for them. In April 1949 Rooney announced he would make four films in partnership with producer Sam Stiefel of which Big Wheel would be the first, directed by Edward Ludwig based on a story by Robert Smith. It would be followed by Buckaroo based on an idea by Rooney, and Quicksand. The agreement between Rooney and Stiefel ended before Rooney had made a film due to a financial disagreement. Rooney agreed to make three films for Stiefel as a salaried employer. The producer said Rooney owed him $180,000 and he was paying Rooney $100,000 a film; he was to pay it off at $60,000 a film, and thus would only get $40,000 cash. Filming started 21 June 1949. Wilbur Shaw acted as technical adviser. Rooney's character was based on Mauri Rose. In August 1949 it was announced the film would be produced by Stifel, Harry Popkin and Jack Dempsey. Reception The film was previewed in November 1949. The Los Angeles Times said the track scenes were "thrilling". Lawsuit In January 1950 driver Bill Holland sued Rooney, Dempsey, Popkin, Stifel and his brother for $250,000 in damages claiming the film was based on the 1949 Memorial Day race. Holland won the race and argued the film damaged his reputation by implying he won by a fluke. See also Public domain film List of American films of 1949 List of films in the public domain in the United States References External links 1949 films American sports drama films American black-and-white films 1940s sports drama films 1940s English-language films United Artists films Films directed by Edward Ludwig American auto racing films Articles containing video clips Public domain 1949 drama films 1940s American films