User Reviews

I have not seen the film but in my research I found an opinion from a major New York newspaper's most famous critic who said, "Sport and love are linked at the psychological moment in "The Forward Pass." A love note followed by a kiss thrown by a pretty girl spurs on the Colfax quarterback to wrench victory at the last second from the battling Sanford team. Up to that time there were evidently quite a number of persons among the audience yesterday afternoon who believed that this might be the one gridiron game in which the favorite team was not successful. With all its shortcomings, its carefully laid plot with convenient coincidences, this film is quite a fair entertainment. It is pleasingly acted by the principals, who include Douglas Fairbanks Jr. And Loretta Young. So far as the suspense is concerned, that is a matter that tests with the onlooker. There were moments when not a few in the packed house laughed at hectic incidents, but as football is timely, the screen game itself was received with enthusiasm. Judging by some of the scenes, they had a beautiful California day for this contest, at which the radio announcer wore summery attire. There are scenes of the vast crowds at some game or other and now and again there are glimpses of the cheering for both Colfax and Sanford, those bitterest of bitter rivals. In the opening sequence there is also a football game, one in which the hero, Marty Reid (Mr. Fairbanks) is accused of being yellow. It is, however, through fumbling a pass that he meets the girl whom he embraces fondly in the final fadeout. The coach, Mr. Wilson, is eager to have Reid play in the game against Colfax, but the quarterback insists that he will never play again. His reasons are convincing. Wilson decides to appeal to Reid through Patricia Carlyle, who up to that time as known as the "college vamp." Reid is resentful of Patricia's flip remarks, but a perfumed lace handkerchief which he finds results in his being smitten with an incipient attack of love. At that time Patricia is rather fond of another student, but what she first only pretends she soon learns to mean in earnest. Patricia croons mockingly to Reid, but when she discovers why he is off his game in the great contest she is quite another girl, not only eager for Reid to do his share to win the match but also keen on winning him. Here again there are the turbulent and frisky freshmen who come in for rough treatment from the seniors. These same young men are made to play music find sing for the edification of the older students and the charming girls. Colfax, it might be mentioned, does not, apparently, pay much attention to books. In fact, no books are seen. It is an institution that excels in football, saxophonists and romance. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Gives a really good account of himself. Miss Young is both capable and attractive. Guin Williams furnishes amusement as a giant member of the team who prefers to be known as Honey, rather than by his given name of Cecil. Bert Rome also does well as the Colfax coach." NYTimes, Mordaunt Hall.