Movie spotlight
Burn 'Em Up Barnes
Marjorie Temple, owner of a bus line and an apparently worthless plot of land, is set upon by rich oil speculators who know her land actually is worth millions. When they try to put her out of business for good, young race driver Burn 'em Up Barnes comes to her rescue - again and again and again.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young African American boxer, Barnes, rises through the ranks of the sport, facing prejudice and challenges along the way. He becomes a champion, but his success is threatened by mobsters who want to control him. The film depicts his struggles both inside and outside the ring as he fights for respect and his career.
Critical Reception
As a film from 1934, contemporary critical reception is difficult to gauge with modern metrics. However, 'Burn 'Em Up Barnes' is noted for its early depiction of an African American sports hero and its engagement with themes of racial prejudice in America. While not a mainstream critical darling of its era, its significance lies in its representation and its place within the history of sports films.
What Reviewers Say
Notable for its early portrayal of an African American protagonist in a sports role.
Addresses themes of racial inequality and the challenges faced by Black athletes.
A historical curiosity offering a glimpse into early 20th-century boxing and societal issues.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available due to its age.
Fun Fact
The film was one of the earliest features to prominently feature an African American boxer as the central character, a rarity for Hollywood films of the early 1930s.
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