Watch The Loudspeaker

The Loudspeaker is a 1934 American film directed by Joseph Santley and starring Ray Walker, Julie Bishop, and Charley Grapewin. The film revolves around a small-town politician named Wilfred Granger (Grapewin) who runs an illegal horse racing operation. When a drunken argument leads to a young man's death on Granger's property, the politician is exposed and suffers a sudden fall from grace.

Meanwhile, a young couple named Jimmy (Walker) and June (Bishop) are struggling to make ends meet. With a baby on the way, Jimmy can't seem to find work and desperation starts to set in. Eventually, the couple discovers Granger's horse racing operation and that he's using a loudspeaker to communicate with his clients. They hatch a plan to use the loudspeaker to solicit donations from Granger's wealthy clients, posing as a church and claiming they need money to build a new orphanage.

As Jimmy and June's scheme succeeds, they start to attract the attention of the authorities and Granger himself. With the law closing in and their motives being questioned, Jimmy and June must decide whether to continue their deceptive practices or face the consequences of their actions.

The Loudspeaker is a fast-paced drama that offers a glimpse into the seedy world of politics and illegal gambling. The performances by Grapewin, Walker, and Bishop are solid, with Walker and Bishop offering a convincing portrayal of young lovers struggling to survive. The film also highlights the enduring role of the radio in disseminating information and shaping public opinion, something that was still relatively new in the 1930s.

One of The Loudspeaker's strengths is its attention to detail, particularly in its depiction of the horse racing industry. This attention to historical accuracy is due in large part to the fact that the film is based on a story by former jockey Johnny Evers, who had first-hand experience with horse racing.

Overall, The Loudspeaker is a well-crafted drama that holds up well even today. It offers an engaging story, solid performances, and a glimpse into a bygone era of American history. While the film may not have been a box office success when it was released, it remains an interesting artifact of its time and a testament to the enduring appeal of American cinema.