Is King of the Newsboys Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, King of the Newsboys is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 65 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
King of the Newsboys Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1938, King of the Newsboys enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A poor young man's girlfriend leaves him for a gangster, who has the money and power she wants and the young man doesn't have. Under the direction of Bernard Vorhaus, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Lew Ayres. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, King of the Newsboys offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, King of the Newsboys resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, King of the Newsboys is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It is also featured on platforms like MGM+ Amazon Channel and MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of King of the Newsboys centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. A poor young man's girlfriend leaves him for a gangster, who has the money and power she wants and the young man doesn't have. Determined to show her that he can be a success--and how much of a mistake she made by leaving him--he starts up a newspaper distribution business that is soon the biggest in the city, but things don't turn out exactly the way he wanted them to. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1938 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of King of the Newsboys has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a King of the Newsboys sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for King of the Newsboys (1938): with an audience rating of 4/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch King of the Newsboys Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
IndieFlix
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
IndieFlix Shorts Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
King of the Newsboys is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, King of the Newsboys stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1938 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King of the Newsboys movie hit or flop?
King of the Newsboys is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is King of the Newsboys worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, King of the Newsboys may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch King of the Newsboys online?
King of the Newsboys is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, IndieFlix, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is King of the Newsboys movie hit or flop?
King of the Newsboys is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is King of the Newsboys worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, King of the Newsboys may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch King of the Newsboys online?
King of the Newsboys is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, IndieFlix, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of King of the Newsboys?
King of the Newsboys is a Drama, Romance movie that follows: A poor young man's girlfriend leaves him for a gangster, who has the money and power she wants and the young man doesn't have. Determined to show her that he can be a success--and how much of a mistak...
Is King of the Newsboys family friendly?
King of the Newsboys is classified as Drama, Romance. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is King of the Newsboys available in?
King of the Newsboys is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A poor young man's girlfriend leaves him for a gangster, who has the money and power she wants and the young man doesn't have. Determined to show her that he can be a success--and how much of a mistake she made by leaving him--he starts up a newspaper distribution business that is soon the biggest in the city, but things don't turn out exactly the way he wanted them to.
Critic Reviews
There's actually quite a decent degree of chemistry between Lew Ayres ("Jerry") and Helen Mack ("Marry Ellen") in this otherwise unremarkable crime melodrama the sees her leave him for the tantalising life of gangster's moll. Can he win her back? Snag is, it's a bit all over the place - part thriller, part gangster film and part comedy - and the ingredients don't mix particularly effectively. Maybe had Richard Vorhaus just focussed his attention/intention a little bit more, this could have been quite a gripping little B-feature, but as it is, it's a slowly paced, limited action effort that falls between too many stools en route to an ending that is never in doubt. British theatrical star Alison Skipworth ("Nora") has something of the silent film star about her, which is nice to watch but otherwise this is a film to pass an hour then completely forget...