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Feature film — 1973

Blood Sport (1973)

7.91h 13mDrama — TV Movie

A searing commentary on the "win at all costs" mentality of American high school sports. David Lee Birdsong is the smalltown quarterback hoping to escape with a college scholarship and a pro career. David's father is the overbearing taskmaster vicariously living through his son. The third side of the triangle is Coach Marshall, a hypercritical and cruel man who sees David as the key to his future success. David's lockstep commitment to his father and coach is altered when he witnesses a teammate die after a grueling practice.

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A high-signal pick with 5 votes.

20th Century Fox Television

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Director: Jerrold Freedman

On screen

Cast & crew

Ben Johnson as Dwayne Birdsong

Ben Johnson

Dwayne Birdsong

Gary Busey as David Lee Birdsong

Gary Busey

David Lee Birdsong

Larry Hagman as Coach Marshall

Larry Hagman

Coach Marshall

William Lucking as Dennis Birdsong

William Lucking

Dennis Birdsong

David Doyle as Mr. Schmidt

David Doyle

Mr. Schmidt

M

Mimi Maynard

Mary Louise Schmidt

Peggy Rea as Mrs. Birdsong

Peggy Rea

Mrs. Birdsong

Craig Richard Nelson as Michael Braun

Craig Richard Nelson

Michael Braun

Michael Talbott as Bubba Montgomery

Michael Talbott

Bubba Montgomery

Val Avery as Frank Dorsdale

Val Avery

Frank Dorsdale

Jan Clayton as Blanche Birdsong

Jan Clayton

Blanche Birdsong

Misty Rowe as Holly

Misty Rowe

Holly

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