The Crowd Roars (1932)

Famous motor-racing champion Joe Greer returns to his hometown to compete in a local race. He discovers his younger brother has aspirations to become a racing champion and during the race ... See full summary »

Director:

Howard Hawks

Writers:

John Bright, Niven Busch,

Stars:

James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Ann Dvorak

Cast

Complete credited cast:
James Cagney	...	Joe Greer
Joan Blondell	...	Anne Scott
Ann Dvorak	...	Lee Merrick
Eric Linden	...	Edward 'Eddie' Greer
Guy Kibbee	...	Pop Greer
Frank McHugh	...	Spud Connors
Billy Arnold	...	Bill, Himself
Leo Nomis	...	Jim
Fred Frame	...	Himself
Ralph Hepburn	...	Himself
Wilbur Shaw	...	Himself
Shorty Cantlon	...	Himself
Mel Keneally	...	Himself
Stubby Stubblefield	...	Himself

Storyline

Famous motor-racing champion Joe Greer returns to his hometown to compete in a local race. He discovers his younger brother has aspirations to become a racing champion and during the race Joe loses his nerve when another driver his killed, leaving his brother to win. Joe's luck takes a plunge while his brother rises to height of fame.

---

Plot Keywords:

indianapolis 500 | car accident | alcohol | automobile racing | sibling rivalry | 

---

Genres:

Drama | Action

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 April 1932 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der Schrei der Masse

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min 70 min (TCM Print)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Frank McHugh plays the same character in the remake titled Indianapolis Speedway. The remake even uses footage of McHugh from the first film to save on production expenses.

---

Connections

Spoofed in The Crowd Snores (1932)

User Reviews

Indianapolis or Bust

Hard-drinking racecar champ James Cagney (as Joe Greer) doesn't want hero-worshiping kid brother Eric Linden (as Eddie Greer) to join in any reindeer games. But, during a visit home, Mr. Cagney learns young Linden has been following in his brother's footsteps. Linden has become a racing enthusiast, with his own hot rod. Although Cagney is worried about risks of death or injury, he admires Linden's skill behind the wheel, and consents to take him on the circuit.

Linden becomes a professional success; and, despite Cagney's attempts to protect him from booze and women, Linden finds both with leggy Joan Blondell (as Anne Scott). His brother's seduction results in Cagney having a falling out with mistress Ann Dvorak (as Lee Merrick), who wants Cagney to quit the dangerous sport, and marry her.

Interestingly, the script identifies the appeal of racing (and this picture) twice, as "watching for wrecks and roaring for blood." Probably, 1932 audiences were more entertained than insulted. Cagney and the cast perform spectacularly, considering the weakness of material.

****** The Crowd Roars (4/16/32) Howard Hawks ~ James Cagney, Eric Linden, Joan Blondell, Ann Dvorak