The Wrecker (1929)
A daring British crime drama featuring one of cinema's most legendary practical stunts — a full-scale train crash captured by 22 cameras.
The Wrecker - Movie Information
The Wrecker - Plot
The Wrecker is a British film that tells the story of a crook who organises train crashes to discredit the railway, in favour of a rival bus company. The stunts in this film were groundbreaking for 1920s British cinema A scene wich has been discribed as "the most spectacular rail crash in cinema history" was recorded by 22 cameras.
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The Wrecker - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Géza von Bolváry
Main Cast
- Carlyle Blackwell
- Benita Hume
- Joseph Striker
- Winter Hall
- Gordon Harker
- Pauline Johnson
- Leonard Thompson
Writers
- Arnold Ridley
- Reginald Berkeley
- Bernard Merivale
- Benno Vigny
- Angus MacPhail
Producers
- Josef Somlo
- Hermann Fellner
- Arnold Pressburger
The Wrecker - FAQs
What is The Wrecker (1929) about?
The Wrecker follows a criminal who deliberately orchestrates a series of train crashes to undermine public confidence in the railway, all to benefit a competing bus company. The film is celebrated for its breathtaking stunt sequences, particularly a monumental rail crash captured by 22 cameras simultaneously.
Why was the train crash in The Wrecker so famous?
The train crash sequence in The Wrecker has been described as "the most spectacular rail crash in cinema history." It was a genuine, full-scale wreck recorded simultaneously by 22 cameras, representing an extraordinary technical and logistical achievement for British filmmaking in the late 1920s.
Where can you stream The Wrecker (1929)?
Streaming availability for The Wrecker varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any rental, purchase, or subscription platforms carrying this 1929 British classic, by visiting JustWatch, which tracks up-to-date availability across all major streaming services.
Who directed The Wrecker in 1929?
The Wrecker was directed by Géza von Bolváry, a Hungarian-born filmmaker who worked across European cinema during the silent and early sound era. His direction of the film's large-scale practical stunt sequences demonstrated considerable ambition and technical skill for the period.
Who are the main actors in The Wrecker?
The Wrecker stars Carlyle Blackwell as Ambrose Barney, Benita Hume as Mary Shelton, and Joseph Striker as Roger Doyle. The supporting cast includes Winter Hall, Gordon Harker, Pauline Johnson, and Leonard Thompson, rounding out this British crime drama's ensemble.
When was The Wrecker released?
The Wrecker was released on July 16, 1929, in the United Kingdom. It was produced as a British film with German co-production involvement, arriving at a pivotal moment when cinema was transitioning from the silent era to sound filmmaking.
Is The Wrecker based on a true story?
The Wrecker is not based on a specific true story. It is adapted from a stage play, with the screenplay crafted by Arnold Ridley, Reginald Berkeley, Bernard Merivale, Benno Vigny, and Angus MacPhail. The narrative of sabotaging railways for commercial gain, however, reflects real anxieties of the era.
What genre is The Wrecker (1929)?
The Wrecker is a Crime Drama. It blends thriller-style plotting — centred on deliberate acts of railway sabotage — with dramatic character conflict, making it a compelling example of late silent-era British genre filmmaking that pushed the boundaries of on-screen spectacle.
More About The Wrecker
Explore further details about this 1929 British classic on the following resources.