Bowery Blitzkrieg

Bowery Blitzkrieg is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Wallace Fox and starring Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, and Huntz Hall. It is the third film in the "Bowery Boys" franchise and was produced by Sam Katzman for Monogram Pictures.

The movie follows the misadventures of the East Side Kids, a gang of streetwise youths who find themselves in trouble with the law after they accidentally cause a fire. To avoid jail time, the boys agree to work at a local boxing gym owned by former heavyweight champion Joe Palooka (played by Hall). The boys soon discover that Palooka's gym is facing financial ruin and decide to help him out by promoting his latest boxer, a brawler named "Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom.

However, their efforts are hampered by a rival boxing promoter named "Gloves" Donahue (played by Anthony Warde), who will stop at nothing to sabotage Palooka's gym and steal his fighters. When the boys confront Gloves, they uncover a plot to fix the upcoming boxing match and must use their street smarts to save Palooka's reputation and keep his gym afloat.

The film features plenty of slapstick humor, brawling, and wisecracks, which were typical of the "Bowery Boys" series. Gorcey plays the role of "Muggs" McGinnis, the leader of the East Side Kids, while Jordan plays the role of "Danny" Lyons, his loyal second-in-command. Hall, who would later become a recurring character in the series, portrays the gentle and lovable Palooka.

Bowery Blitzkrieg also features a number of notable supporting actors, including Bernard Gorcey (Leo Gorcey's real-life father) as "Louie," the owner of a local soda fountain, and Gloria Warren as "Ann Howe," the girlfriend of Palooka's boxer. Warren's performance garnered positive reviews, and she would go on to star in several more films throughout the 1940s.

Although the film was made on a low budget, it was popular with audiences and helped solidify the popularity of the "Bowery Boys" franchise. The series would eventually run for 48 films, making it one of the longest-running film series in history.

Overall, Bowery Blitzkrieg is a lighthearted and entertaining film that showcases the comedic talents of its cast. It may not be a masterpiece of cinema, but it is certainly a fun and nostalgic trip back to a simpler time in Hollywood history.