Writers:

Sidney Buchman (screenplay), Millard Lampell (novel)

Stars:

John Derek, Donna Reed, Sidney Blackmer 

 

John Derek plays a Polish-American immigrant who excels in high school sports. Though no great shakes academically, Derek wins a scholarship at an exclusive Southern university. Sidney Blackmer is a wealthy alumnus who sees to it that Derek is allowed to coast in his classes so that he can play football--and help Blackmer win a series of lucrative wagers on the games. When Derek is sidelined by an injury, Blackmer loses interest, but the rich man's niece (Donna Reed) remains faithful to the boy. The cold business of subsidizing (and exploiting) college athletes is given a critical scrutiny in Saturday's Hero, though the film ends happily with Derek bearing down on his classroom work and making something of himself without relying on football. Featured in a supporting role is ex-athlete Aldo DaRe, later known as Aldo Ray.