Trouble Along the Way

Plot synopsis:
Small, obscure St. Anthony's College, a Catholic university, is in financial straits and about to be closed. To save it, and himself from forced retirement, elderly rector Father Burke (Charles Coburn) hires a down and out former big time football coach, Steve Williams (John Wayne), in hopes of building a lucrative sports program. First turning down the job, Williams later accepts it when he learns that his former wife, Anne (Marie Windsor), now remarried, complained to Social Services that he is an unfit father, and plans to sue for custody of his 11-year-old daughter, Carole (Sherry Jackson). Anne’s actual aim is not to get Carole, in whom she has no interest, but rather to pressure Steve into rekindling an affair with her.
Social Services worker Alice Singleton (Donna Reed), coldly prejudiced against Steve because she suffered from a relationship with her father similar to that between Steve and Carole, is preparing a report in Anne’s favor. Steve, in the meanwhile, attempts to charm Alice and win her over. Desperate to have the football program pay off, Father Burke uses his clerical connections to schedule St. Anthony's against high profile Catholic colleges — Villanova, Notre Dame, etc. — in the upcoming season. Faced with physically inadequate players, Steve, unbeknownst to Father Burke, uses chicanery to enroll beefy star athletes as freshmen, giving St. Anthony’s a winning team. Father Burke subsequently learns of Steve’s dishonest methods and, after chiding him, disbands the sports program, knowing this would cause St. Anthony’s to close. Alice submits a report unfavorable to Steve, but subsequently, in her testimony in the court custody hearing, repudiates it after having recognized her bias and the mother's lack of honest affection for Carole. Alice also speaks against Steve, stating he isn't a properly responsible parent, and under questioning reveals she is in love with him.
The judge halts proceedings, placing Carole in custody of the State, and assigning her a new case worker, until matters can be sorted out. In a surprise move, the church agrees to continue funding St. Anthony's without the football program. Even so, Burke resigns as rector believing that he had been behaving selfishly to unnecessarily prolong his position. Before leaving, though, he reinstates Steve as coach and forgives him his unscrupulous behavior as it was done out of love for his child. The film ends with Carole, accompanied by Alice, walking away from Steve, with the implication that Steve and Alice will wed and the three would be together as a family.

Tags: violence, flashback

Review:
For a guy who was very much a part of the University of Southern California football team, John Wayne did not do too many films involving sports.
He's got an ex-wife, Marie Windsor who wants custody now, and a social worker, Donna Reed who has trouble keeping her personal and professional lives separate.As in They Were Expendable, Wayne and Reed, have good chemistry.
They avoid the usual sentimentality, but you will react to them.Charles Coburn plays the father/rector of small Catholic college St. Anthony's which is on it's financial uppers.
I checked this out during a recent John Wayne retrospective on American Movie Classics because it sounded so different from the Duke's usual "w/w" fare (war & westerns).
Here he plays Steve Williams, a disgraced professional football coach enlisted to build a revenue-producing team that will save a down-at-the-heels Catholic college from being forced to close.
Wayne plays this role beautifully; his performance makes us aware of the fine actor he made of himself as he worked his way up over the years from those low-budget westerns, learning all along the way.
Donna Reed puts in a turn as a social worker, and Charles Coburn is in his usual fine fettle as Father Burke, rector of the failing college.
Wayne/William's daughter is played very well by a young lady named Sherry Jackson, and there are many familiar faces among the character actors in the cast.
Also notable is a very on-the-money portrayal of the corrupting influence of big-time athletics at the college level, as Wayne/Williams pulls many shady tricks to field a team that can stand up to the ridiculously ambitious schedule that Father Burke manages to finagle.
The commentary is even more relevant today, fifty years later, as college athletics have spun almost completely out of control.One of the nicest things about the movie is the way in which, surprisingly, it does not opt for the easy-way-out happy ending that we all think we see coming as soon as Donna Reed as the social worker comes on the scene.
The quote "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" was actually a quote made by John Wayne in this 1953 film, "Trouble Along The Way".
John Wayne does a fine job playing a college football coach, Steve Williams, who get's incorrectly caught up in a recruiting scandal.
Not only for the nostalgic look at the days when college football was fun and not the principal business of the university, but for the ethics that were around during that period of time.Wayne makes the statement in the film many years before Vince Lombardi is credited with it..
Perhaps because "Trouble Along the Way" is so unusual a film for John Wayne, I rank it among my favorites.He is a little more down to earth in this one; there is no violence; there is humor.There is also a superb cast, some of the finest players with whom the Duke ever performed.I highly recommend "Trouble Along the Way," to everyone, but especially to anyone who isn't familiar with the wide range and great ability of John Wayne..
One of the unknown minor masterpieces of Curtiz, and a very fine, well modulated performance by John Wayne.Its probably the best-and the frankest-film about college football ever put on the screen.Its rich in human interest and well acted by all the principals..
There are even some superbly melancholy moments that were as big a tear jerker as any.So, anxious to have a John Wayne film, and one that would showcase this now extended emotional range 'Duke'.
It was the stuff that the Critics should like and the Public would love.(The operative here being 'should'!) In a nut shell, former Football Coach-turned Bookie, Steve Williams(John Wayne)has had custody of his daughter, Carol(Sherry Jackson) ever since the break-up of a loveless marriage with his 'ex',Anne Williams McCormick(Marie Windsor).
He finds himself right in the cross-hairs of one Miss Anne Singleton(Donna Reed), who has gotten the assignment to either give her imprimatur to their Domestic arrangement, or to vote to chloroform it.At about that same time, Father William Matthew Burke(Charles Coburn), President of small St. Anthony's College is faced with a dilemma.
She gets use of a fine private Library(Fr. Burke's)and he learns some of the intricacies of having a successful College Football program, like Scheduling.The complications that follow this in this story are well executed by the Director Michael Curtiz and company, even if some of them may seem to be a little old, tired and even obvious.We do find out just why that the Williams family broke up and why after 10 or 12 years that the New York City Children's Welfare Agency is suddenly so interested in Steve's fitness as a Father with custody.We are left with a sort of open ended conclusion, but heavily leaning toward Carol and Steve's remaining together.
And now, let's salute this fine supporting cast consisting of, but not limited to: Tom Tully, Marie Windsor, Tom Helmore, Dabbs Grear,Leif Ericson, Lester Matthews,Douglas Spencer, Chuck Connors, Frank Ferguson, Murray Alper and even James Dean(would you believe as an uncredited extra!) The film is warm, heart wrenching, very funny and sort of "seedy", to a small degree.And incidentally, St. Anthony is our Catholic Patron Saint of "The Lost!".
Now throw in John Wayne is the seedy football coach who has been thrown out of the "legitamate" football leagues, Charles Coburn is the desperate head priest of a failing college, and Donna Reed is a tunnel visioned "do-gooder" cop.
Reed wants to protect Wayne's daughter Sherry Jackson from his unhealthy influence and is sympathetic to Marie Windsor's (ex-wife from hell) claim that her daughter (Jackson) needs to be with her (even though she had abandoned Jackson as an infant when she ran off with another man).
Wayne feels he's done nothing wrong but sees that antagonizing Reed is a mistake and takes the job of head coach at Coburn's St. Anthony's college as "cover" to clean up his image.
Wayne realizes that if he wheels and deals under the table he can achieve Coburn's goal of making St. Anthony's a winning team and make a fortune for himself and his cohorts (including Chuck Conners in an early role).
When Reed is asked by the opposing attorney if she loves Wayne, Wayne jumps up and tells the judge, "Remind the witness she's under oath!" Charles Coburn makes a wonderful speech at the end and reminds us of how good an actor he was.
John Wayne plays a divorced man trying to keep custody of his young daughter(Sherry Jackson)and at the same time regain his self- respect by coaching football at a small, money strapped Catholic college.This sentimental yarn has an all star supporting cast that includes: Charles Coburn, Donna Reed, Leif Erickson, Dabbs Greer and Chuck Conners..
This was a John Wayne Film I hadn't seen before, and I was surprised that it was so good.
There's a real chemistry between John Wayne and Donna Reed, who plays a social worker that is being used by Steve Williams' (Wayne) ex-wife to take his daughter away from him.
Charles Coburn is tops as usual, playing the old priest who is desperate to save his college, St. Anthonys, and he turns to Wayne for help.
A bankrupt Catholic college hires struggling football coach Steve Williams (John Wayne) to help turn things around but he uses methods that are frowned upon.
Meanwhile, Steve is going through a nasty custody battle, so the court sends an uptight social worker (Donna Reed) to assess what kind of father he is.
John Wayne, who has been criticized by some film critics (those who wear armor) as a grade 'B' actor was very well-cast and believable; but, it was Sherry Jackson who stole the show.
John Wayne should have made more films like this; he is great as the father who wants to do better for his child but has done some things in his past that prevent this.
He is offered the chance to coach football for a down and out Catholic college.The movie plays everything lightly, but still, I was pretty surprised by the machinations that went on in sports years ago.
Sherry Jackson is great as Wayne's daughter, and Donna Reed is tough as nails.
Charles Coburn is pretty staid as the head of the college, but Marie Windsor out-acts everyone as Wayne's nasty and conniving ex-wife.
"Winning isn't everything, it's the only the thing!" So says Steve Williams (John Wayne) who is doing his best to raise a daughter in the rough and tumble world of college football.
Of course, like so many Wayne characters, Steve Williams talks roughly, but under his wise cracking tough guy exterior there is a basically decent man who when pushed a bit will try to do the right thing.
Though not necessarily in the right way.His daughter Carol Williams is very well played by child actress Sherry Jackson and there is a strong supporting cast of characters that combine to make this film both fun and heart warming.Donna Reed provides the romantic element as social worker whose job has brought her in to contact with Steve and Carol.Refreshingly, unlike most modern films, the Catholic Church is positively portrayed, i.e., the priests and the Cardinal are real people with common sense and real senses of humor doing their best to make good decisions while staying true to their faith.So if you are looking for a fun, well-acted, well-directed movies with a strong performance by John Wayne and a great supporting cast you will not be disappointed in "Trouble Along the Way.".
Several of the supporting characters were going on to better things, and I enjoyed picking them out of the crowd.We have lost something in these days of gore and violence with no character or story.Any John Wayne fan should see this and it will give you a great insight on his ability ....see it and enjoy..
He is a wonderfully, sympathetic character here and he gets great supporting work from Charles Coburn, Sherry Jackson, Marie Windsor and others.When St. Anthony's College is threatened with closure due to failing finances, the rector of the college, played with dignity, reverence and a bit of humor by the fabulous Charles Coburn, the latter enlists the help of a down and out football coach (Wayne) who is in the midst of a custody battle with his wife over the child she walked out on years ago.Sherry Jackson certainly makes room for this daddy in this film.
She would later play Danny Thomas's daughter in that much beloved television series of that name.The ending may not be to everyone's liking but this is definitely a heartwarming tale of a head priest admitting that he has been selfish, the problems associated with college football, but a myriad of warm, personal relationships.Donna Reed is also great as the social worker who finally sees Wayne for the good man he really is.I wish that John Wayne had made more pictures like this..
She complicates and pretty much messes up Steve's (John Wayne)relationship with his daughter Carol (Terry Jackson).
It stars John Wayne, Donna Reed, Charles Coburn, Tom Tully, Sherry Jackson, Marie Windsor, Tom Helmore, Dabbs Greer and Leif Erickson.
Music is by Max Steiner and cinematography by Archie Stout.A church run college faces closure so turns to one time football coach Steve Williams (Wayne) to coach their failing team.
Hard times hit "Saint Anthony's College" and blustery old Charles Coburn (as Matthew William Burke) is advised to close the university, which is $170,000 in debt.
Believing "the Lord will provide," Father Coburn reads God's advice in Deuteronomy 32:15, "The beloved grew fat, and kicked." So, he hires washed-up football coach John Wayne (as Stephen "Steve" Aloysius Williams) to turn the school's team into money-making winners.
Although initially refusing, Mr. Wayne decides to accept the Priest's offer when "Domestic Relations Court" officer Donna Reed (as Alice Singleton) catches him with a hangover and dirty dishes...Wayne's whorish ex-wife, Marie Windsor (as Anne), isn't interested in their daughter, telling Wayne, "I want you to visit me" since her new husband only raises her "to the heights" with his checkbook.
At least, young Jackson is endearing.**** Trouble Along the Way (4/4/53) Michael Curtiz ~ John Wayne, Donna Reed, Charles Coburn, Sherry Jackson.
This is a big departure for John Wayne, as this is a sort of family film.
Instead, Wayne plays a college football coach who has a history of doing ANYTHING he needs to do to win.
Social Worker, Donna Reed, has been sent to investigate Wayne's parenting of his 11 year-old and the Duke handles this intrusion into his life pretty much like you'd expect--he has complete contempt for the process.
So, the film is basically Wayne trying to create a winning team AND keep full custody of his daughter.In an interesting idea, the glue that holds this film together is Charles Coburn's character, a kindly Catholic priest who is in charge of the college.
Donna Reed is suitably ruthless and vulnerable as the probation officer who is trying to take the daughter.Charles Coburn is the Rector of St Anthony's college which is on a shoe string in financial trouble and in danger of being closed.
The film pulls at the heart strings and even though the script is a little faulty, the chemistry between the characters in the cast bring it off quite well.
This is one of the six dozen non-western movies John Wayne made in his 50-year screen career.
Wayne has a good role as a single father, Steve Williams, raising daughter Carol, played by Sherry Jackson.
Unfortunately, for him, the child welfare officer, Alice Singleton (played by Donna Reed) doesn't think pool rooms and athletic events are the best place to raise an 11- year old girl.
The rector, Father Burke (played superbly by Charles Coburn), is desperate to find a way for the school to raise money to pay off its debt so it can remain open.
On a point of trivia – other reviewers have commented on the quote that Carol uses in the film, when she says what Steve's philosophy is: "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." People well into the 21st century may not know about that remark or its attribution during the last of the 20th century to legendary pro football coach, Vince Lombardi.
Is John Wayne going your way towards the bells of St. Anthony's?.
He's got a trampy ex-wife (Marie Windsor, no less), and their devoted daughter (Sherry loves him, hates her mother, and wants no part of the repressed social worker's plan to take her away from Wayne & pass her onto his mom.
At a party for the little girl, it is made apparent that she has no interest in her daughter, which Reed witnesses.In addition to all of this soap opera, there is the head of the Catholic college Wayne has gone to work for, played by the always lovable Charles Coburn.
There are some great affectionate scenes between Sherry Jackson and Charles Coburn, but they are overshadowed by the drama which the film focuses on.
Had the script focused more on the football team, the survival of the school, and the loving relationship between father and daughter, it would be less cloying.
Both of them are fine and are mildly entertaining.The sports story and the coach character isn't far from the usual John Wayne Cowboy/Military officer role.
Director Curtiz does come as close to that limit as any movie of the time.The best scene is when Wayne finds out that the football schedule for the team he has just taken over includes the toughest teams in college football.
One has to cringe for her and all women who had to live in the 1950's.I think if this film had been more successful, Wayne would have broken away from the cowboy/military stereotypes and done some interesting movies in the last two decades of his life.
It's apparent the studio must have put a lot into this movie hoping for it to be a big success, employing a top director and top cast, plus it feels like this role was written for Wayne.
Despite the film being a chance of pace for him, the role still feels like a very John Wayne character; very American, very macho and very much an individualist.The movie's plot revolves around two things I'm not a fan off, sports and religion.
The movie even takes advantage of its religious based plot with some great religious jokes ("Couldn't have booked one Protestant school for a breather").Charles Coburn's role as Father Burke is an archetypal representation of Catholic clergy in old Hollywood films as an entirely trustworthy figure of respect such as Spencer Tracy in Boy's Town and Pat O'Brien in Angels With Dirty Faces.
Trouble Along The Way provides Coburn with one of his best roles and a showcase as to why he's one of Hollywood's finest character actors.You can believe Wayne's daughter played by Sherry Jackson really would be the daughter of a John Wayne character.
Her character could easily have been a real "love to hate" role as a heartless social worker but brings sympathy to the role partially due to the character's surprising backstory.The other thing I must address which makes me wonder if John Wayne had much input into the film's production is the speech Charles Coburn gives at the end of the film in which he discusses Steve's unethical practices when assembling a football team in which Coburn states "He did it in his way, perhaps the only way".
Accompany this with the statement Steve makes when he's been caught out that "I don't regret what I did" makes me ask the question is this in any way referencing (and possibly defending) Wayne's then-recent involvement in the Hollywood Blacklist, or am I just looking into it too much?From the outset I was expecting Trouble Along The Way to be some light, enjoyable fare; but to my surprise, it proved to be a film with deep and complex story and characters.