Bugsy Malone Joins Paramount Presents Line

Bugsy Malone. Courtesy of Paramount.

Bugsy Malone, the gangster musical comedy, is the newest title to join the Paramount Presents line of Blu-rays with collectible packaging.

Using children to play the gangsters makes for an interesting premise. However, the one thing that is weird and it is having adult voices coming out of their mouths. It’s weird and both director Alan Parker and songwriter Paul Williams have come to regret the decision since filming. But with having adult voices come out of the children, it reminds you of what Billy Corben and Albert Spellman did with their documentary, Screwball, a few years ago. Anyway, the disc is light on in-depth bonus content and we just get two brief interviews with Paul Williams and executive producer David Puttnam. What’s hard to believe is that Jodie Foster went straight from working on Taxi Driver to this film. Her performances couldn’t be more different!

The film makes its arrival on Blu-ray for the first time just ahead of September’s 45th anniversary. If there’s one aspect of the film that didn’t age well, it’s the casting of Scott Baio. Not so much because of his political views but because of his own personal actions. I don’t need to rehash it here but feel free to look it up if you want.

Synopsis

Set in 1929 New York City, Bugsy Malone captures a flashy world of would-be hoodlums, showgirls, and dreamers—all portrayed by child actors. As Tallulah, the sassy girlfriend of the owner of Fat Sam’s Grand Slam Speakeasy, future superstar Jodie Foster leads a talented cast. Parker’s sharp script, combined with the music and lyrics of Paul Williams, makes for an irresistible satire that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Bonus Features

  • Give a Little Love: Paul Williams on Bugsy Malone (New)
  • Filmmaker Focus: Executive Producer David Puttnam on Bugsy Malone (New)
  • Theatrical Trailers

DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER: Alan Parker
CAST: Jodie Foster, Scott Baio, Florrie Dugger, John Cassisi

Paramount Pictures released Bugsy Malone in theaters on September 15, 1976. The film is now available on Blu-ray.

Danielle Solzman

Danielle Solzman is native of Louisville, KY, and holds a BA in Public Relations from Northern Kentucky University and a MA in Media Communications from Webster University. She roots for her beloved Kentucky Wildcats, St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Boston Celtics. Living less than a mile away from Wrigley Field in Chicago, she is an active reader (sports/entertainment/history/biographies/select fiction) and involved with the Chicago improv scene. She also sees many movies and reviews them. She has previously written for Redbird Rants, Wildcat Blue Nation, and Hidden Remote/Flicksided. From April 2016 through May 2017, her film reviews can be found on Creators.