Knute Rockne All American

A larger than life football coach, and all-American hero has his story retold after his untimely death at the height of his career. You can't call yourself an authentic football fan without knowing the Knute Rockne story, and it is a wonderful life story well told. Pat O'Brien turns in a remarkable performance as Knute, and Ronald Reagan captures the rebellious spirit of George Gipp, forever known as "Winning one for the Gipper." A can't miss movie, please do not be off-put by the black and white film. It better captures the era.

This syrupy, earnest and often rousing portrait of legendary football coach Knute Rockne from childhood to death is heavily reliant on the accounts of his widow. The film is done in the heartwarming Americana style of Frank Capra: Themes like the self made man, American prosperity, religious belief, and patriotism are strong. The great Irish American actor Pat O'Brien, too old to be believable in his early scenes as a 20-something college student, nevertheless makes a great Rockne. Rockne, a Scandinavian immigrant, moves with his family to Chicago, grows up playing football, and attends the fledgling Catholic University of Notre Dame after working for a few years as a laborer. There he shows skill in chemistry and football, but pursues the latter, helping revolutionize the game of football with increased use of the forward pass in a game against Army. He later rises to become Notre Dame's football coach before dying in an airplane accident on the way to film a documentary about his team on the West Coast. Some neat things about the film are its use of real Notre Dame game footage, the Notre Dame band, and campus location footage that give a real sense of the school's legendary pride and fervent Catholicism. In a brief but showy turn, future American President Ronald Reagan gets the role of his lifetime as George Gipp, whose early death coined the phrase "win one for the gipper.'

Knute Rockne All American is a movie that stands the test of time. It's viewing suitable for the entire family. Knute Rockne was truly a visionary. Not only was he arguably the greatest coach of all time, he passed on a chance at being a professor of chemistry to mold the lives of young men. Pat O'Brien does a great job in the role of Rockne and our 40th President, Ronald Reagan, is outstanding in his role as the legendary George Gipp. It's also a rare treat that cameos are made by college coaching icons Amos Alonzo Stagg, Glenn "Pop" Warner and Howard Jones.

This is a classic both among sports movies and as a profile of memorable times and personalities in American culture. On its own, the casting of Pat O'Brien and Ronald Reagan in lead roles make the movie a gem. You don't have to love Notre Dame to enjoy this film, though it helps, of course.

It's a true story with larger than life personalities who had a real sense of dedication, a moral compass,a passion for the game, and a large dose of patriotism. It was an inspirational story that touched one's heart and soul. And I'm not a dyed-in-the-wool football fan but I saw the movie on t.v. and decided to purchase it for my son-in-law for Christmas. He is a proud graduate of Notre Dame University and is a huge football fan. The fact that it is an old movie, the original production, will not matter. It is the compelling story of Knute Rockne, one of the most famous coaches of Notre Dame University. Loved it.

Earlier in my life, I actually saw Pat O'Brien in person at a summer playhouse in Denver and he reinacted a few of the speeches, which he did of Knute Rockne in this film. It was great to see them again and now I can watch over & over, anytime I want. Also, a young Ronald Reagan plays a very interesting "Gipper" character. Didn't realize "the Gipper" was a walk-on at Notre Dame, ... or is that part just a Hollywood fantasy? Loved the old football footage.

inspiring, interesting and entertaining!

Rudy is a legend in his own mind! He may have written a story that captures the spirit of young dreamers; however, Knute Rockne is the real deal! As a double domer from a domer family, Knute Rockne, the movie, was played in Washington Hall to the incoming freshmen at ND every year. Ronald Reagon portrayed the good side of the Gipper (domers know the naughty side) and it's a true inspiration. Rock, Gip, and the real ND players left it on the field of play and this movie tells the story of Notre Dame football's rise to legendary status. And, the campus shots are wonderful and the stuff memories are made of.

This is a good story about a pioneer coach of early American college football. The weak link is Ronald Reagan as a football player. He lacks credibility and motivation in his role. The fact he became the best actor as the President of the United States is a slight distraction in this movie. There are no special effects which means a movie with a story. The plot is simple and ordinary. My grandfather enjoyed it and so will your grandfather. I enjoyed it too, but this is an average movie of a special person in football history.

Not well done. Ronald Regan only has a very small part. Don't waste your time or money !