Watch The Spirit of Notre Dame

The Spirit of Notre Dame is a 1931 American drama film directed by Russell Mack, based on a story by George M. Cohan. The film is set in the University of Notre Dame, and it stars Lew Ayres, Sally Blane, and William Bakewell. The story revolves around a group of students at the University of Notre Dame, who are aspiring football players. They are led by Knute Rockne (portrayed by Ted Healy), the legendary football coach, who is dedicated to making them champions.

The film centers on Terry O'Connell (Lew Ayers), a talented athlete who joins the Notre Dame football team. Terry is a gifted player, but he is also a hot-headed and reckless young man who struggles to control his temper. Despite his flaws, he is determined to become a star football player and make his family proud.

Terry's father, Tom O'Connell (J. Farrell MacDonald), is a widowed farmer who wants to see his son succeed. He sells his farm to pay for Terry's college education, and he hopes that Terry will become a successful football player and bring honor to the family name.

Along the way, Terry falls in love with Betty, the coach's daughter (portrayed by Sally Blane). Betty is a smart and independent woman who is not impressed by Terry's swagger. She challenges him to be a better person and a better student.

As the football season progresses, the Notre Dame team faces tough opponents, including Army, Northwestern, and USC. Terry shines on the field, but he also makes mistakes and rubs his teammates the wrong way.

One of Terry's teammates, the quiet and studious Pat O'Brien (William Bakewell), is his opposite in every way. Pat is reliable, hardworking, and humble, but he is also overshadowed by Terry's talent and charisma.

As Terry and Pat compete for the same position on the team, they also develop a rivalry off the field. Terry resents Pat for being his rival, while Pat feels sorry for Terry's lack of discipline and maturity.

In the end, the Notre Dame team faces its toughest opponent yet: Georgia Tech. The game is a nail-biter, and the outcome is uncertain until the very end. Terry has a chance to redeem himself and prove that he can be a team player, but he faces an unexpected setback that puts his future in doubt.

The Spirit of Notre Dame is a classic sports drama that captures the spirit and values of Notre Dame University. The film is well-acted and well-written, with a strong message about sportsmanship, perseverance, and loyalty. The football scenes are also well choreographed and exciting to watch.

The film was released at a time when college football was becoming more popular and more organized. The University of Notre Dame was one of the pioneers of modern football, and the film celebrates the team's legendary coach and its famous fighting spirit.

Overall, The Spirit of Notre Dame is a timeless classic that celebrates the best of American football and American values. It is a must-see for football fans and anyone who loves a good underdog story.

The Spirit of Notre Dame is a 1931 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.