DVD Review: Crazylegs (1953)

This new DVD release from Kit Parker Films and Sprocket Vault features football star Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch playing himself in an accurate drama about his life and career. A Hall Bartlett production for his own company, released through Republic Pictures, Bartlett also wrote the screenplay. The film is directed by Francis Lyon, who would later helm the similar Bob Mathias Story with track star Mathias playing himself.

Hirsch’s story has enough genuine drama to be compelling and interesting, and since he portrays himself throughout his life up to that point (even as a high schooler) it offers greater accuracy than the usual movie bio. This is further helped by its being an indie production by producer Bartlett, whose screenplay relied on Hirsch’s own recollections. The football scenes are actual footage of Hirsch playing.

Along with being an entertaining sports drama with a likeable, personable, real-life central character, Crazylegs is an important film for sports history. Several of the actual Los Angeles Rams appear as cameos, and the actual footage adds authenticity.

The editing of Crazylegs by Cotton Warburton quite seamlessly combines the actual football footage with the narrative film, resulting in his earning an Oscar nomination for his work on this movie.

Kit Parker’s DVD release is a nice clear print, and features several interesting extras, not only on the producer, but also some very interesting football shorts, further enhancing the DVD’s importance to sports history.

An important film, and an entertaining one, the new Crazylegs DVD is most heartily recommended. It can be ordered at this link: CRAZYLEGS