Raised By the Stars (Interviews With 29 Children of Hollywood Actors)
HIT THE ROAD (1941)
Film Pick of the Day
Sunday, June 28, 2026
The Dead End Kids / Little Tough Guys (Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Gabe Dell and Bernard Punsly) are paroled from an orphanage for delinquents, into the wardship of James J. Ryan. Joining them is tagalong Pesky, an orphaned youngster. Mr. Ryan was once 'Valentine,' a mobster whose gang included the Tough Guys' fathers, killed by rival gangster Spike (aka "The Butcher") during a botched job. Ryan served his time, went straight, married well to a horse breeder's daughter, and became a millionaire. Spike kept an eye on Ryan over the years, and when he sees the Dead End Kids paroled in his care, decides the time is right to make some money at the Ryan family's expense. Mrs. Ryan's pet project is a trade school for orphans, and Spike cons the boys in a plan to steal the school's funds from Col. Smith, James' father-in-law.
Shemp Howard and John Harmon costar as Spike's henchman. Although Shemp plays his role comically, his "Dingbat" is basically an unsympathetic role, willing to commit robbery, kidnapping and murder on Spike's orders. Once again, Shemp plays a mute character who communicates by comic pantomime... but this time, he is rewarded with one line of dialogue at the end of the film.
Details
Average Rating:   [ 7.50/10 ] 2 votes |
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| Featuring | Shemp Howard (Solo) |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Friday, June 27, 1941 |
| Studio | Universal |
| Production Type | Feature Film |
| Duration | 61 min. |
