In "New York, a world within a city, where anything might happen," Irish Catholic lower East Side kid Jackie Coogan (as Timothy Kelly) survives a fire at St. John's Orphanage fire, and takes to the streets. Ten-year-old Coogan meets Jewish junk dealer Max Davidson (as Max Ginsberg); and, after Coogan returns Mr. Davidson's dropped wallet, he moves in with the rheumatic old man. The two become business partners "Ginsberg and Kelly", after Coogan proves his "Rag Man" mettle by filling Davidson's junk truck with four dollars worth of merchandise. Along the way, Coogan helps right and old wrong; he tracks down thieving Robert Edeson (as Mr. Bernard aka Mr. Bishop), who robbed Davidson of a patent fortune.
"The Rag Man" is a top-of-the-line Metro-Goldwyn-Coogan production, smoothly directed by Edward F. Cline; it is highlighted by the Frank Good/Robert Martin photography, which features some great New York City sets and locations. Coogan and Davidson aren't very original, basically re-treading their "Kid" and "Izzy" characterizations; but, the Irish/Jewish teaming adds some freshness (as does Linda Martinez' new soundtrack). In the sequel "Old Clothes", Coogan and Davidson wisely take in young Joan Crawford (as Mary Riley) as a boarder.
******** The Rag Man (1925) Edward F. Cline ~ Jackie Coogan, Max Davidson, Robert Edeson
"The Rag Man" is a top-of-the-line Metro-Goldwyn-Coogan production, smoothly directed by Edward F. Cline; it is highlighted by the Frank Good/Robert Martin photography, which features some great New York City sets and locations. Coogan and Davidson aren't very original, basically re-treading their "Kid" and "Izzy" characterizations; but, the Irish/Jewish teaming adds some freshness (as does Linda Martinez' new soundtrack). In the sequel "Old Clothes", Coogan and Davidson wisely take in young Joan Crawford (as Mary Riley) as a boarder.
******** The Rag Man (1925) Edward F. Cline ~ Jackie Coogan, Max Davidson, Robert Edeson