Rudy (1993)

Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.

Director:

David Anspaugh

Writer:

Angelo Pizzo

Stars:

Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sean Astin	...	Daniel E. 'Rudy' Ruettiger
Jon Favreau	...	D-Bob
Ned Beatty	...	Daniel Ruettiger
Greta Lind	...	Mary
Scott Benjaminson	...	Frank Ruettiger
Mary Ann Thebus	...	Betty
Charles S. Dutton	...	Fortune
Lili Taylor	...	Sherry
Christopher Reed	...	Pete
Deborah Wittenberg	...	Young Sherry
Christopher Erwin	...	7-Year-Old Mark
Kevin Duda	...	9-Year-Old Bernie
Robert Benirschke	...	11-Year-Old Mark
Luke Massery	...	13-Year-Old Rudy
Robert J. Steinmiller Jr.	...	13-Year-Old Pete

Storyline

Rudy grew up in a steel mill town where most people ended up working, but wanted to play football at Notre Dame instead. There were only a couple of problems. His grades were a little low, his athletic skills were poor, and he was only half the size of the other players. But he had the drive and the spirit of 5 people and has set his sights upon joining the team.

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Plot Keywords:

college football | football movie | notre dame university | aspiration | underdog | 

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Taglines:

Sometimes a winner is a dreamer who just won't quit.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

22 October 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bourák

Filming Locations:

1718 E. 119th. Street, Whiting, Indiana, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$22,750,363

Company Credits

Production Co:

TriStar Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR SDDS (8 channels)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to the real Rudy, the character of Fortune (Charles S. Dutton) was a combination of three different people that were helping him realize his dream of playing football for Notre Dame.

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Goofs

When Rudy's family is arriving for the game in which Rudy plays, Rudy's dad is the first one off the bus. On the side of the bus, near the door, is an Illinois Fuel Tax/Road Tax sticker used in 1992. It is light purple in color.

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Quotes

Rudy: This entire year's been a waste! I've just blown another year of eligibility!

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Crazy Credits

This is one of the few films in which the infamous "Alan Smithee" is given directorial credit for ONLY the commercial TV version. If viewed on VHS, DVD, pay cable etc... David Anspaugh is given his proper credit as director in the opening credits. However the editing for extra commercials on the free TV version is done so heavily -which alters the context- that Mr Smithee is the "director" when this film is shown there.

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Alternate Versions

Severely cut TV version was disowned by director David Anspaugh. The credited director on this version is "Alan Smithee".

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Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Russell Crowe/Margo Price (2016)

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Soundtracks

Notre Dame Victory March
By John F. Shea and Michael J. Shea
Performed by University of Notre Dame Marching Band

User Reviews

Today's spoiled athletes should take notes

One of my favorite football movies of all time, this film follows in the long tradition of great sports movies which can uplift the spirit through means other than winning the big game and getting the girl or some other typical Hollywood convention. The music, cinematography and acting was excellent in this film, especially considering the terrible film choices Sean Astin had before embarking on this movie. While this was really an homage to Notre Dame football, a person could really look at Rudy and see a little of themselves inside the relatively small man. Charles Dutton had one of the greatest speeches in the history of sports cinema, and he should have gained more notoriety for his performance in this film.