MovieChat Forums > Little Fugitive (1953) Discussion > A timeless time capsule

A timeless time capsule

posted 15 years ago by Mr_McLaurel
3 replies | jump to latest

Often it is said that true classic movies are "timeless," whatever that means. Here's a movie that is quite possibly the perfect time capsule - which would seem to preclude it from being "timeless," but timeless it remains. I'm sure it's as much a pleasure to watch now as it was back when it was made. Sure it's a little clunky and rough around the edges, but just remember when this came out - the term "independent film" did not exist, and audiences were accustomed to a fine studio sheen. What a great, entertaining little movie. 9/10.

What's the Spanish for drunken bum?

[–] horatiohellpop 15 years ago

I agree; this film is exactly like taking a time capsule back to 1950s Brooklyn & Coney Island. With the closure of Astroland last year, and what are sure to be drastic changes in the next few years, the old Coney Island that one sees in this film is gone forever. The director captured lightenting in a bottle and inspired the many independent directors who followed. The kid in all of us who watch Little Fugitive can identify with the simple pleasures of being in a batting cage, riding a pony, knocking down a few bottles, and enjoying a slice of juicy watermelon.

[–] tabari 8 years ago

In 1958, when I was 10, our family went to New York City. We saw none of the usual tourist attractions. We did however go to Coney Island.
I grew up in a small town in Florida and everything about the city that I saw was amazing to me. Seeing this movie resonated with me on so many levels. there was of course the story, the very natural acting of "Joey", the whole idea now that I am a grandmother of a child going off like that alone.
But seeing Coney Island in this film brought back so many memories! I remember my Dad riding the parachute jump. Of my Mom and I wearing dresses just as the women were dressed in this movie. Of the children's rides. And my own personal horror memory is that of that giant ferris wheel! I grew up riding ferris wheels at carnivals, I even rode one alone. But, they were no way as high as that one. And they didn't have cages that swung back and forth! It petrified me. Catching this movie on TCM was a treat.

[–] Victoriavixen 8 years ago

It's been a favorite of mine since childhood!