The difference between the BOWERY BOYS films of the 1940s, as compared to the 1950s episodes, was a heavy dose of drama, siimilar to the former EAST SIDE KIDS movies.
Here, FIGHTING FOOLS relies on a more structured plot in which a boxer is killed in the ring. The gang has to figure out whodunit, add more drama and even a side story concerning alcoholism. Frankie Darro is featured here, and in a dramatic role, going after the killers of his brother and at the same time attempting to expose corruption in the boxing arena. Also Huntz Hall has some dramatic scenes, far from his usual goofy escapades. Make no mistake, though, Leo Gorcey delivers his usual line of classic malaprops to tie this together.
Veteran B director Reginald Le Borg was called in as Monogram Pictures was trying out different directors, though William Beaudine managed the bulk of the episodes quite well, cranking out one after another, on time, watching expenses -- especially -- letting Gorcey and Hall work their ad-lib magic. A solid series entry, one of the first to be put on dvd via Warner Brothers box set. Released 2012. Check out the super color covers of each set,
