The Crowd (1928)

Born on the Fourth of July in 1900, John Sims arrives into the world amid the fireworks of promise and potential. His dreams, however, are prematurely extinguished with the passing of his father during his tender years. Undeterred, a grown John, fueled by the prophecy of his family's high expectations, sets out for the magnificent metropolis of New York City. He aspires to carve his name into the bedrock of the city, but instead becomes a cog in the vast machinery of a corporate giant, reduced to a mere number: Worker #137. In the city's relentless rhythm, John finds an unexpected tune - a charming young woman named Mary, whom he meets on a blind double date. Love blossoms in the concrete jungle, and the two souls intertwine their destinies, sealing their bond in marriage. They build their nest in a modest apartment, but the initial euphoria fades as the reality of mundane life seeps in. Strains appear in their relationship, and John's discontentment with his in-laws adds to the discord. Just when their marital ship appears destined for rocky shores, the news of Mary's pregnancy anchors them together. Time accumulates like unnoticed dust, and they find themselves five years into their marriage with a son and a daughter, while John is still trapped in the same corporate labyrinth. When an unexpected tragedy strikes, John stands at life's crossroads. He must summon the courage to move forward, or risk losing the fragments of happiness he's painstakingly collected. John's journey of self-realization begins when he confronts the harsh truth: he himself is the architect of his life. Will he rise from the ashes of his own disillusionment and walk towards greatness, or will his dreams remain forever buried under the weight of his excuses? His path unfolds in The Crowd, a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience amid life's relentless trials.

The Crowd is a drama movie featuring Eleanor Boardman.

The Crowd is currently streaming on TCM.