Just watched the 1949 movie The Big Wheel with Mickey Rooney. The story line was as hokey as any thing but the screen shots of midgets and the Speedway are absolutely fantastic. Spoiler alert, winner Bill Holland gave his Borg Warner to 3rd place finisher Cannonball Coy. (Hollywood finish)
Check out "The Crowd Roars" (1932) starring James Cagney. Great racing footage from the 30s.
I knew this movie was re-made but I had to look that one up on Wiki. "Indianapolis Speedway" (1939).
And to go along with movies of the time, yes, a very hokey plot about a driver losing his nerve. "Days of Thunder" took that plot from there. But great vintage footage.
Chiming in live from the West Coast of Michigan.... Mike
Originally Posted by mc/rider:
Just watched the 1949 movie The Big Wheel with Mickey Rooney. The story line was as hokey as any thing but the screen shots of midgets and the Speedway are absolutely fantastic. Spoiler alert, winner Bill Holland gave his Borg Warner to 3rd place finisher Cannonball Coy. (Hollywood finish)
Always like Mickey walking into the Club Argentina trying to get a table. The maitre d asks him his name and he replies, "Alexander Hamilton."
Looking at his list, "I'm sorry but I have no Hamilton here."
Holding out a $10 bill Mick replies, "Well I have a Hamilton here."
