Saturday's Millions

"Saturday's Millions" is a frustrating film. On one hand, it has a great story idea...a timeless one that is as timely then as it is today. But, on the other, its main character is too often a caricature....and this stongly impacts the effectiveness of the story.

The film begins with Jim's father (Grant Mitchell) coming to his old college to see his son (Robert Young) in his final college game. Jim apparently is a huge star and is beloved by everyone, but soon it becomes clear that Jim is a skunk...a guy with little character and who is only concerned with himself. Instead of team spirit, Jim drinks, sells his complimentary football tickets and gambles on the games! He also treats his 'friends' as if they are his servants...and there really is very little to like about him. What's next for this jerk and his sad father?

The idea of a college student flaunting the rules and being a fathead is great. It's the sort of thing that STILL happens a lot today, so the basic story idea is sound. But there is a huge problem...Jim is too transparent and he OPENLY engages in all these illegal activities. Had the film shown Jim to be a jerk but he hid this, it would have seemed MUCH more realistic and believable.

It's all a shame, as the basic story is great and most of the characters in the film are good (with the exception of Andy Devine...who is wasted and annoying)...especially the idea of having Jim's father see just how despicable his son has become. Also, if you like these sort of talented jerks getting their comeuppance films, try some of William Haines' films (most of which are silents) as this is practically the only types of movies he made.

Yes, this is yet another entry in the seemingly endless "big game" genre. But at least we have it and the stars all do good jobs. Sort of surprising to see MGM biggies Leila Hyams and Robert Young in a Universal Studios production, what, Thalberg had no work for them? Ultra-blondes Hyams, Mary Carlisle, and Lucille Lund are all gorgeous but as usual, brunette Mary Doran is riveting in her patented seductive way. She should have been a much bigger star. I rated this higher than it really deserves but it is well worth watching.

Robert Young is the star football player at his college, an athlete who looks fated to carry his team to victory. However, he believes it's a racket, with the college making money off the games, so he wants to take his share. In fact, he's franchised himself, with several businesses, all of which seem to result in classmate Andy Devine being sent hither and yon on various errands that prevent him from meeting up with Mary Carlisle.

This sturdy precode offers a cynical view of college football, that would disappear from the movies the next year, but it's got a heart full of mush at the end. College football continues to be big business, with leading football coaches pulling down millions. Perhaps this is why there are a lot of former footballers in the game, from Johnny Mack Brown to Dutch Hendrian. With Leila Hyams, Grant Mitchell, Richard Tucker, and Paul Porcasi.