Pat O'Brien made at least three films where he played a college football coach. The first, COLLEGE COACH, was amazing because O'Brien stood for the exact opposite of his character in KNUTE ROCKNE. Instead of clean living and sportsmanship, in COLLEGE COACH, O'Brien emphasized that you should do anything to win...anything!! While this message was simply awful, the film was so vile in its message that you can't help but watch. Later, with KNUTE ROCKNE, the image was now squeaky clean and the film went on to become an iconic classic. So with these two films under his belt, why would anyone want to make yet a third film--especially when it is essentially KNUTE ROCKNE all over again?! Yep, the reason must be money! It can't be because the story in the IRON MAJOR is compelling--because frankly it isn't. In fact, I can't think of a single reason for O'Brien to have made what is essentially "KNUTE ROCKNE II" other than the money!
The film purports to be the story of one of the winningest coaches in college football history. Frank Cavanaugh had an incredible .731 winning percentage and did a lot to improve the game in the early 20th century. But to base an entire film around the man was a mistake, as his life story wasn't that interesting or unique. Plus, throughout the film, I couldn't help but notice that Cavanaugh couldn't keep a job--bouncing from school to school. If he was so great, why did he coach for six different programs? His nobility (which Warner Brothers tried so hard to point out) didn't seem so great and he never really was an institution at any of the schools. And, as a consequence, he's all but forgotten today. And, with KNUTE ROCKNE getting so much attention, THE IRON MAJOR is also pretty much forgotten today.
Watchable but frankly (get it?), you'd be better off watching one of O'Brien's other football films instead.
