Studs Lonigan

Studs Lonigan' is based on the trilogy of James T. Farrell’s American novels--'Young Lonigan,' 'The Young Manhood of Studs Lonigan,' and 'Judgment Day.' The films dramatize the experiences of an Irish-American youth growing up, from age 15 in 1916 through 29, in the ethnic melting pot of Chicago during the 1920s. The dramas open with Studs preparing to enter high school and discussions of his future with members of his street gang and his family. Headstrong, he manages to eliminate most of his chances for success and destroy relationships with all who come in contact with him, including the girl of his dreams. The dramatic exposition reveals the raw reflections of the ethnic backgrounds in urban America as it used [to] be following World War I and through the Great Depression.