Pigskin Troubles: A Quaint Football Relic That's Worth a Look (For Some)

Okay, 'Pigskin Troubles' is one of those old ones. If you're a real film history buff, or you just have a soft spot for early sports movies, you might get something out of it. Most folks, though, will likely find it a tough sit. It’s definitely not for casual viewing today.

This film is all about a small-town football team, and specifically, their star player. Elmer Lawrence plays him, a real hotshot with a knack for scoring touchdowns but also for, well, *trouble*.

The plot itself is pretty simple: big game looming, star player has personal drama, team needs him to pull it together. It’s a formula we’ve seen a million times since, but here it feels so raw.

Lawrence’s character, he’s got this swagger, but also a constant worried look in his eyes. He’s always fiddling with his helmet strap when he’s stressed. It’s a small thing, but you notice it.

The actual football scenes are a trip. There’s a lot of running around, guys just piling up in a heap. You can almost feel the dust kicking up. It’s not graceful, but it feels incredibly *physical*.

One particular moment sticks out: there’s a wide shot during a huddle, and one player is clearly looking right at the camera. It’s like he just forgot he was supposed to be in character for a second. It’s a charming little mistake.

Lee Barth plays the coach, and his whole performance is just exasperated hand gestures. He throws his hat down in frustration at least three times in one game sequence. You really feel for the guy.

The pacing, it's something else. Moments that today would be a quick cut, they just *linger*. There's a scene where the team is just walking off the field, and it goes on for what feels like 30 seconds. You almost expect them to stop and talk to you.

Then there’s Jack Born, the rival player. He’s got this incredibly smug look plastered on his face the whole time. You just want someone to tackle him extra hard, even though you know it’s just acting.

The crowd scenes are fascinating. A sea of faces, all wearing similar hats. It's like a snapshot of a different time. But a few faces stand out, looking utterly bored, like they’re just there because their spouse dragged them along.

There’s a moment where Lawrence’s character is supposed to be giving a big, emotional speech in the locker room. But the way he delivers it, it sounds less like inspiration and more like he's just *really* tired. It makes it kind of funny, actually.

The film tries hard to build tension around the final play. It cuts back and forth between the field, the anxious coach, and a concerned love interest. But the build-up just feels a little *too* long. You're ready for the play to happen five cuts before it actually does.

Robert Livingston plays some kind of authority figure, maybe a rich booster. He’s always standing with his hands on his hips, looking disapproving. His constant scowl is pretty memorable.

It’s not a film that’s going to blow your mind with deep themes or stunning visuals. But it’s a neat little time capsule. You get to see how simple stories were told, and how much has changed.

Overall, 'Pigskin Troubles' is a curiosity. It’s got a certain unpolished charm. If you're patient and enjoy seeing the roots of sports cinema, give it a shot. Just don’t expect a modern blockbuster.

Didja notice?

• The uniforms look like they were sewn together the night before.
• One of the players clearly trips over his own feet for no reason, and it’s kept in the film.
• The referee's whistle sounds more like a tea kettle.
• Lawrence's hair seems to change length between scenes sometimes.
• The goalposts are just two flimsy looking sticks.
• That one shot of a dog wandering onto the field during a play. Nobody seems to notice.