Product Details

• Actors: Mickey Rooney, Thomas Mitchell, Mary Hatcher, Michael O'Shea, Spring Byington
• Directors: Edward Ludwig
• Writers: Robert Smith
• Producers: Harry M. Popkin, Joseph H. Nadel, Mort Briskin, Samuel H. Stiefel
• Format: Black & White, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Image Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: September 26, 2000
• Run Time: 92 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004W194
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,059 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "The Big Wheel" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Restless and reckless, Mickey Rooney is "The Big Wheel!" All grown up, Rooney stars as Billy Coy, the son of a famous Indianapolis 500 race car driver who died in a fiery crash in the last laps of the race. Always living in the shadow of his father, Billy races his way to the Indy 500 to face his fears and claim his family legacy. Action-packed race car footage filmed at the famed speedway with plenty of dizzy skids and crashes for race fans and action lovers. Spectacular footage, romance and music. Great stars, top notch entertainment!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Big Wheel gets the Green Light!, March 8, 2001

By	Rae73 (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

"The Big Wheel" is a must see for all racing fans. This classic story of a son living up to his fathers name and reputation is as relevant today as it was in the Forties.Mickey Rooney gives a fine performance in his own imitable style aided by a strong support cast including Thomas Mitchell, Michael O'shea and Mary Hatcher and starring the legendary Indianapolis Raceway as the backdrop. Even if you aren't a race fan you'll enjoy the classic racing footage that'll have you on the edge of your seat.5 cheers for "The Big Wheel".

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A movie for old racers, May 19, 2009

By	L. Stark - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Big Wheel (DVD)

I saw this movie when it first came out. The story is the usual formula for racing movies. It is well done in this case. The action scenes are great fun. I recommend this movie to anyone who has an interest in auto racing.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for Mickey Rooney and Race Car Fans, September 9, 2008

By	Corn Boy - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Big Wheel (DVD)

I saw The Big Wheel as a kid and remembered that not only was it a good, albeit "simple" Mickey Rooney movie, it was also an interesting movie about vintage car racing. I bought this movie to watch with my 83 year old mother who loves old movies. My fear was that the movie though good in it's time, would not relate to today's standards of high drama. I'll have to admit that the plot was simple, yet enjoyable as a typical Mickey Rooney flic. But what was most fascinating to me was the excellent historical footage of Indy car races during the 1940's. If you think that race car drivers are courageous heroes today, watch this movie. I am a race car fan of all types and can not believe the lack of saftey features during that time. Forget about fire retardant driving suits with gloves etc. These guys wore short sleeve everyday shirts and no gloves. I'm surprised they wore helmets but nothing like todays head gear. What struck me the most was the fact that seatbelts were not even worn. Historical footage of early Indy 500 races showed drivers regularly being thrown out of burning cars. Any car that was headed for the wall either went over it or through it. I wonder how many men died at an average Indy type car race in that era. Footage of spectacular firey crashes were abundant in this film. Even if you are not a Mickey Rooney fan or don't even like old movies, you owe it to yourself to see this film for it's historical content if you are a car racing fan.