Harvard Beats Yale 29–29

Mar 20 - Mar 26, 2009

(Kevin Rafferty, USA, 2008, DigiBeta, 105 min)

Harvard stadium, November 23, 1968: for the first time since 1909, the football teams of Harvard and Yale are undefeated as they meet for their final game. Yale is heavily favored, with Brian Dowling as its captain and quarterback (later satirized in classmate Garry Trudeau’s Doonesbury strip). Harvard’s lineman is Tommy Lee Jones—Al Gore’s roommate. Alongside the original thrilling play-by-play by Don Gillis, the players look back and recall the minutes and seconds leading up to this important moment in sports history, and the political turmoil surrounding it. The players show off their wit and humor remembering moments in the locker room, and honestly discuss the Vietnam War and anti-war sentiments at the colleges. The players' insight shapes this film into something special, making it enjoyable for football fans, history buffs and film lovers alike.

“Preposterously entertaining… A narrative that pulses with the artful, exciting beats of a thriller.” —Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

“The best football movie I’ve ever seen!” —J. Hoberman, The Village Voice


Watch the trailer:


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