Blood Sport
Seen it?1973 | 73 min | Drama, TV Movie
Monday Morning Maybeearly ratingWhy it’s a Monday Morning Maybe
With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Hoosiers or The Blind Side, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 13 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1973: an older pace and style.
A searing commentary on the "win at all costs" mentality of American high school sports. David Lee Birdsong is the smalltown quarterback hoping to escape with a college scholarship and a pro career. David's father is the overbearing taskmaster vicariously living through his son. The third side of the triangle is Coach Marshall, a hypercritical and cruel man who sees David as the key to his future success. David's lockstep commitment to his father and coach is altered when he witnesses a teammate die after a grueling practice.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
Not enough engagement data yet
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jerrold Freedman
- Ben JohnsonDwayne Birdsong
- Gary BuseyDavid Lee Birdsong
- Larry HagmanCoach Marshall
- William LuckingDennis Birdsong
- David DoyleMr. Schmidt
- Mimi MaynardMary Louise Schmidt
- Peggy ReaMrs. Birdsong
- Craig Richard NelsonMichael Braun
- Michael TalbottBubba Montgomery
- Val AveryFrank Dorsdale