Grimerlana Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated

ShangLuda Admirable film.

Tayyab Torres Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

gamay9 This 1953 film was released before the chaos of betting on football, recruiting college players with offers of cars, money, other gifts....before most Catholic churches were in no threat of financial peril....it's just a 'Nostradamus' of film making. That's why I gave it an '8.' The script is splendid! John Wayne, who has been criticized by some film critics (those who wear armor) as a grade 'B' actor was very well-cast and believable; but, it was Sherry Jackson who stole the show. I remember her from 'Make Room For Daddy' aka 'The Danny Thomas Show.' In our subject film, the rest of her body had not caught up with her butt, but as she aged, she was beautiful. In this film, she only had to be precocious, not attractive, as she did very well.There were many good one-liners in this film, which I saw just yesterday on TCM, but I can't recall any. I guess I'll watch it again and take notes this time.Donna Reed and Charles Coburn were also fantastic. Had the film been made today, there would have been some sensuality between Wayne and Reed, but Mom always told me John Wayne only kissed his horse. I was eleven then.

frncsbrennan This was a John Wayne Film I hadn't seen before, and I was surprised that it was so good. Wayne played it nice and low key, with a bit of humor thrown in. There's a real chemistry between John Wayne and Donna Reed, who plays a social worker that is being used by Steve Williams' (Wayne) ex-wife to take his daughter away from him. But little Shirley Jackson really steals the show as Waynes wise-cracking tomboy daughter, Carol. (Who would have thought that little tomboy would grow up into one of the most beautiful women ever to be on film.) She reminded me of Lucy (Quinn Cummmings) in The Goodbye Girl. Charles Coburn is tops as usual, playing the old priest who is desperate to save his college, St. Anthonys, and he turns to Wayne for help. And a crew cut Chuck Conners has a small bit as one of coach Williams assistants. All around, a very entertaining film; which is no surprise with Michael Curtiz as the director.

edwagreen This is definitely a wonderful change of pace for John Wayne. He is a wonderfully, sympathetic character here and he gets great supporting work from Charles Coburn, Sherry Jackson, Marie Windsor and others.When St. Anthony's College is threatened with closure due to failing finances, the rector of the college, played with dignity, reverence and a bit of humor by the fabulous Charles Coburn, the latter enlists the help of a down and out football coach (Wayne) who is in the midst of a custody battle with his wife over the child she walked out on years ago.Sherry Jackson certainly makes room for this daddy in this film. She would later play Danny Thomas's daughter in that much beloved television series of that name.The ending may not be to everyone's liking but this is definitely a heartwarming tale of a head priest admitting that he has been selfish, the problems associated with college football, but a myriad of warm, personal relationships.Donna Reed is also great as the social worker who finally sees Wayne for the good man he really is.I wish that John Wayne had made more pictures like this.

Joseph Harder One of the unknown minor masterpieces of Curtiz, and a very fine, well modulated performance by John Wayne.Its probably the best-and the frankest-film about college football ever put on the screen.Its rich in human interest and well acted by all the principals.