Tony, the son of Italian immigrants, works in a smoky steel mill in Gary, Indiana. He wins a company scholarship which will enable him to attend Yale college. Over the four years of his college career he learns about football, love, and class prejudice.
Acting
Ramon Novarro's earnest charm carries every scene.
Production
Authentic Yale locations and booming industrial opener.
Director
Sam Wood
Ramon Novarro
Tony
Madge Evans
Rosalie
Una Merkel
Coach Malcolm
Ralph Graves
Coach Malcolm
John Arledge
Pidge
Frank Albertson
Larry
Kane Richmond
Tom Stone
Martha Sleeper
Barbara
Henry Armetta
Mr. Amatto
Ferike Boros
Mrs. Amatto
Rockliffe Fellowes
Mr. Stone
Joe Sawyer
Slater
James Bush
Delta Kappa Epsilon Recruiter (uncredited)
Sidney D'Albrook
Job Foreman (uncredited)
James Donlan
Heckler at Game (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during peak Depression, the scholarship fantasy hit hard—working-class audiences craved this specific American dream.
Ramon Novarro was MGM's 'Latin Lover' answer to Valentino; this was his attempt at gritty dramatic legitimacy.
US
