Sister Act

Inspired by actual events, this New York–set film refashions the eight-month newsboys’ strike of 1899 as a rollicking musical. Featuring early performances from teenaged Christian Bale (The Dark Knight) and David Moscow (Big), choreography designed in part by the film’s director, Kenny Ortega, and original tunes by Alan Menken—celebrated for his collaboration with lyricist Howard Ashman on animated Disney films—Newsies has been embraced in revival screenings and is now considered a cult classic.

Adapted from the 1977 Tony Award–winning Broadway musical by director John Huston (The Maltese Falcon), this Depression-era story finds iconic Little Orphan Annie on the big screen for the first time. As realized by newcomer Aileen Quinn, Annie’s indefatigable gumption is put to the test as she navigates daily insults from the cruel Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett) and works her way into the heart of Daddy Warbucks (Albert Finney). Nominated for its art direction and adapted score, the enduring classic brings songs like “It’s The Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” to vivid life, planting them firmly in the popular American consciousness.

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