I had a terrible crush on Foster before I saw Bugsy Malone (I remember seeing her in so many earlier films), but Bugsy Malone was one of four films in 1976 where Hollywood took notice of the legendary actress. In addition to this she had FREAKY FRIDAY, THE LITTLE GIRL WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE and something called TAXI DRIVER which got her on Oscar’s radar. At the age of 13 she was so aware of the process of filmmaking that Alan Parker joked that if he got sick Foster could step in. If nothing else 1976 showed Foster’s incredible range.
BUGSY MALONE is a very off beat musical set in a place that is kind of like Chicago during Prohibition. It's a world of gangsters and good guys populated with kids who sing with adult's voices while driving pedal cars and shooting guns that shoot cream pies.
Unlike any other film ever made it is scarily familiar since it uses all the tropes of films we’ve seen before while creating something new.
It’s a blast and a half. I’ve been watching it since it came out where it warped my mind and filled me with a wonderful sense of fun.
The cast is solid, though I really don’t remember seeing anyone after this other than Foster and Scott Baio.
The most memorable thing about the film are the songs from Paul Williams. They are some his best film work and explains why he is one of the greatest composers ever. I had an 8-track of the soundtrack which explains why all the lyrics are burned into my brain.
This is just a great film, and you need to see it.
Anyone who likes Jodie Foster and hasn't seen it should definitely see her KUNG FU episode "Alethea." She's just about perfect in it.
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