I first watched this movie in 1969 (age 22) and then watched it again in 2020 (age 73). Obviously the message of the older employee being replaced by the younger employee resonates more with me know than when I was 22, particularly after living through a number of recessions.
Boomer sports fans who, like me, enjoy 1960s nostalgia will find this an entertaining movie that captures life in the NFL before the big TV contracts, union protections for players and the publicity of Superbowls. Pay was lower (in real terms), the NFL was majority white, pension plans were meager, it was a more violent game in that players were not protected under the rules against disabling cheap shots and late hits, PTSD did not exist, and guaranteed contracts were largely unheard of. Also there were no cable T.V. networks so post-NFL job opportunities were more limited. Casting a talented black quarterback as Heston's backup challenger was a progressive move on Hollywood's part since there were almost no black quarterbacks in the NFL in 1969.
For older sports fans who can remember the brutal 1964 hit on then N.Y. Giants QB Y.A. Tittle and the picture of him on his knees and bleeding the ending may bring back memories. Apparently that picture made an impression on Heston and influenced the ending. Heston was not finished with football roles; he played the NFL Commissioner in On Any Sunday.
Not great but worth a look if you are a sports fan.
Boomer sports fans who, like me, enjoy 1960s nostalgia will find this an entertaining movie that captures life in the NFL before the big TV contracts, union protections for players and the publicity of Superbowls. Pay was lower (in real terms), the NFL was majority white, pension plans were meager, it was a more violent game in that players were not protected under the rules against disabling cheap shots and late hits, PTSD did not exist, and guaranteed contracts were largely unheard of. Also there were no cable T.V. networks so post-NFL job opportunities were more limited. Casting a talented black quarterback as Heston's backup challenger was a progressive move on Hollywood's part since there were almost no black quarterbacks in the NFL in 1969.
For older sports fans who can remember the brutal 1964 hit on then N.Y. Giants QB Y.A. Tittle and the picture of him on his knees and bleeding the ending may bring back memories. Apparently that picture made an impression on Heston and influenced the ending. Heston was not finished with football roles; he played the NFL Commissioner in On Any Sunday.
Not great but worth a look if you are a sports fan.