Hawks actually just nicked a story Warners already owned set in a circus and changed it to the world of racing, which he himself had been in as a young man. For rather questionable reasons, older brother racing champ James Cagney chucks his long time girl Ann Dvorak when his brother Eric Linden gets into the business - the latter's head has been turned by her friend Joan Blondell. By way of revenge, Blondell seduces the boy, but falls in love for real, causing a rift between him and his brother. Cagney acts like an unattractive asshole.
Some quite exciting racetrack stuff, in terrible dirt conditions, or in fiery crashes (one of which claims Frank McHugh - well, we knew he was a goner because he forgot to take his lucky mascot kids boots out on the track with him).
Has a crazy ending where the brothers race each other to hospital then fades out abruptly after an hour 10.
Not one of the best Hawks, photographed by later collaborator Sid Hickox, and John Stumar.
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