The Kid from Brooklyn

The Kid from Brooklyn

Year: 1946

Runtime: 113 mins

Language: English

Director: Norman Z. McLeod

Comedy

Shy milkman Burleigh Sullivan inadvertently knocks out drunken champion boxer Speed McFarlane, who has been flirting with Burleigh’s sister. The incident makes headlines, and Speed’s crooked manager signs Burleigh as a fighter, arranging fixed fights. Believing he’s a natural champion, Burleigh’s swelling pride strains his romance with nightclub singer Polly Pringle, and when he finally challenges Speed for the title, his hubris is put to the ultimate test.

The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bustling streets of post‑war Brooklyn, an unassuming milkman finds his quiet routine shattered by a most unlikely clash. Burleigh Sullivan is a shy, well‑meaning delivery man whose life revolves around early‑morning routes, a devoted sister, and a tentative crush on a talented night‑club singer. The world he inhabits is a vibrant mix of neighborhood storefronts, smoky lounges, and the occasional rowdy barroom, all pulsing with the hopeful energy of a city that never quite sleeps.

A chance encounter with a drunken champion boxer turns that ordinary existence into headline news. When Speed McFarlane—the charismatic, hard‑living pugilist who’s been flirting with Burleigh’s sister—ends up on the floor, the incident instantly propels the modest milkman into the public eye. Seizing the moment, the boxer’s manager, Gabby Sloan, a slick and opportunistic figure, convinces Burleigh that a new career in the ring is destiny waiting to be claimed. The promise of quick fame comes with a backstage arrangement of “fixed” bouts, an irony that fits the film’s light‑hearted, tongue‑in‑cheek tone.

As Burleigh steps into the bright lights of the boxing world, his growing confidence begins to test the fragile balance of his personal life. The romance with Polly Pringle—a gifted singer whose own career hangs in the balance—becomes a mirror for his swelling pride. Beneath the comedic brawls and the ever‑present hum of Brooklyn’s streets, the story gently explores how sudden adulation can inflate a modest man’s self‑image, and how love and loyalty may become the true ringside challenge when the inevitable showdown with his former opponent looms on the horizon.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:53

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Farcical Underdog Comedies like The Kid from Brooklyn

Mistaken identities and public perception launch an unlikely underdog to stardom.If you enjoyed the whimsical rise of Danny Kaye's milkman in The Kid from Brooklyn, you'll like these movies about ordinary people who accidentally become famous. This collection features lighthearted comedies with mistaken identities, satirical takes on publicity, and playful challenges to a hero's newfound ego.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a simple pattern: an inciting incident based on a misunderstanding or accident creates a false public image of the protagonist as a hero or expert. A savvy promoter or circumstances then amplify this image, leading to a series of comedic set pieces where the protagonist must maintain the illusion. The central conflict arises from the growing gap between the public persona and the private reality, culminating in a moment of truth that resolves without severe consequences.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared farcical engine—a case of mistaken identity driving the plot—and their lighthearted, satirical examination of fame. They consistently feature low-stakes tension, a steady, event-driven pace, and a focus on the humorous gap between perception and reality.

Lighthearted and Whimsical Comedies like The Kid from Brooklyn

Stories that use playful energy and gentle humor to explore everyday life.Fans of the playful, farcical spirit of The Kid from Brooklyn will enjoy this selection of gentle comedies. These movies share a light tone, low emotional stakes, and a whimsical approach to storytelling, perfect for viewers seeking an upbeat and humorous escape.

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Narrative Summary

The emotional journey is one of gentle amusement rather than high drama. Conflicts are present but are minor and quickly resolved, serving more as vehicles for comic situations than deep emotional trials. The protagonist's flaws are endearing rather than tragic, and their arc typically involves learning a small, humorous lesson about humility or honesty within a supportive world.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films based on a cohesive mood mix: they are consistently humorous, lighthearted, and upbeat with a whimsical or playful energy. The shared experience is one of low-intensity, comforting entertainment with straightforward narratives and a positive resolution.

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The Kid from Brooklyn Summary

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The Kid from Brooklyn Summary

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The Kid from Brooklyn Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Kid from Brooklyn

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Kid from Brooklyn

More About The Kid from Brooklyn

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