The Crowd Roars (1938)

The Crowd Roars Poster

A young boxer gets caught between a no-good father and a crime boss when he starts dating the boss's daughter, although she doesn't know what daddy does for a living.

Introduction
"The Crowd Roars" is a sports drama film launched in 1938. Directed by Richard Thorpe and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the movie stars Robert Taylor, Edward Arnold, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Frank Morgan. Embed in the world of expert boxing, the plot follows the story of an appealing young fighter and his complex relationship with his daddy and girlfriend.

Plot
Robert Taylor plays the role of Tommy McCoy, a young, negligent, skilled fighter from New York City's Hell's Kitchen area. His alcoholic dad, Brian McCoy, represented by Edward Arnold, supports Tommy's boxing profession, in spite of disapproval from Tommy's friend, Johnny Martin, Frank Morgan's character. Maureen O'Sullivan stars as Sheila Carson, Tommy's love interest.

Tommy wins a staged battle against a judgment champ thanks to a tough punch in a bar brawl, catching the attention of promoter Jim Cain, who becomes his supervisor. His fast success fires up a strained relationship in between him and his father, Brian, who functions as his fitness instructor. The familial tension is highlighted when Tommy's father bets on his kid's opponent to generate income to assist release his child's career.

Dispute and Resolution
Sheila, who boxing, leaves him when she witnesses the violence of the sport firsthand after Tommy accidentally eliminates an opponent in the ring. After this occurrence, Tommy drowns himself in alcohol and careless behavior, mimicking his dad's practices. This down spiral causes a decrease in his boxing performance and frustrating beats that destroy his image.

In a twist of fate, Tommy's best friend, Johnny, attempts to help him get his life back on track and reunites him with Sheila, leading to a subtle romantic reunion. Motivated by this reconciliation, Tommy gradually begins to tame his defiant nature and alcohol addiction. His return to the sport is also helped by a modification in his fighting design, adopting a more thoughtful, tactical approach.

Climax and Conclusion
The climax of the movie occurs in a rematch where Tommy avenges his defeat to a fighter who had previously beaten him during his intoxicated haze period. This exhilarating match is an emotional rollercoaster, demonstrating not just Tommy's boxing expertise but also his personal growth.

In the end, reconciled with his dad, back together with Sheila, and having restored his initial boxing credibility, Tommy enjoys a triumphant comeback. He emerges not just as a boxing champ however also as a male who got rid of individual hardship.

Total Review
"The Crowd Roars" is an interesting movie full of individual struggles, family drama, and redemptive arcs. Its boxing setting deals excitement, however it's the relational dynamics, internal disputes, and personal development of the characters that form the heart of the film. Robert Taylor provides an engaging efficiency, portraying a transformative journey from a talented yet brash fighter to a fully grown, strategic boxer and man. The other cast members, notably Edward Arnold and Maureen O'Sullivan, offer solid support, including depth and feeling to the narrative. This movie presents a captivating take on triumph, redemption, and the compelling truth of the boxing world.

Top Cast

  • Robert Taylor (small)
    Robert Taylor
    'Killer' McCoy
  • Edward Arnold (small)
    Edward Arnold
    Jim Cain
  • Frank Morgan (small)
    Frank Morgan
    Brian McCoy
  • Maureen O'Sullivan (small)
    Maureen O'Sullivan
    Sheila 'Shelia' Carson
  • William Gargan (small)
    William Gargan
    Johnny Martin
  • Lionel Stander (small)
    Lionel Stander
    'Happy' Lane
  • Jane Wyman (small)
    Jane Wyman
    Vivian
  • Nat Pendleton (small)
    Nat Pendleton
    'Pug' Walsh
  • Charles D. Brown (small)
    Charles D. Brown
    Bill Thorne
  • Gene Reynolds (small)
    Gene Reynolds
    Tommy McCoy, as a boy
  • Don Barry (small)
    Don Barry
    Pete Mariola