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Speed Madness

Speed Madness (1932)

Jul 29, 1932 1h Action Adventure

More mile-a-minute action with the stunt ace Richard Talmadge playing the loafer son of a shipbuilder facing financial ruin. Bob Stuart takes charge of the company's development of a new speedboat - unaware that gangsters and saboteurs want to thwart them and won't stop at murder. Filled with gymnastic action-packed fights, Speed Madness is "a knockout for fans who cheer the hero and hiss the villain.

Directed by George Crone

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • George Crone

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Speed Madness distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director George Crone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1932, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Speed Madness took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 949 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1932, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Speed Madness shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Metal Skin, which focuses more on action than character development, Speed Madness subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Too Many Kisses and The Green Hornet explore similar territory, Speed Madness stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 29, 1932
  • Runtime: 1h

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