‘Jim Thorpe, All-American’: An Olympic Athlete and More

Jim Thorpe (Burt Lancaster), in “Jim Thorpe, All-American.” (Warner Bros.)

NR | 1h 47m | Biography, Drama, Family | 1951

As anticipation builds for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, it’s a good time to enjoy portrayals of exceptional sports figures. Jim Thorpe stands out because he endured a life of struggle, triumph, and ultimately, tragedy.

The 1951 film “Jim Thorpe, All-American” honors Thorpe’s legacy. The film is skillfully directed by Michael Curtiz, known for classics like “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938) and “Casablanca” (1942). Burt Lancaster plays the main character, giving an insightful portrayal of Thorpe’s journey from adversity to greatness.

Curtiz’s adept direction brings depth and nuance to the narrative and expertly weaves together Thorpe’s personal struggles, relationships, triumphs on and off the field, and the broader social and historical context.

The film opens as the Colorado’s governor is giving a speech about Thorpe’s accomplishments. He then introduces Glenn S. “Pop” Warner (Charles Bickford), a sports legend in his own right, who begins a posthumous speech about Thorpe:

“Fifty years is a long time; many exciting people and events have had their moment on the American scene. Tonight we pay recognition to a man who had more than a brief moment, a man who, during the past half-century, has carved a permanent place for himself in all our hearts.” 

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Young Jim Thorpe (Billy Gray, L) doesn’t like school much, in “Jim Thorpe, All-American.” (Warner Bros.)

Struggles and Triumphs

The film flashes back to the 1890s, when Thorpe was a young boy (Billy Gray) living in the Sac and Fox Nation Indian Territory of Oklahoma. Although Thorpe’s father personally delivers him to the doorstep of the local school, Thorpe’s fiercely wild nature compels him to run away.

Eventually, Thorpe’s father convinces him to attend the prestigious Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, an institution that helped Native Americans assimilate into American culture. As a young adult who still loves the freedom to run around where he wants to, Thorpe feels uncomfortable within the school’s relatively cramped confines. Thorpe takes long runs to release his pent-up energy.

Jim Thorpe (Burt Lancaster, C) breaks out running on campus, in “Jim Thorpe, All-American.” (Warner Bros.)

Thorpe soon comes to the attention of Pop Warner, who sees tremendous natural talent in the lad. Thorpe excels first in track, and then other sports—in pretty much whatever he tries.

Thorpe crosses paths with fellow student Margaret Miller (Phyllis Thaxter), and their connection blossoms into love. After overcoming some misunderstandings, the two exchange vows. The film then delves into his training journey leading up to the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden.

This film would have been much harder to pull off without Burt Lancaster’s considerable acting chops. He was not only physically in shape during filming, but also had a smoldering intensity that practically exudes from his pores.

Excellent Acting and Direction

While I’ve seen Lancaster play many wild men and bad boys, he kept that energy more contained, providing a “quiet storm” appeal, especially when confronting challenges in his character’s life.

Margaret Miller (Phyllis Thaxter) and Jim Thorpe (Burt Lancaster) fall in love, in “Jim Thorpe, All-American.” (Warner Bros.)

Michael Curtiz’s direction is rock-solid, giving Lancaster plenty of room to chew up scenes using only a glance or a subtle curl of his lips. Curtiz constructs scenes so viewers anticipate what comes next.

For instance, when Thorpe has his first altercation with a rival, we’re not sure how he’ll react to being verbally and physically disrespected. These kinds of moments inject each situation with immediacy and intensity, drawing audiences deeper into Thorpe’s journey.

There are murmurs of a new Jim Thorpe film in the works. This news sparked questions about how Carlisle School (which forged Thorpe into the outstanding figure he was) might be portrayed by today’s filmmakers, who often approach historical narratives with an activist lens. While the school saved many Native Americans from destitution and produced exceptional graduates who made great contributions to American society, there’s always the possibility of revisionist interpretations, especially in these fractured times.

“Jim Thorpe, All-American” is a finely-crafted film that not only holds historical significance, but also delivers an entertaining portrayal of an American legend. Like many of us, Thorpe experienced both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, making his story relatable and enduring.

“Jim Thorpe, All-American” is available on Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV.

‘Jim Thorpe, All-American’ Director: Michael Curtiz Starring: Burt Lancaster, Charles Bickford, Steve Cochran Not Rated Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes Release Date: Aug. 24, 1951 Rated: 4 stars out of 5

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