Little Fugitive

The first event in the Cinema of Childhood film strand of this year’s Brighton Festival, Little Fugitive is a remarkable gem of naturalist cinema that was a big influence on the French New Wave, spearheaded by Francois Truffaut. Made in 1953, this proto ‘indy’ film featured a cast of unknowns and amateurs. 35mm cameras were used, including a unique and concealed strap-on camera enabling many thousands of unwitting extras to be filmed. Set in Brooklyn and Coney Island, it’s a beautifully shot and paced film. The story follows a very practical boy (brilliantly realised by seven-year-old Richie Andrusco) who, believing he has shot his brother dead, goes on the run to Coney Island where he quickly develops survivalist skills and starts living his dream of becoming a cowboy. Concurrent to the story is a fascinating portrait of 50s America, at work and at play. The dialogue was dubbed afterwards and the sound suffers slightly, but nonetheless this film is a lyrical delight from start to finish.

Duke of York’s, Monday 5 May 2014

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