Knute Rockne, All American (1940)

In 1892, Lars Rockne and his family, including his four-year-old son Knute, emigrate from Norway to Chicago. By his mid-twenties, Knute has saved enough money to attend the relatively unknown Notre Dame University, where he excels in both football and chemistry. Along with a teammate, Knute develops the forward pass while working as a lifeguard one summer, later using it to upset a heavily favored Army team in a historic game. After graduation, Knute becomes a teacher and part-time coach but eventually leaves academics to dedicate himself entirely to football. As head coach at Notre Dame, he mentors outstanding players such as George Gipp (whose life is cut short by illness) and the Four Horsemen. Rockne introduces innovative tactics, including the backfield shift, and is renowned for his motivational speeches. He is devoted to maintaining the integrity of football and promoting it as an important element in shaping the American character. Cast: - Pat O'Brien as Knute Rockne - Gale Page as Bonnie Skiles Rockne - Ronald Reagan as George Gipp - Donald Crisp as Father John Cavanaugh - Albert Bassermann as Father Julius Nieuwland - John Litel as Committee Chairman - Henry O'Neill as Doctor - Owen Davis, Jr. as Gus Dorias - John Qualen as Lars Knutson Rockne - Dorothy Tree as Martha Rockne - Johnny Sheffield as Knute, Age 7 - Howard Jones as Himself - Glenn "Pop" Warner as Himself - Alonzo Stagg as Himself - William "Bill" Spaulding as Himself - William Marshall as one of the Four Horsemen - George Reeves as Distraught Player - Lucile Fairbanks as Telephone Operator (uncredited) Runtime: 98 minutes.