Gridiron Flash

Gridiron Flash (1934)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Low-budget RKO picture about a college in desperate need of a winning football season so a deal is made with a convicted bank robber (Eddie Quillan). The thief is led to believe that a gang's operation is taking place at this college and by playing quarterback he can be in on the action but soon he begins to like his surroundings. If you're looking for a thought-provoking drama or some sort of laugh-a-minute comedy then you better look somewhere else. If you've got 62-minutes to kill and want some slight entertainment then this film pretty much delivers. There are some major logical issues including the fact that Quillan is way too small to be playing football. This might explain why 98% of the football scenes are nothing more than stock footage. When we finally see Quillan in action, it's easy to see why stock footage was used because it's really not that convincing. WIth that said, I thought the actor was fine playing the "little tough guy" and his fast-talking made for some good lines. I also thought Betty Furness was pretty good in the role of the love interest and Grant Mitchell plays the man who makes the deal. Edgar Kennedy gets a few good moments as a tough cop and Joe Sawyer plays the football coach. There are a few good laughs scattered throughout the picture that helps keep it from becoming boring. I'd also say that it's probably best that this film is viewed by those who just enjoy killing a hour with a "B" movie that you don't have to take serious.