Why was Newsies so popular for Disney?

[DodgerGirl]

Two years ago my dad and I saw Newsies on PBS and I can't figure out why Newsies became such a smash hit for Disney? From what Dad and I saw of Newsies it looked amazing and it had great songs to match. Was Disney having high hopes for Newsies and were they hoping that a live-action musical would do miracles at the box-office? The song I remember the most from that movie was Carrying The Banner and I also know that it was about newsboys in the 1930/40s who were known as newsies. It's surprising that Newsies has become one of the popular Disney musicals and it even had a Broadway show too

 

[mullysisters]

There was some well written music in Newsies but I couldn't relate to it. The story line just didn't mean anything to me. Just my personal opinion. It certainly has lived on.

 

[1lilspark]

It was actually a razzie award winning flop that gained a cult following with people practically begging Disney to adapt it for the stage

 

[maverik85]

There was some well written music in Newsies but I couldn't relate to it. The story line just didn't mean anything to me. Just my personal opinion. It certainly has lived on.

I agree. Watched the movie and the musical. Coudln't really get into the story that well. Liked the musical more since it showcased better singers so the music was better. There were some great songs but overall found it pretty meh

 

[E&Cmom]

Loved the love musical but could not get into the film.

 

[DodgerGirl]

When it was announced to debut in 1992 I think Disney had big plans for Newsies and with an amazing cast of stars ranging from Christian Bale to Ann Margret Disney knew that Newsies would be a success. And when you watch Newsies you'll actually understand why the newsboy strike of the 30's was chosen for a musical. If Newsies was revived in a new version people would really enjoy it today

 

[Kit Jackson]

@DodgerGirl The movie is set in 1899. It was a flop when it first came out in 1992 but like many movies gained a cult following through VHS and the movie being shown on TV. It had enough of a following to get a DVD release.

I have no idea why the original movie musical failed.

The Broadway version, which came out in 2012, was far more successful right from the start.