How others will see it. Fans of classic cinema will see this film as both a howling comedy, and a fascinating study of male ego, married romance, free speech, and the importance of a winning football team to a university. Regarding the latter, some things truly never change.
How I felt about it. A massive amount of talent went into this film. Top of the line, from producer Wallis, to the cast, to the writers: the Epstein brothers and James Thurber.
The movie brings up a number of interesting philosophical questions. What is the primary role of a university? What makes a man a man, and how should he respond to a challenge?
One could easily fill up the rest of the review covering these topics. To make a long story short, the movie answers them crisply, to everyone's complete satisfaction, even that of frog-voiced blowhard Eugene Pallette. The only question left unanswered is, will Joan Leslie or Hot Garters (Jean Ames) get super-nerd Michael Barnes (Herbert Anderson).
Given all this talent and noble effort, why doesn't the film grade a perfect 100? Or at least a 50? Why be so tough? Isn't the film a riot?
Well, not exactly. Fonda and Barnes get drunk, then try to fight Jack Carson, who is built like a bouncer. This is funny? Leslie and Hot Garters practically stick their tongues out at each other. Hilarious? No, not really. Using housewares decked out a kitchen floor, Carson explains a key trick play to a pair of adoring women who are more interested in him than the play. Is this funny? Um, no.
Well, what is funny? Eugene Pallete bellowing like a buffoon? Hattie McDaniel playing a house maid for the 37th time in her career? But she does have one good line. Fonda drunkenly commands her, "We would like to have something more to drink." Pause for effect. Disapprovingly, McDaniel states, "I'll make you some black coffee." Hooray for common sense.