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Parents' Guide to

Little Fugitive

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Lovingly realistic coming-of-age story is a classic.

Movie NR 1953 80 minutes
Little Fugitive Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Ken R.
Ken R. Adult
November 30, 2021
age 7+

Little Fugitive - An Original Special

In 1953 this little independently made film surprisingly found its way onto commercial cinema screens across the land. Its big drawcard was remarkable cinematography by first-time moviemakers, Ray Ashley, Morris Engel, and Ruth Orkin. Sharing the writing, direction, photography, and editing this group of talented folk brought life to a raw but warm story of childhood that resonated with audiences the world over. A simple story of two brothers after one runs away following a practical joke that goes badly wrong - featuring non-professional cast members and using a 35mm camera that had been modified, allowing it to be used much like a steady-cam unit would be today. Its filmed mostly at Coney Island and around Brooklyn. So fresh and inventive was the outcome - in the years that followed, mainstream moviemakers the world over adopted the techniques into their works, starting several new trends in filmmaking. The image and sound remain effective to this day and the newly re-masted Kino Lobar DVD has breathed new life into this ground-breaking little picture. Beware of the disappointing color re-make.
wqg
wqg Adult
June 6, 2020
age 17+

R: strong thematic elements and some sexy-related usges

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Twelve-year-old Lennie (Richard Brewster) is looking forward to spending his birthday at Coney Island, but when his single mother is called away on an emergency, he must instead spend the day looking after his 7-year-old brother Joey (Richie Andrusco). Angry and upset, Lennie and his pals cook up a plan: They will make Joey believe that he has shot and killed Lennie with a real gun. The plan works, but the distraught Joey runs away to Coney Island by himself, eventually finding solace in the pony rides. When Lennie realizes the error of his ways, he begins a frantic search for his little brother, but can Lennie find him and get back home to Brooklyn before mom returns?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is one of the finest and most vivid coming-of-age movies ever made. Co-directed by photographer/cinematographer Morris Engel, his photographer wife Ruth Orkin, and writer Ray Ashley, LITTLE FUGITIVE is nothing less than a landmark in the history of American independent cinema. It takes its time, building toward a memorable conclusion. It captures a remarkably intense summer carnival atmosphere, with crowds, grit, litter, heat, and noise as well as the wonders that are there for young eyes to discover.

There are long stretches with no dialogue, featuring nothing but a haunting harmonica score (Lennie's prize possession is a harmonica, so the music ties the brothers together). The movie may be a bit rough for younger kids (as well as for protective parents), but it has a good heart, and most viewers will be on board by the end. Little Fugitive was nominated for a screenwriting Oscar and was inducted into the Library of Congress' National Film Registry in 1997.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the cruel, violent practical joke that Lennie and his friends play on Joey. What are the consequences of this joke? What would cause kids to do such a thing?

  • Can you imagine this movie being made today? What are some differences between what kids did or played with in the 1950s as compared to today?

  • Lennie gets the short end of the stick here: it's his birthday, but he doesn't get much of a chance to be a kid. Does he have a right to be upset? What would be a better way he could express this?

Movie Details

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