Crowd-Horror

Introduction

“Crowd Horror” is set against the backdrop of professional boxing, illustrating the dramatic and emotional journey of Slade Costigan, a gifted but troubled boxer, whose career is profoundly affected by his psychological struggles, particularly his reaction to the crowd’s influence.

One of Howard’s early boxing stories that didn’t develop into an ongoing series. It was returned by Argosy with a request to cut the length circa March 1929. It was accepted and published in Argosy All-Story Weekly on July 20th, 1929. Howard got $100 for the story.

In a long letter (#103) to Tevis Clyde Smith, circa March 1929 we learn:

Upon my return I found a returned manuscript from Argosy with a letter saying the story was good but too long, and if I’d reduce it to 6,000 words they’d take it. The original was 13,000 and I’ve worked myself into a state of nervous exhaustion and after rewriting and rewriting it’s still 8,000 and if I shave it down any more it won’t make sense. Therefore I guess I don’t sell it.

But after receiving good news from the magazine we learn that he had placed the story. In the letter (#106) written to Argosy All-Story Weekly, circa spring 1929 we learn:

I have been selling stories since the age of eighteen and I am unusually proud and glad to have placed “Crowd Horror” with this magazine, for I have been a reader of Argosy for years—since before the combining of Argosy with All-Story. I suppose I have every Argosy I ever bought, for I have a stack of back numbers about four feet high.

The entire letter was published in the Argosy All-Story Weekly July 20, 1929 issue.

And the good news in another letter (#107) to Tevis, circa April 1929:

On my return here I found a returned mss. from Adventure, with a line or two from the assistant editor, telling me to submit some more of my work, and soon after returning I got a letter from Argosy, accepting that story that I told you about. They said it was still far too long but they’d cut it down and make the necessary changes themselves. The day after getting that letter I got a check from them for $100.

‘Crowd-Horror’ also got a letter from a reader. In a letter (#165) from May 18th, he tells Tevis:

P.S. I got a letter from a kid in Kansas, who had recently read my “Crowd-Horror” in Argosy; he said he was affected the same way, and wanted to know what to do about it.

Summary

Slade Costigan, known for his tremendous physical strength and resilience in the ring, battles a unique form of mass hypnotism that affects his performance. Initially portrayed as an unstoppable force, his tendency to revert to a mindless, aggressive fighting style under the crowd’s roar becomes his Achilles’ heel. His boxing career takes a transformative turn with the presence of Gloria, whose encouragement enables him to harness his skills strategically, shifting from a mere brawler to a tactical boxer.

The story spans across various pivotal fights in Costigan’s career, highlighting his internal struggle and the external influences shaping his path. From his initial battles in carnival tents to major bouts that could lead him to a championship, his journey is marred by brutal physical contests and the mental battle within. The turning point comes when Gloria, after a temporary departure due to a personal spat, returns to support him. Her presence and voice cut through the chaos, enabling Costigan to focus and fight with precision, eventually leading him to triumph against formidable opponents.

Characters

  • Slade Costigan: The protagonist, a powerful boxer with a potential for greatness, hindered by his psychological reaction to crowds, which causes him to fight recklessly.
  • Gloria: Costigan’s love interest, whose encouragement becomes the key to unlocking his true potential in the ring. Her departure and return are pivotal to Costigan’s development and success.
  • Steve Harmer: Costigan’s manager, who recognizes Slade’s talent and struggles, supporting him through ups and downs. He narrates the story, providing insights into the boxing world and Costigan’s personal journey.
  • Young Firpo, Joe Handler, Sailor Sloan, Ace Banning, Buffalo Gonzalez: Various opponents that Costigan faces throughout his career, each presenting different challenges that test his physical and mental resilience.
  • The Crowd: An abstract yet influential character, whose collective roar triggers Costigan’s psychological struggle, impacting his performance until Gloria’s support helps him overcome this hurdle.

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