The Crowd
dir. King Vidor · 1928
Plot
Born on the fourth of July, 1900, the future holds unlimited potential for newborn John Sims. But dreams soon fade with the death of his father when John is but a lad. Like many before him, John sets out to make his mark in New York City, but ends up a faceless worker (#137) in a large office of a large business. Still he is happy with his fate and soon meets a young woman named Mary on a blind double date. Things take their course and they soon marry and live in a small apartment. Soon John is bickering with Mary and finds that he has no love for the in-laws. When the marriage looks like a bust, he finds that Mary is with child and he stays. After 5 years, he has a son and a daughter and the same dead end job. When tragedy strikes, John must find the conviction to continue or lose what little he has left.
Why watch
"The Crowd" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the bittersweet essence of dreams deferred and the struggle for identity amidst the anonymity of urban life. King Vidor's masterful storytelling invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys, making it a timeless classic that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt lost in the crowd.
Talking points
- the impact of societal expectations on personal identity
- the nature of love and commitment
- the illusion of the American Dream
- the role of fate in shaping lives