval division of Dr. Barnardos to learn a trade. He isn't liked any more by the boys than he was by the hotel staff - they think him a "swell". He does make one friend, the very amiable Albert (Terry Kilburn is excellent in this role).
Terence McMulvaney (Mickey Rooney) is the head boy, a likable Irish lad, and is asked to take Jeff under his wing. (A young Peter Lawford also plays one of the new boys). Terence has been chosen to be an apprentice on the "Queen Mary" - a position of great trust. With no letters from his "friends" Jeff decides to run away. He gets the opportunity at a Liberty party that the boys are invited to. Terence sets out to bring him back and while returning to the dormitory, is seen and reported. He is punished by the removal of his stripes so he cannot go to his apprenticeship on the "Queen Mary". The boys realise what has happened and send Jeff to "Coventry".
The annual boat race is due and "Crusty" Jelks (Herbert Mundin), who has a soft spot for Jeff, makes him Cox - his crew is not happy, even though they win!!!
On yet another outing he renews his acquaintance with his initial companions (Sondergaard and George Zucco). She wants him to come back to them and resume his old ways, but Jeffrey now realizes his true loyalty lies with Barnardos and is also determined to join the "Queen Mary". They, in their turn, hide a dazzling necklace in his coat and Jeff is caught and may be sent to reform school. It all turns out okay when the couple are caught trying to flee the country and both Jeff and Terry get berths on the "Queen Mary".
It is a very enjoyable film that is not too preachy. Charles Coburn is very good as Captain Briggs.
Highly Recommended.