The read
It runs a compact 1h 13m.
Synopsis
A searing commentary on the "win at all costs" mentality of American high school sports. David Lee Birdsong is the smalltown quarterback hoping to escape with a college scholarship and a pro career. David's father is the overbearing taskmaster vicariously living through his son. The third side of the triangle is Coach Marshall, a hypercritical and cruel man who sees David as the key to his future success. David's lockstep commitment to his father and coach is altered when he witnesses a teammate die after a grueling practice.
Ratings
IMDb6.8/10
5 audience votes
Key crew
- Jerrold FreedmanWriter
- Jerrold FreedmanDirector
- Randy EdelmanOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Ben JohnsonDwayne Birdsong
- Gary BuseyDavid Lee Birdsong
- Larry HagmanCoach Marshall
- William LuckingDennis Birdsong
- David DoyleMr. Schmidt
- Mimi MaynardMary Louise Schmidt
- Peggy ReaMrs. Birdsong
- Craig Richard NelsonMichael Braun
- Michael TalbottBubba Montgomery
- Val AveryFrank Dorsdale
- Jan ClaytonBlanche Birdsong
- Misty RoweHolly
Themes
sportsamerican footballamerican football coachhigh school sportsaccidental deathoverbearing fatheryouth sports