Bugsy Malone Details

Alan Parker's debut feature, following a number of social-realist scripts for the BBC, was a deliberate attempt to get attention. And, by casting children as American gangsters whose Tommy guns fire gunk, Parker achieved his ambition: the movie was the buttered toast of the Cannes film festival and a flamboyant career was under way. Using techniques borrowed from old Hollywood movies, as well as the polish that he learned from his many TV commercials, Parker creates a vibrant pastiche that hovers on the brink of cuteness. The children have an edge to their performances that cuts through sentiment — most notably Jodie Foster, whose extraordinarily slinky speakeasy number, My Name Is Tallulah, is the film's memorable highlight.

Extremely curious musical gangster spoof with all the parts played by children and the guns shooting ice cream. Very professionally done, but one wonders to whom it is supposed to appeal.