Jim Thorpe: All American (1951)

Forgotten Athlete

Whether to rate this 4 or 5 stars is a little difficult. The story is easily 5 stars. There may have been some room for improvement in the production by today's standards. But, the movie tells the story and tells it well nonetheless. It is an important movie more than simply a good movie since it keeps the story of a truly great athlete alive. There may be a tendency for some to rate this lower simply because of the sadness of the story. And I feel comments on casting white actors to play native Americans are unfair since it judges the past by the changed politically correct standards of today. In spite of all that, without this movie, many people today would have no understanding of this remarkable athlete. The injustice of the movie is also a reminder of how seemingly small decisions we all make can affect lives forever. Jim Thorpe alone did not suffer from such injustice. Many others, Native American or not, have also suffered. And today, as we watch, we also suffer from what was a bad decision by a handful of people.

I show this movie to young people whenever I can to keep the dream and the story of who should be the greatest athlete of the century alive. I believe everyone should have this movie around to loan out for just such a purpose. Although Burt Lancaster does not look like Jim Thorpe, I still feel his performance was good. And I think more people watched this because he was in it. Charles Bickford was also very good. Because of such casting, which resulted in more seeing it especially in its earlier years, I feel more have been exposed to this story.

I recommend this movie, but especially the story that it tells. I would hope that more such stories, hopefully not always as sad, including other unsung athletes and Medal of Honor recipients, would be increasingly available to everyone, especially younger generations. November 9, 2008

best sport movies

seen the movie in the theater best sport movie i ve seen purchased this one for my sons birthday i know he will enjoy it September 15, 2008

Wonderful Book

The Jim Thorpe dvd is quite wonderful because it seems to be produced factually, i.e., without too much undue embellishment (that is, not too much "Hollywood") but simply a vivid portrayal of Jim Thorpe's life and accomplishments. Another quality it has has to do with its subject matter: Jim Thorpe as a Native American, a heroic role model. Excellent treatment of the subject!

Simon J. Ortiz June 30, 2008

jim thorpe all american

I WAS VERY HAPPY TO RECEIVE MY DVD AND THE QUALITY AND SERVICE WAS FIRST CLASS AND I HAVE TOLD MY FRIENDS ABOUT YOUR MARVELOUS SERVICE AND PRODUCT
KIND REGARDS RICHARD WOODINGS. February 8, 2008

I Wish They Still Made Films Like This One Again.

This is a true gem of a film and one of Hollywood's finest attempts at telling a life's story. For me it ranks right up there with Sergeant York. "Jim Thorpe, All American," has the perfect balance of thoughtful screenplay and direction, superb musical score by one of Hollywood's alltime best, and some of the best actors of its day. I wish more films today were made like this film. January 18, 2008

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