Idol of the Crowds
Idol of the Crowds is a 1937 American sports drama film directed by Arthur Lubin and starring John Wayne as an ice hockey player. It was one of a series of non-Westerns Wayne made for Universal. The film was originally called Hell on Ice but the Hays Office requested this be changed. Plot The New York Panthers ice hockey team is struggling in the standings. A scouting team headed by Kelly (Hopton) heads to Maine where they've heard of a promising former amateur player. He turns out to be John Hanson (Wayne), now a chicken farmer. Hanson does not wish to return to the game, but when he learns how much money he can make, he agrees solely so he can make enough to upgrade his farm. His skills make him an instant sensation, but as the team heads toward the championship series, he runs afoul of crooked gamblers and the beautiful woman (Bromley) they tempt him with. Cast John Wayne as Johnny Hanson Sheila Bromley as Helen Dale Charles Brokaw as Jack Irwin Bill Burrud as Bobby Jane Johns as Peggy Huntley Gordon as Harvey Castle Frank Otto as Joe Garber Russell Hopton as Kelly Hal Neiman as Squat