Trouble Along the Way (1953)

64% of users liked it
(142 ratings)

"Winning isn't everything -- it's the only thing." These words were spoken not by Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi but by Steve Williams, the fictional college athletics instructor played by John Wayne in Trouble Along the Way. Recently divorced, Williams has trouble finding a job due to his… More "Winning isn't everything -- it's the only thing." These words were spoken not by Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi but by Steve Williams, the fictional college athletics instructor played by John Wayne in Trouble Along the Way. Recently divorced, Williams has trouble finding a job due to his inability to get along with his superiors. If he doesn't find work soon, he'll lose custody of his daughter Carole (Sherry Jackson). Meanwhile, St. Anthony's College, heavily in debt, may have to close its doors. Father Burke, rector of St. Anthony's, reasons that the school could get back on its feet if it had a winning football team, thereby securing the support of the alumni. Thus, against his better judgment, Father Burke hires the troublesome Steve Williams, who'll stop at nothing to assemble a winning team. Somehow, Williams has to turn into a regular human being, and that's where social worker Alice Singleton (Donna Reed) comes in. More sentimental than most Wayne vehicles, Trouble Along the Way is well worth the ride. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Michael Curtiz
Written By: Melville Shavelson, Jack Rose
Genres: Drama, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 4, 1953 Wide
On DVD: May 22, 2007

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A minor serio comedy in the vast output of director Michael Curtiz and in the distinguished career of John Wayne, who's cast against type.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's the kind of pic you expect Pat O'Brien to be in.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

Very nice heart warming drama sport film with John Wayne. This is my first time I watched the 50s college football ever put on the screen. Wayne and Donna Reed have good chemistry. But Wayne's scenes with little Sherry Jackson are something special.