Knute Rockne: All American (film)
"Knute Rockne: All American" is a 1940 film that chronicles the life and career of the legendary college football coach Knute Rockne, who is widely regarded as an iconic figure in American sports history. The film begins by depicting Rockne's early life in Norway and his immigration to the United States in the 1890s, illustrating how opportunity and education ultimately led him to success at the University of Notre Dame. Portrayed by Pat O'Brien, Rockne is shown not only as a coach but also as a family man, which adds a personal dimension to the narrative.
The film highlights Rockne's innovative use of the forward pass in football alongside teammate Gus Dorais, showcasing their contributions to the game. Notably, Ronald Reagan plays the role of George Gipp, a Notre Dame star whose portrayal is more idealized than his real-life counterpart, who was known for his tumultuous off-field life. The film’s themes of idealism and American opportunity resonated deeply with audiences, particularly during World War II, making it an inspirational piece of cinema. In recognition of its cultural significance, "Knute Rockne: All American" was selected for the National Film Registry in 1997, underscoring its enduring legacy in American film and sports history.
Knute Rockne: All American (film)
Identification Film biography of University of Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne
Director Lloyd Bacon (1889-1955)
Date Released in 1940
Knute Rockne: All American depicts the qualities that Rockne instilled in football players during his tenure as coach at the University of Notre Dome, as well as emphasizing the importance of college football programs. The phrase used by actor Ronald Reagan in his role as George “Gipper” Gipp, portraying the dying athlete requesting Rockne to tell the boys to “win just one for the Gipper” became linked with the actor.
Generations after his death in a plane crash in 1931, Knute Rockne remains the epitome of the college football coach. The film Knute Rockne: All American begins by re-creating his early life in Norway and his immigration to the United States during the 1890’s. Echoing a theme that was common in American films of the 1940’s, the film shows how opportunity and education propelled Rockne, played by actor Pat O’Brien, to success at the University of Notre Dame.
As football players, Rockne and teammate Gus Dorais (actor Owen Davis, Jr.) were among the first to apply the forward pass as an offensive weapon. Much of the film depicts Rockne’s courting of and subsequent home life with his wife Bonnie (Gale Page). While the Rockne biography is largely accurate, Ronald Reagan’s portrayal of Notre Dame football star George Gipp was highly idealized. The real Gipp rarely allowed school to interfere with his love of sports, gambling, and drinking, behaviors generally overlooked by Rockne.
Impact
The film’s emphasis on an idealized America proved inspirational before and during World War II. Future president Reagan’s portrayal of Gipp played a significant role in advancing both his acting career and his later career in politics. In 1997, the film was placed in the National Film Registry of the United States Library of Congress.
Bibliography
Chelland, Patrick. One for the Gipper: George Gipp, Knute Rockne, and Notre Dame. North Hollywood, Calif.: Panoply Publications, 2008.
Maggio, Frank. Notre Dame and the Game That Changed Football. New York: Da Capo Press, 2007.
Robinson, Ray. Rockne of Notre Dame: The Making of a Football Legend. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.