Idol of the Crowds 1937
Step into the rink with *Idol of the Crowds* (1937), a gripping pre-war sports drama directed by Arthur Lubin. This 60-minute gem follows Johnny Hansen, a retired hockey star who returns to the game to fund his humble chicken farm, only to face a far more sinister challenge.
Director: Arthur Lubin
Cast
John Wayne
Johnny Hanson
Sheila Bromley
Helen Dale
Charles Brokaw
Jack Irwin
Bill Burrud
Bobby (as Billy Burrud)
Jane Johns
Peggy
Huntley Gordon
Harvey Castle
Frank Otto
Joe Garber
Russell Hopton
Kelly
Hal Neiman
Squat Bates
Virginia Brissac
Mrs. Dale
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Idol of the Crowds (1937) about?
This 1937 drama follows Johnny Hansen, a retired hockey player who returns to the game to save his chicken farm. Just as he leads his team to the championship, he's offered a bribe to throw the series—and faces life-threatening consequences when he refuses.
Who directed Idol of the Crowds?
Idol of the Crowds was directed by Arthur Lubin, known for his work in early Hollywood sports and adventure films.
Who stars in Idol of the Crowds?
The film stars John Wayne as Johnny Hansen, alongside Sheila Bromley, Charles Brokaw, and Bill Burrud.
Is Idol of the Crowds (1937) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *Idol of the Crowds* offers a compelling mix of action and drama with John Wayne's early charisma. Fans of vintage sports films and underdog stories will likely find its moral stakes and period charm engaging.
How long is Idol of the Crowds?
Idol of the Crowds runs for 60 minutes.
About Idol of the Crowds (1937) — Retired athlete faces bribery and danger on the ice
Step into the rink with *Idol of the Crowds* (1937), a gripping pre-war sports drama directed by Arthur Lubin. This 60-minute gem follows Johnny Hansen, a retired hockey star who returns to the game to fund his humble chicken farm, only to face a far more sinister challenge. As he leads his team toward a high-stakes championship, Hansen becomes the target of a dangerous bribery scheme to fix the series. When he refuses, his refusal sparks a violent retaliation that puts an innocent life in peril. With its mix of underdog grit and off-ice drama, the film captures the raw tension of professional sports in an era when honor meant everything.
Starring the rugged John Wayne in one of his early roles, *Idol of the Crowds* blends romance and drama against a backdrop of hard-earned triumph. Wayne's performance anchors a cast that brings authenticity to the locker-room camaraderie and personal stakes at play. The story unfolds with a relentless pace, mirroring the intensity of a championship run and the moral dilemmas that define true heroes.
