Hold That Co-ed (1938)

Introduction to "Hold That Co-ed"
"Hold That Co-ed" is a 1938 American musical comedy film directed by George Marshall. Starring John Barrymore, George Murphy, and Marjorie Weaver, it is a satire on American politics and college athletics. The movie showcases a blend of humor, romance, and the politics of the time, wrapped in the excitement of college football. Despite its vintage, the movie brings to the audience a light-hearted and amusing experience that resonates with the mood of the late 1930s.

Plot Overview
The film centers around John Hathaway (played by John Barrymore), a corrupt politician and guv of a state, who is seeking re-election and deals with the possibility of defeat. Looking for a way to win the hearts of the voters, Hathaway profits from the popularity of college football. He machinates a plan to change the state's mediocre college football team into nationwide champions, thinking that a triumphant team will distract the general public from political concerns and ensure their assistance in the surveys.

Hathaway manipulates the scenario to recruit a gifted football player, Johnny "Sandow" Martin (George Murphy), to assist the team rise to prominence. The guv's daughter, Bess Martin (Marjorie Weaver), likewise falls for Johnny, adding a romantic angle to the story.

Johnny's Arrival and Impact

With Johnny's entry into the college, the dynamics within the team change considerably. His extraordinary skills in the sport bring hope and enjoyment to the team. The guv's plan seems to be working as the college gains more attention and its video games end up being widely anticipated occasions. As the team climbs the ranks, the media buzzes, and individuals's focus shifts delightfully to the football phenomenon.

The Politicking Behind the Scenes

Nevertheless, the behind-the-scenes politicking adds layers of issues to the story. Hathaway's political competitors, eager to discover dirt on him, start to investigate his involvement with the college and its football team intending to discover something they could use against him. Meanwhile, his handling of college affairs begins to irritate the scholastic personnel, especially the college president Dr. Arthur Jones (Donald Meek), who thinks that the governor's interference is damaging to instructional values.

Romantic Developments and Comedic Turns
Amidst the unfolding political comedy, the movie develops the romantic storyline between Johnny and Bess. Their love encounters weaves laced with humor as they navigate around the guv's political agenda and the busy football season. The flirtation and courtship include a captivating dimension to the high-stakes video game of politics and sports.

Climactic Football Games and Election Day
The climax of "Hold That Co-ed" assembles the last football game with election day, increasing the thriller over both the sports outcome and the political results. The college team faces a powerful rival, and in the middle of the extreme match, amusing and unforeseeable incidents happen, showcasing the comedic essence of the movie. These occasions mirror the chaos and unpredictability of the political scene.

Conclusion
Eventually, "Hold That Co-ed" resolves its plotlines by showing the follies of blending sports with politics, while offering a resolution that wraps up both the romantic and competitive ventures. The film reaches its conclusion with lessons learned and characters altered, stressed by spirited musical numbers that hallmark the period's cinematic design.

Overall, "Hold That Co-ed" is a timeless representation of 1930s film, integrating political satire with the thrill of college sports and the appeal of romantic comedy. Its portrayal of government computing, football enjoyment, and personal relationships provides an amusing tale that shows the duration's sensibilities.

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