King of the Newsboys (1938) | Directed by Bernard Vorhaus

King of the Newsboys tells the story of a young man who tries to rise above the hardships of poverty and prove himself in business after being abandoned by his girlfriend for a wealthy racketeer. The film follows his struggles as a newsboy who builds his way toward success, highlighting themes of ambition, perseverance, and overcoming social disadvantages.

Genre: Drama

Director: Bernard Vorhaus

Bernard Vorhaus (1904–1990) was an American-born director who worked extensively in both Hollywood and Britain. Known for his efficiency and creativity in low-budget filmmaking, Vorhaus became respected for his ability to inject style and energy into modest productions. He directed dramas, thrillers, and social commentaries, with several of his British films later regarded as overlooked gems. Due to the Hollywood blacklist during the McCarthy era, Vorhaus’s career was prematurely halted, leading him to work abroad.

Star Cast:

Lew Ayres as Jerry Flynn

Helen Mack as Mary Ellen Stephens

Alison Skipworth as Dolly

Victor Varconi as Ed Tilford

Charles Lane as 'Click' Dade

William Bailey as Minister

Upon release, King of the Newsboys was received as a typical low-budget drama with a familiar rags-to-riches theme. While it did not achieve major box office or critical acclaim, audiences connected with its inspirational message and solid performances, especially by Lew Ayres. It was part of a wave of 1930s films that sought to offer working-class viewers hopeful stories during the difficult years of the Depression.

Fun Facts:

Lew Ayres was already well-known for his role in the anti-war classic All Quiet on the Western Front (1930), and this film gave him another chance to play a struggling but determined young man.

Bernard Vorhaus would later be forced out of Hollywood during the blacklist period, ending his American directing career.

The film was produced by Republic Pictures, a studio recognized for its low-budget but fast-moving dramas and serials.

Actress Alison Skipworth, who appears in the film, was in the final stages of her career, having been active in Hollywood since the silent era.

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