Should college football players be paid? That question is still being asked 80 years after this movie asked it.
Van Heflin was 29 years old, perhaps a bit past the age of his college football quarterback character, but he was perfectly believable in what seems to be his fifth movie role. He gives a great performance, and makes me wonder why he wasn't more of a star.
His character's love interest was lovely Marian Marsh, who reminded me of one of the Lane sisters. She was an excellent actress, but her bio here at IMDb tells a heart-breaking story of foolishness on the part of Hollywood studios failing or refusing to recognize her ability.
Several other really excellent and recognizable actors help fill out a superior cast, but to me Al St. John always stands out. He did some mugging, of course, but his mobile features were relatively restrained and his "Andy Jones" character added a lot to the story.
So, should college football players be paid?
I get asked that question every once in a while in surveys I receive on a frequent basis. Frankly, this movie has changed my mind.
"Saturday's Heroes" is extremely well done (with one somewhat noticeable goof in the use of stock footage), filled with exciting 1930s football, a few stereotypes, and that nagging question: Should college football players be paid?
Watch "Saturday's Heroes" and reach your own conclusion. Whatever you think of that proposition, you are bound to like the movie. I do recommend it and hope you like it as much as I do.
