This is one of the more true-to-life college films of the early film era. I can say, as a 40 year college teacher, that some it it still rings true. Tensions in the relationships between the hero and others are real. The father who rejects the son who does not live up to his hopes, while the anxious nurturing mother is torn between them. The rivalry between the hero athlete and his roommate/competitor in football and in dating, which culminates in true meanness. His diversion by the campus flirt, and the evolution of their more serious and mixed feelings. Of course, the last fifteen minutes or so provide the happy ending: he scores the winning touchdown, the couple drive off together; yet even after he and his roomie forgive,forget and hug his rival shows a final attitude of resentment. It is easy to see why viewers rate this one high. By the way, don't expect to get a very good look at Clark Gable; you'll probably miss him altogether unless you re-run the lcoker room sequence. (And I'm not sure I really spotted the right man.)
Review of The Plastic Age
