Watch The Crowd Roars

The Crowd Roars is a 1932 film directed by Howard Hawks and starring James Cagney, Joan Blondell, and Ann Dvorak. The movie tells the story of a young race car driver, Joe Greer (James Cagney), and his struggle to maintain his winning streak while dealing with the high-stakes world of racing and the temptations that come with it. Joe is a talented driver who is just starting to make a name for himself on the racing circuit. He is also incredibly cocky and has a reputation for taking unnecessary risks on the track. When he meets Anne (Joan Blondell), a beautiful and spunky woman who works for a rival racer, he starts to question his reckless behavior and begins to realize that there is more to life than just winning.

As the story unfolds, Joe's relationship with Anne deepens while his rivalry with a scheming driver named Spud Connors (Eric Linden) heats up. Meanwhile, Joe's brother Eddie (Frank McHugh), who works as his mechanic, struggles with alcoholism and becomes a source of tension and concern for Joe.

The movie is a fast-paced, action-packed drama that captures the excitement and danger of early auto racing. The racing scenes are thrilling and well-choreographed, and the movie does a great job of highlighting the risks that drivers took in order to win. The film also delves into the behind-the-scenes world of racing, including the intense pressure to win and the corruption that sometimes comes with it.

But The Crowd Roars is more than just a racing movie. It's also a complex character study that explores themes of loyalty, temptation, and self-discovery. James Cagney delivers a standout performance as Joe Greer, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional. Cagney's natural charisma and energy are on full display, and he convincingly conveys Joe's inner struggle as he tries to reconcile his desire to win with his growing conscience.

Joan Blondell is also fantastic as Anne, bringing a feisty, independent spirit to the role. She is a strong and intelligent character who is not afraid to speak her mind or challenge the men around her. Ann Dvorak, who plays Joe's girlfriend, is also excellent in her role, bringing heart and vulnerability to a character who is often caught in the middle of the drama.

Overall, The Crowd Roars is a well-crafted and engaging movie that still holds up today. It's a testament to the talent of Howard Hawks, James Cagney, and the rest of the cast and crew that the film remains so enjoyable to watch nearly 90 years after its release. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood movies, racing films, or character-driven dramas, The Crowd Roars is definitely worth a watch.

The Crowd Roars is a 1932 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.