Watch Two Minutes to Play

Two Minutes to Play is a 1936 drama film directed by Robert F. Hill and starring Bruce Bennett, Edward J. Nugent, and Jeanne Martel. The movie is about a young college football star named Johnny Baker, who is under a lot of pressure to lead his team to victory in an important game against their rivals. However, Johnny is also haunted by his past mistakes, which threaten to ruin his future and his dreams of going pro.

The film opens with Johnny (played by Bruce Bennett) arriving on campus for his second year at college, where he is greeted by his coach and teammates. Johnny is a gifted athlete and a confident leader, but he also has a self-destructive streak that gets him into trouble both on and off the field. Despite his flaws, Johnny is determined to prove himself and win the championship for his school.

As the game approaches, tensions run high, and Johnny finds himself facing pressure from all sides. His girlfriend, Peggy (played by Jeanne Martel), encourages him and tries to keep him focused, but Johnny's rivals and his own weaknesses threaten to sabotage his efforts. Meanwhile, a powerful booster named Mr. Davis (played by Edward Nugent) tries to manipulate Johnny for his own ends, offering him money and promises of fame if he throws the game.

Against this backdrop, the football game itself becomes a microcosm of Johnny's struggles. The game is fast-paced, dramatic, and full of unexpected twists and turns. Johnny gives it his all, but he also makes mistakes and has moments of doubt. The outcome of the game is uncertain until the very end, and that uncertainty reflects the uncertainty of Johnny's future as well.

Throughout the film, Two Minutes to Play explores themes of loyalty, integrity, and self-discovery. Johnny faces tough choices and learns hard truths about himself and those around him. He discovers that true success is not just about winning games, but about being true to oneself and doing what is right. The film also touches on issues of amateurism in college sports, showing how even in the 1930s, there were pressures to cheat and bend the rules for financial gain.

Two Minutes to Play is a well-crafted and engaging movie that will appeal to both sports fans and lovers of classic cinema. The performances are strong, with Bruce Bennett in particular capturing the complexity and charm of Johnny's character. The football scenes are well-shot and exciting, and the film's themes are timeless and relatable. Although it is over 80 years old, Two Minutes to Play still feels fresh and relevant, reminding us of the enduring appeal of sports stories and the power of personal growth and redemption.

Two Minutes to Play is a 1936 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.