Movie spotlight
Idol of the Crowds
Retired hockey player Johnny Hansen, in order to make money to enlarge his chicken farm, returns to the game and leads his team into the championship series. Just before the series starts, he is offered a bribe to throw the games but refuses. An attempt is made on his life which results in Bobby, the team's mascot, being injured.
Insights
Plot Summary
A promising young boxer, Johnny Jones, is lured away from his career by a scheming gambler who sees him as a pawn in his illegal schemes. Johnny becomes entangled in a web of corruption and betrayal, finding his loyalties tested as he navigates the dark side of the sports world. He must fight not only in the ring but also against the forces trying to manipulate his life and career for their own gain.
Critical Reception
Idol of the Crowds was a modest B-movie production that received mixed to positive reviews for its energetic pacing and John Wayne's performance, though some critics found the plot somewhat predictable. It was generally seen as a competent, entertaining sports drama of its era.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its fast-paced boxing sequences.
John Wayne's early performance as a determined athlete was a highlight.
The narrative, while engaging, followed familiar boxing film tropes.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this 1937 film is not widely available through current Google review metrics.
Fun Fact
Although John Wayne would later become synonymous with Westerns, this film showcased his early talent in sports dramas, demonstrating his versatility as an actor before his iconic cowboy roles.
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