Watch Rubber Tires

Rubber Tires is a classic silent film from 1927 that beautifully captures the essence of an era in American history when the automobile was the latest craze. Directed by Alan Hale, the movie stars Bessie Love as Claire, a young woman who is enamored with the prospect of working with automobiles. She becomes a race car driver and takes on her father's rival, Badger Baines, who is played by Erwin Connelly. Frank Coghlan Jr. co-stars in the movie, portraying Claire's younger brother who is supportive of her career aspirations.

The movie is set in a time when the mechanical invention of the automobile was transforming society. The newly created infrastructure of roads and highways promised to connect people across vast distances, and the invention of the automobile seemed like a harbinger of even greater things to come. In this context, Rubber Tires portrays the rise of women in fields that were traditionally dominated by men. Claire is representative of this spirit of change, as she defies the societal norms of her time by becoming a race car driver.

The movie begins with Claire's father, Tom, who is a garage owner and a former race car driver. He is determined to prevent his daughter from following in his footsteps, but Claire is determined to pursue her passion. When traveling race car driver Badger Baines arrives in town, Claire is immediately drawn to him. She begins helping him fix his car and is thrilled when Badger invites her to help him during a race.

Claire proves to be an excellent mechanic and an even better driver, impressing Badger with her skill behind the wheel. But their friendship is short-lived as Badger and Tom become bitter rivals. The two men constantly bicker, and their feud reaches a boiling point at the big race. Claire, who is competing against Badger, is determined to beat him and prove to her father that she is just as capable as any man.

The race scenes in Rubber Tires are thrilling, even by today's standards. The camera stays close to the action, capturing the drivers as they speed around the curves and crash into barriers. The stunts are impressive, especially considering the lack of safety equipment in that time period. It's easy to see why race car driving was such a popular spectator sport during the era.

At its core, Rubber Tires is a movie about family and the struggles of coming of age. Claire's relationship with her father is strained, and she longs for his approval. She is also a role model for her younger brother, who admires her fearlessness and determination. The movie shows Claire's journey from a girl who dreams of being a race car driver to a confident young woman who doesn't let anyone stand in her way.

Overall, Rubber Tires is a delightful film that is sure to entertain viewers of all ages. It's a testament to the ingenuity of early filmmakers and their ability to tell compelling stories without the aid of sound or color. The film is an important part of American cultural history and a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of the automobile and the role of women in early 20th-century America.

Rubber Tires is a 1927 comedy with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.