justafryingpan - Tumblr blog

justafryingpan · 1 month ago

Text

Let's Discuss the Jacobs' Family Dynamics.

I've read plenty about the Jacobs' family and have seen many interpretations of the dynamics in their household, so I figured I'd chip in with an informal essay.

Firstly, I see many accounts stating that Les is Esther's favourite child and Sarah is Mayer's. Although I do see evidence for this, I do wonder why many perceive this to be the simple truth.

Esther does rush to Les as soon as her sons return, and is somewhat impatient in greeting David. However, she'd also just seen her half-conscious young child being carried by a boy she had taken an immediate disliking to (which I will discuss shortly), so she was likely rushing to take Les away from Jack. This interpretation is further supported by the stage directions from the 1992 script:

The boys enter, Jack carrying the sleeping Les. ESTHER, 38, is setting the table. ESTHER (seeing Les) My God…! What happened? DAVID He's just sleeping, Momma -- She quickly takes him from Jack.

She does baby Les, which does indicate that she has a softer spot for him than her other two children. However, it is important to note that Les is only 9, while her other two are significantly older. Perhaps Esther similarly coddled Sarah and David when they were little too.

Many interpret Sarah to be Mayer's favourite child due to their shared socialist sentiments (as seen in the Hard Promises script), which is likely something they bond over.

SARAH My father and I are Socialists. ESTHER and DAVID roll their eyes. JACK impressed.

This can especially be seen when Sarah reads to him. Before speaking on the author, I figured I should note that the gesture of reading to her father is sweet and shows a fondness between them. The script is referencing Eugene V. Debs. He was an American socialist and political activist of their era and supported trade unions. Reading to her father is very sweet and reinforces their close relationship.

SARAH reads to MAYER from the "Debs" BOOK.

They both share this appreciation for Debs and it is certainly something for the father-daughter pair to bond over.

MAYER "While there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free." (closes book) Eugene Debs.

On top of this, Sarah seems more protective of her father than David and Les, which could imply they have a stronger connection. In the Hard Promises script, Sarah glares at Jack when he raises the sore subject of Mayer's unemployment.

JACK I agree with ya there, sir. (All wait for more) What do you do for a living, sir? A sore point with the family. Mayer put on the spot MAYER Not much with this arm, son. But I have worked as a tailor. JACK What happened to the arm? (Mayer hesitates) DAVID He was striking. They busted it for him. MAYER I try to do what's right. But sometimes that makes it hard to make a living. A silence. SARAH glares at JACK in defence of her father.

We don't really see Davey talk to or interact with his father, but we do know that Mayer feels guilty that David is working instead of being in school. He is angry, but it seems to be directed at himself rather than at his son. Despite the exclamation mark in the transcript, Mayer actually delivers the line quite softly in the movie.

DAVID It's only the beginning -- the longer I work, the more I'll make -- MAYER You work only until I go back to the factory! Then you go back to school, like you promised. All activity stops, an awkward silence. Mayer looks at his bandaged hand. MAYER It will heal… they'll give me back my job… I'll make them…

Although Mayer is kind to David, this doesn't negate that Sarah is likely his favourite. Based on their representation, the father-son pair don't have as much to bond over.

Mayer tries to find work with an injured hand (this scene is not on the Disney plus version, but it is in the transcript). It is also included in the novelisation, but I've inserted an extract from the 1992 transcript as it's shorter. This shows how Mayer wants to go back to work (even if it will hurt him) so David and Les can return to school. So, even though he has the most fondness for Sarah, he still loves his sons (which should really be obvious, but not all families are loving).

Mayer is removing the bandage from his injured hand, helped by Les. Sarah and Esther work on lace piecework. ESTHER That hand is not ready to work. Mayer flexes his fingers, pale from being bandaged so long. MAYER Ready or not, it can handle a broom.

Interestingly, he shows his irritation with himself more in the novelisation. Unlike the 1992 movie, this interaction includes a response from Davey. His defeated response after the outburst may suggest a strain in their relationship, but this may speak to the current family situation rather than the normal dynamics in the household.

"And this is only the beginning," David said. "Once I learn the ropes, I'll be making double or triple …" "You'll work only until this blasted hand heals and I can go back to the factory!" Mayer said. "Yes, Father," David said quietly.

He does speak softly to David when he tells him it's time to come in, and appears to be a gentle father based on the movie's portrayal of him. After Jack scabs, he does try and comfort Davey (again, cut from the Disney plus movie but is in the transcript).

MAYER (to David) Don't be too hard on your friend. Maybe he had his reasons for doing what he did.

When analysing Davey's relationship with his father, it's important to note that not much is actually shown. It seems there is more evidence to support Jack and Mayer or David and Denton having a father-son bond (which are two entirely different topics for two entirely different posts). But this may show a lukewarm relationship between Mayer and David as he appears to treat Jack like more of a son.

Okay, so let's explore David's relationship with his mother. As seen in the gif from the beginning, she does disregard him when he and Les come home. Yet, as explained, this may have little to do with favouritism and much to do with Jack's presence.

Esther does cradle Les and sing him lullabies, but this is likely down to age rather than favouritism. Although she could have a strong connection to the youngest child, as some parents do. There is a large age gap between David and Les, so maybe she missed having a little child to dote on. After all, she already had a daughter and son, so (since there'd be less social pressure) why try for another?

In the musical, Davey apologises for being late on his second day, explaining that he and Les had to help their mother. David values helping his mother more than being on time, so he obviously doesn't resent her and they likely don't have a negative relationship.

DAVID Morning, everybody. Sorry we’re late. We had to help our mom with something.

But, In the Hard Promises script, Esther slaps Davey after he announces the newsies are on strike. She does instantly regret this and David is shocked she'd do such a thing, so this strain in their relationship likely stems from their financial struggles and isn't the norm. It is interesting that she immediately instructs Les to stay home (therefore stay safe) instead of going after David to apologise. In fact, she never apologises for this.

DAVID I'm a newsie, mom! The newsies are on strike, so I'm on strike. That's what father taught me. And that's what I'm going to do! ESTHER impulsively strikes DAVID across the face and instantly regrets it. DAVID is shocked. Then he turns and climbs out onto the fire escape. ESTHER turns and looks at Les. ESTHER From now on, you stay home.

It is made abundantly clear that Davey is not his parents' priority. Historically speaking, Sarah is a woman and Les is a child, so their parents worried more for their safety than they did for their (not quite an adult but likely seen as such) son. In the novel, when detailing what they spend their spare money on, Davey isn't mentioned at all. This does support that both parents do have a favourite.

What was left—minus a few pennies to buy Les a red wooden top, or some pretty ribbons for Sarah's hair—had been deposited directly into the cookie jar.

However, some feel that Davey isn't very loved in his household, and (so far) I don't agree. They both care for David, as seen in the extract from the novelisation below. Esther clearly cares for David's future, and Mayer defends his rights to make his own decision. Even though they both contrast in how they show it, it is clear that Mayer and Esther care for their oldest son.

"I won't have it," Esther said. Those newsboys are orphans and toughs. They'll turn you into a criminal" "Now, now Esther," Mayer said. "They're not so bad. Maybe he'll make them into scholars." "This is no time for jokes, Mayer." "If he's going to work, he's a man. If he's a man, he should choose his own job." They argued about it long into the night. Esther cried, Mayer tugged at his hair, but David finally won out.

From this quote (and what I will go on to discuss later), his mother seems to be highly critical of his choices. I figured I'd make this observation here to both save repeating myself with every quotation, and so you might consider the validity of this argument too.

David is held responsible for Les, mostly by his mother. In the 1992 movie, she asks him what Les is singing in a half-joking, half-reprimanding tone. And in the novelisation, David worries about losing Les because he fears his mother's reaction. With their age gap, it is also possible that Davey has an instinct to keep Les safe.

David clutched Les' hand, terrified that his little brother would be swallowed up by the sea of boys and never seen again. How would he explain it to his parents? Um, Mother? I lost Les today. I didn't mean to, it just happened. Why had he ever agreed to let the little pest come along? What a mistake!

It seems family is very important for all five of them. Esther likes to be motherly (especially towards little Les) and Mayer longs to provide for his household again so his sons can return to school. In the worsened financial time the family suffer during the strike, Esther does try her hardest to keep her family sufficiently fed.

INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT NIGHT ESTHER scrapes the pot to get the last soup into the family dinner bowls.

Sarah glares at Jack when he brings up a sensitive subject for her father. Les fights the Delancey brothers (despite being 9 years old and unlikely to win) to protect his sister. And Davey (as seen in the novelisation extract below) sets his ego aside to better provide for his family.

He especially didn't want to be dependent on his own little brother. But a thousand papers a week! If Jack was right, David and his little brother would be able to support the whole family. "We've got to split the profits fifty-fifty," David said.

In the musical, Davey initially objects to the strike because he has a family to provide for, again suggesting the importance that the Jacobs place on family. But, it could also imply that Davey fears what would happen if he stopped bringing in food or money.

DAVID Leave me out of this. I’m just here trying to feed my family.

Sarah and David are close. According to the Hard Promises script, they know what each other are thinking without exchanging a word, which is good evidence for their close bond.

INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT SAME TIME NIGHT Sarah slips into bed. Unable to sleep, she looks over and sees DAVID watching her. They read each other's thoughts.

From this quote, and the glimpses of the Jacobs' apartment we get in the movie, it appears her and Davey share a room. So there's no surprise that they care for each other (after all, sharing a living space will create either a strong love or extreme loathing).

In the Hard Promises script, she takes his clothes to walk safely at night (although, Jack did claim it made her a target). Nonetheless, it implies that they don't fight too often about petty things as they seem open to sharing.

She also cares deeply about repairing Davey's and Jack's broken relationship, insisting Jack should talk to her brother. Although her advise benefits Jack, she likely had Davey's best interest at heart.

JACK (intense, aggressive) I ain't lying. I just ain't telling you the truth. I know my brother's dead. I know what's real. (walks away, stops) It's easier sometimes to make up a family then to have a one. SARAH You do have one. JACK looks back at her, his emotions raw. SARAH Talk to David.

Most importantly, Sarah and David communicate with each other (both examples from the Hard Promises script):

One:

JACK They'd'a locked me up again. I hate that place. It reminds me a.... (trails off) SARAH Your brother? (Jack surprised) David told me. JACK That's what I hate about families. Nobody keeps their mouth shut. SARAH You don't have to lie to us.

Two:

Jack pushes past David and heads out the door. EXT. STREET SAME TIME DAY JACK emerges from the building and starts down the street. DAVID calls down from the fire escape. DAVID Jack! Wait! JACK, too agitated to wait, walks on, tugging at his collar, ripping it off, tossing it aside. DAVID scrambles down the fire escape, drops to the alley, and runs to catch up. DAVID Sarah told me what happened. (Jack nods, keeps walking) I didn't mean what I said to you the other day.

The intricate details of David's and Les' relationship needs to be dedicated to an entire post. However, to put it simply, they're typical age-gap siblings. The novel puts it nicely:

As is often the case with brothers, while David considered Les a pest, Les worshiped David and wanted to copy him in everything he did, from the way he shot marbles to the way he combed back his hair.

Although, this is not reflected too much in the movie (sure, Les looks up to David but he idolises Jack), and the opposite is arguably shown in the musical. Les does not worship or heed his brother's command whatsoever:

DAVID I’m no charity case. I don’t even know you. LES His name’s Jack.

(Basically, what's going on here is that Davey begins walking off, rejecting Jack's offer, and Les supports Jack despite hardly knowing him).

Or:

DAVID Pleasure. [Les is distracted by the dancers, David pokes at him.] What is wrong with you? LES Are you blind? She got no clothes on! DAVID That’s her costume! LES But I can see her legs!

(With this one, Les argues with David when he corrects his behaviour, showing that Les doesn't worship him in the slightest).

In fact, Davey often rolls his eyes at Les' outbursts, especially when he is blunt.

KATHERINE Oh. I gotta tell you Jack. This “Go West Young Man” routine is getting tired. Even Horace Greeley moved back to New York. LES Yes, he did. And then he died.

But I think we can see where Les got it from. So Davey clearly influences him significantly, which supports that Les looks up to his big brother.

DAVID Lighten up, no one died.

As seen in the gif above this section, Les drags David into the square. Davey is an anxious character, and Les is comparatively reckless (as seen in the 1992 movie where David is reluctant to strike and Les yells his support, causing David to clasp a hand over Les' mouth).

Les pushes Davey out of his comfort zone. After all, in all versions, he is the one insisting they partner with Jack. And David brings his kid brother back to reality (especially when he has to explain to Les how Jack was a traitor).

Plus, (mostly seen in the musical), Davey prioritises Les (reflecting the dynamic Les has with Esther), keeping a close eye on him at all times and risking his safety for him in fight scenes.

Linking to this, Davey abandons his strong pacifism to keep his sister and brother out of harm's way.

Example of pacifism from movie:

BOOTS What's to stop someone else from sellin' our papes? JACK We talk with 'em. RACETRACK Some of 'em don't hear so good. JACK Then we soak 'em. DAVID No! JACK WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE TO STOP THE WAGONS? ARE WE READY? NEWSIES YEAH! DAVID No! We can't beat up kids in the street! It'll give us a bad name! CRUTCHY Can't get any worse.

Example of pacifism from musical:

HENRY Let’s soak ‘em boys! DAVID No, no, no! We all stand together! Or we don’t have a chance! Jack!

When he does involve himself in fights (especially in the musical), it is to protect Sarah and Les. In the movie, he charges at Oscar and gets beaten up by him and Morris when they are harassing Sarah. In the musical, his only involvement in the large fight is being hurt by other whilst he tries to get Les to safety. This supports his strong relationship with his siblings and the importance Davey puts on family.

The main aim for Davey (and Jack, but that's a discussion for another post) is to get Les and Sarah away. As already stated, Davey gets harmed because he gets attacked during his attempts to evacuate Les. And in the rally fight from the movie, he ushers Sarah and Les to safety before joining the fight (so, although it is a stretch, you could say he values their safety over the success of the strike).

We can also see when David begins to see himself as part of the newsboy family. He is terrified, but puts Jack's safety over his, just as he does his sister's and brother's (but again, this is for another post).

Sarah and Les quite clearly have a close relationship too. She seems to baby him in a similar way to their mother and seems to find him adorable (despite the transcript claiming she held Les' wrapped up, half-eaten knockwurst distastefully, she seems quite amused in the movie).

Much like with Davey, Les doesn't always listen to Sarah: (this was cut from the movie, but this interaction is in the transcript I have access to):

Sarah, with a basket of lacework, is coming down the street, Les dawdling behind, in a bad mood. SARAH Les, come on -- you're supposed to be helping me today. LES (sulking) I'd rather be soakin' scabs.

But, even though he sulks with her, Les does love Sarah. He shoves Oscar when the Delanceys crowd Sarah, telling him to leave his sister alone. This is incredibly brave of Les and may even be something he learned from his big brother.

When David is being attacked by the Delancey brothers, Les rushes to hug Sarah. This moment of the pair comforting each other is sweet, showing their fondness.

Interestingly, David was nervous to introduce Jack to his parents. With such a caring family, it is strange Davey feels this way.

DAVID This is our selling partner, uh, and our friend. Jack Kelly, my parents.

Why is Davey so awkward?

Well, as I see it, there's two reasons. Firstly, that he was worried about how Jack would be perceived. After all, he is dubbed an 'orphan' and a 'tough' by Esther (of course, she was speaking broadly of the newsboys but the sentiment still stands). Perhaps Davey was worried Jack wouldn't know how to act around a family or may be ill mannered.

The other reason (for you Javid/Javey shippers out there) is that Davey has a crush on Jack, or maybe they already had a bit of romantic tension going on (I mean, did you see them in Medda's theatre?). Either way, it's like taking a boyfriend home for the first time.

David was right to worry about his mother's reaction as Esther took an immediate disliking to Jack. As seen in the first gif of the post, she looks Jack up and down distastefully as soon as she spots him. She then rushes to take Les away from him, so doesn't trust Jack with her children.

She continues her judgement as she is formally introduced to him. Esther likely looks down on Jack because he's a newsboy, and it shows how she may dictate who her children can or cannot be friends with based on social class (the Jacobs aren't particularly well off but they are compared to the newsies).

When Jack explains what makes a headline good, Esther (as seen in the gif above) is uncomfortable. The transcript says shocked, but this implies that she expected him to have an ounce of etiquette after her initial distaste for him, which is strange. Nevertheless, she does not like Jack and somewhat judges David for bringing him home.

SARAH What makes a headline good? JACK Catchy words -- like, uh, 'corpse' or 'maniac,' or, let's see, 'love nest' or 'nude' -- Sarah and David giggle; Esther looks shocked. JACK (embarrassed) 'Scuse the language there, uh, maybe I'm talkin' too much…

We don't get to see how her view on Jack changes, although we do get a glimpse in the Hard Promises script, we still don't know why she suddenly cares for his appearance (the hole in his trousers) or his comfort (the blanket for privacy).

ESTHER Wait! DAVID Mama, it's the big meeting... ESTHER Jack. You can't go with a hole in your pants. JACK, embarrassed, looks down at the hole in his knee. SARAH I'll fix them, Mama. (prepares a needle) Give me your pants. JACK would rather die than take his pants off. ESTHER gives one end of a blanket to DAVID, and offers one to LES. ESTHER Hold this up, give him some privacy.

However, she does put the safety of her family above Jack when she insists he leaves. This doesn't mean that she doesn't like Jack, but it does show how she values her family more than sheltering some boy David brought home.

INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT LATER SAME NIGHT ESTHER slips out of bed to check on Les and sees JACK sleeping on the floor. She shakes her head, dismayed and moves back to bed. Jack's eyes open. He listens to Esther and Mayer talk behind the curtain. ESTHER Jack's here. MAYER I know. ESTHER He can't stay, Mayer. If they come for him, they'll take you. What will happen then? MAYER Don't exaggerate, it's just for the night. Now go to sleep. JACK picks up his boots and slips out the open window.

In Hard Promises, she also helps hand out the flyers and joins the newsies in a parade, showing her growing support for not only Jack but also for David. She seems to finally support her son's decisions.

One:

EXT. STREET DAWN The streets are just coming to life with PEOPLE heading to their jobs. SARAH, LES, head bandaged, ESTHER and OTHER GIRLS hand flyers to every child worker.

Two:

IN A STREET OFF NEWSIE SQUARE JACK and DAVID in messenger's uniforms and riding bikes lead a CROWD into the square. Behind them are THE MESSENGERS, SPOT, KID DIAMOND, BOOTS, MUSH, MUD, RACETRACK, FACTORY WORKER KIDS, SWEATSHOP KIDS, ADULTS, WOMEN'S GROUPS, LES, DENTON, MAYER, ESTHER, SARAH and THE NEIGHBORS ... with more children joining the parade at every step.

By the movie's end (in earlier works, of course, because most of the Jacobs' family scenes get scrapped), she gives Jack food to bring to Santa Fe. This does show that she grew to respect Jack, but also implies that she is content with David's choice to be a newsie (which she did not initially support, as we see in the novelisation). She isn't as warm in her affections as Mayer is, but she still shows her kindness.

Mayer with a bundle of clothes; Esther with food come to the window. She gives it to Jack. ESTHER Who knows what's to eat where you're going?

Mayer's reaction to Jack is different. He smiles and shakes his hand. I'd say this shows that Mayer trusts Davey's judgement more than Esther does. After all, he does seem to believe in David (unlike Esther) and often defends him like this Hard Promises extract shows:

INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT LATER ESTHER and MAYER lie awake in bed. She speaks softly. ESTHER God help us, Mayor, he's just like you … he thinks he can change the world. MAYER Maybe he can.

However, Mayer seems to be more idealistic. Esther cares most about her family's survival and wellbeing whereas Mayer seems to cares more about the collective. Hard Promises:

JACK What happened to the arm? (Mayer hesitates) DAVID He was striking. They busted it for him. MAYER I try to do what's right. But sometimes that makes it hard to make a living.

It is important to note that Mayer's opinion of Jack wasn't overwhelmingly positive until he saw the money. So perhaps the reason he was keen on Jack wasn't because he respected Davey's judgement, but rather because he supported Jack for bringing what they needed most: money. The evidence provided is from the novel, but a similar conclusion can be drawn from the movie.

At first Esther and Mayer were angry because David and Les were so late, and they were puzzled that David would bring home an Irish boy he hardly knew. But when David emptied his pockets and Mayer saw the magnificent mountain of coins, his frown turned to a smile. He even insisted that Jack join them for dinner.

In Hard Promises, Jack pays for a doctor to treat Les, which Mayer is grateful for. This supports the point that Mayer's appreciation for Jack could stem from the money he provides. Jack is mistaken for his son, but again, that's another topic for another time.

INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT LATER SAME DAY A DOCTOR packs his bag. LES lies in his parents' bed, head bandaged. SARAH holds his hand, looking up at JACK. MAYER and ESTHER are focused on the Doctor. DOCTOR It's a nasty bump. Keep an eye on him. MAYER I'm afraid ... we can't pay you now. DOCTOR (mildly surprised) It's all right. (refers to Jack) Your son already paid me. Mayer cuts Jack a look as the Doctor leaves. MAYER Thank you, Jack. I'll repay you. JACK Forget it.

Mayer gives Jack some of his and David's clothes to take with him to Santa Fe. He wishes he could give more, including money, and he tells Jack that the Jacobs are his family. This implies that Mayer has learnt how family is more important than money.

MAYER (gives the clothes) A few things of mine and David's. Wish we had money to give you… JACK (very moved) Who needs it…? I go down to the train yards, hop me a freight, go in the best style -- free… MAYER I don't know what's waiting for you in Santa Fe, but you'll always have family here. They embrace him and move away. An awkward moment

Jack seems to be a main topic of conversation in the household as the transcript shows:

SARAH David said you spent all your money to rent the theater. JACK Sounds like you and Dave don't do nothin' but talk about me. SARAH We do not. JACK Not that I blame you -- me bein' such an interestin' guy and all

The movie shows this too:

SARAH Papa's so proud of you and David. You should hear him talking about Jack Kelly, the strike leader who occasionally takes his meals with us.

So, Jack seems to be the person who keeps the family going during the strike. Interestingly, Mayer speaks nonstop about the strike leader who occasionally takes his meals with them rather than the strike coleader, who is his son. Again, another discussion for another post, but why does Mayer have a more father-son relationship with Jack than he does with his own son, Davey?

The difference between David and Les lies in their willingness to deceive. Les admires Jack more than he cares to listen to his father or brother.

As seen in the extract from the novelisation below (and the two gifs above), Les gladly lies to potential buyers even though Mayer taught him to not lie.

"Does your momma know you're working?" the woman said. "Ain't got no momma," Les said. "Died of the cholera." "Then who takes care of you?" "Cares for me-self," Les mumbled, and began coughing in perfect imitation of the Jacobs' downstairs neighbour who'd been stricken with tuberculosis. "Here's a penny," her boyfriend said. "Now get lost." "Alfred!" she scolded him, "how can you be so heartless? The creature is alone and helpless in the cold, cruel world. Give him a dime at least." "A dime?" the boyfriend said. "Oh no, ma'am," Les said. "I couldn't accept that. Me father taught me not to take charity."

Davey, on the other hand, obeys his father's lessons. Les is just a child, whereas David is nearing adulthood, so it makes sense that Davey has a stronger sense of morals (as Les' mind is more malleable and lying likely makes the job more fun for the child).

In all versions of Newsies, David shows his respect for his father by condemning lying on his behalf. The musical and movie examples are shown in the gif above and the novelisation extract is provided below:

"Our father taught us not to lie," David said. "Yeah, well my father taught me not to starve, so we both got an education. Anyway, I ain't lying. I'm improving the truth." "Improving the truth. I'll say." David snorted scornfully.

Hard Promises has a more morbid answer from Jack:

David looks at Jack disapprovingly. DAVID We were taught not to lie. JACK I was taught not to starve to death in the gutter. Who ya gonna believe?

In response to Les' lying in the novel, Davey demands that Les return the extra 'pity money' he got. Influences from his mother and father are evident here, as his father cares about honesty (Les lied to earn this money) and Esther cares about appearances (David doesn't want to be reduced to a beggar). This is likely also why Davey refused to accept Jack's "charity".

"You'll turn around right now and give it back to them!" David ordered. "Are you nuts?" Jack said. "The kid worked hard for that money." "I don't consider that work," David said. "I consider it begging. We may be in hard straits, but we will not be reduced to that."

David does change his mind when Jack angrily explains how his family would suffer if David and his brother didn't bring in enough money. So, the importance of family is more important to Davey than the lessons his father taught him.

"Should I give it back?" Les asked. David hesitated. He didn't want to admit it, but he knew that Jack was right. "Keep it," he said, finally.

Esther and Mayer care about being good hosts. Mayer invites their houseguest to join them for dinner, and Esther is embarrassed when Jack knows she needs to water down the soup (even though Jack is quite literally a half-homeless, hungry newsboy).

MAYER Esther -- maybe David's partner would like to stay for dinner. Add some more water to the soup. ESTHER (mortified) Mayer…!

The parents are not always a united front, which likely makes it harder for either of them to assert authority. From Hard Promises:

INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT NIGHT The family sits in silence at the table, eating dinner as the door opens and DAVID enters. He stops when he sees them, he knows something is wrong. As he hangs up his coat, ESTHER dishes out and serves his dinner. David sits. He and SARAH make eye contact, but she can't warn him. MAYER Your mother and sister lost their jobs today. (David shocked) Some boys from the paper ruined their lace. LES Otto and The Delanceys. ESTHER This has to stop, David. Mr. Fisher needs a delivery boy. I want you to - DAVID I can't quit now, Mom, even if I wanted to. ESTHER Mayer. MAYER He'll do what he has to do, Esther.

Although he doesn't always agree with his wife, he does understand why she is angry with David. So, even though they may not always be the most efficient parents, they seem to be great life partners.

END OF SONG. INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT - NIGHT The Sun is on the table; the headline reads "Newsies in Revolt." DAVID faces down ESTHER'S fury as MAYER, sympathetic, supports his wife. LES watches. SARAH sews, listening.

Interestingly, Mayer is both supportive of his wife and sympathetic to his son. The family seem to not be pointing fingers or fighting constantly. In fact, they seem to try their best to understand one another.

Although they aren't always on the same page, Mayer and Esther are a united front when it comes to keeping their children at home. When David (in the Hard Promises Script) wants to move out (so his family don't become a target) until the strike ends, both parents insist that he stays.

DAVID I'll move out till this is over. Esther looks at Mayer, pleading him to stop David. MAYER That won't be necessary. We'll manage.

As a three, the Jacob's children are close. When Jack leaves for Santa Fe, they huddle together and cry, clearly comfortable to do so in front of each other.

We don't really have many scenes with the three of them. But, from what we do have, they argue like siblings (like when Sarah reads out Denton's article that Les wrapped his food in and Davey storms out), but they also love like siblings (seen in the three comforting and supporting each other).

To conclude this post, the family have a close, loving dynamic. They have their ups and downs, but these arguments are caused by them looking out for each other. Esther does favour Les, and Mayer does favour Sarah, but they both still love David very much (still unfortunate to be neither of your parents' favourite, but at least you're Denton's favourite, I guess).

This was a long one, so thank you for reading it all (if you did), and I won't resent you if you didn't, as I believe this post is nearing 6000 words. There are obviously more observations to be made, but this post was getting far too long. Feel free to share any thoughts as I'm always up for a good discussion!

105 notes · View notes