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The Longest Yard (1974)

Directed by Robert Aldrich · Sports

121 minutes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Burt Reynolds Paul "Wrecking" Crewe
Eddie Albert Warden Rudolph Hazen
Ed Lauter Captain Wilhelm Knauer
Michael Conrad Nate Scarboro
Jim Hampton James "Caretaker" Farrell
Harry Caesar "Granny" Granville
Mike Henry Lieutenant Rasmussen
Jim Nicholson "Ice Man"

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

30:05

Most Rewatchable Scene

The full football game, especially its huddles and comeback

The full football game, especially its huddles and comeback

In the discussion (16)
Approx. transcript time · 00:30:05Read transcript
  • The opening car chase and arrest are praised for making Paul Crewe reckless enough to justify prison. — Bill Simmons
  • Crewe dumping the car and joking that he could not find a car wash caps the chase. — Bill Simmons
  • The warden meeting is praised for its escalating power play and Eddie Albert performance. — Bill Simmons
  • The swamp push-up punishment works despite being a long sequence that might easily have stalled the movie. — Bill Simmons
  • The first practice and library confrontation help show the prisoners choosing to join the team. — Bill Simmons
  • The injury seminar and Caretaker drinking scene lead into Crewe’s guarded account of shaving points.
  • The first half supplies memorable threats, football violence, and comic beats. — Bill Simmons
  • Crewe’s deliberate interceptions, fumbled handoff, fake injury, and teammates moving away make his betrayal painful. — Bill Simmons
  • Pop’s answer that punching Hazen was worth thirty years motivates Crewe to return. — Bill Simmons
  • The comeback includes Nate’s touchdown and injury, a reverse, a long fourth-down conversion, and a tackle-eligible play. — Bill Simmons
  • The final drive shows fourth down, seven seconds left, Crewe walking to the bench, and the crowd going quiet. — Bill Simmons
  • Crewe’s brief huddle speech invokes Granville, Nate, and Caretaker before the winning touchdown. — Bill Simmons
  • The goal-line score uses a freeze and multiple reaction angles to land the win.
  • The apparent threat that Crewe will be shot sustains the dark tone before he returns the game ball. — Van Lathan
  • The entire game is treated as one rewatchable unit, with the huddles alone telling its emotional story.
  • The training and injury montages are added as alternate choices.
31:46

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Warden Hazen, played by Eddie Albert

Warden Hazen, played by Eddie Albert

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:31:46Read transcript
  • The panel names the Overacting Award and immediately selects Warden Hazen for Eddie Albert’s heightened delivery. — Bill Simmons
43:38

What’s Aged the Best?

Burt Reynolds’s athletic movie-star performance, the sports realism, split-screen game coverage, car chase, period st...

Burt Reynolds’s athletic movie-star performance, the sports realism, split-screen game coverage, car chase, period styling, Caretaker twist, and decision not to kill Crewe receive the strongest praise.

In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 00:43:38Read transcript
  • A giant movie star leading a sports film is praised as a model that has become rare. — Van Lathan
  • The ashtray, cigarettes, radio football call, and gray leisure suit immediately establish the 1970s setting. — Bill Simmons
  • The split-screen game coverage is praised for introducing a new visual grammar late in the movie without breaking immersion. — Chris Ryan
  • The car chase benefits from the long skids and less precise handling of a 1973 Maserati. — Bill Simmons
  • Anitra Ford’s look is treated as specifically evocative of the mid-1970s. — Bill Simmons
  • The observed Ed Loudder is praised for a résumé spanning several sports movies. — Bill Simmons
  • Michael Conrad’s later Hill Street Blues presence is noted. — Bill Simmons
  • Using an announcer inside the sports movie is credited as a device later films repeated.
  • Caretaker’s ability to obtain steroids, vitamins, and stimulants is treated as funny period detail. — Bill Simmons
  • The very wide photography and multi-picture design are praised as theatrical choices. — Bill Simmons
  • Caretaker’s murder is called both devastating and an effective story turn that keeps prison danger present. — Bill Simmons
  • The decision to replace an ending where Crewe was shot preserves the movie’s satisfying resolution. — Bill Simmons
  • Burt Reynolds’s dismissive later account of the remake is treated as evidence of his cranky persona. — Bill Simmons
52:22

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Crewe crossing the goal line and the split-away image

Crewe crossing the goal line and the split-away image

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:22Read transcript
  • Crewe crossing the goal line and the split-away image are selected for Great Shot. — Bill Simmons
52:36

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

The prison football stadium

The prison football stadium

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:36Read transcript
  • The stadium is praised as the right size and as a convincing football environment.
  • The crowd and armed-guard setting make the prison establishment feel like the opposing side.
53:59

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Saturday Night Special”

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Saturday Night Special”

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:59Read transcript
  • Saturday Night Special is treated as an immediate and unusually easy needle-drop choice. — Bill Simmons
  • The song prompts a wider debate about the most important 1970s bands for movie soundtracks.
55:09

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

The homemade prison liquor

The homemade prison liquor

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:09Read transcript
  • Caretaker’s homemade liquor is the immediate food-and-drink answer. — Bill Simmons
57:48

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Crewe’s failure to explain the warden’s Caretaker-murder threat to the team

Crewe’s failure to explain the warden’s Caretaker-murder threat to the team

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:57:48Read transcript
  • The panel argues that the prisoners likely would have accepted losing if Crewe explained the threat of a murder frame.
  • If Crewe throws the game, the teammates he betrays could ruin him for the rest of his prison time. — Bill Simmons
  • Unger’s obvious guilt and Crewe’s bond with Caretaker make the warden’s frame threat seem less credible. — Bill Simmons
59:05

What’s Aged the Worst?

The opening domestic violence, Bernadette Peters styling, repeated warden reaction shot, remake’s eclipse of the orig...

The opening domestic violence, Bernadette Peters styling, repeated warden reaction shot, remake’s eclipse of the original, smelling salts, and football brutality

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:05Read transcript
  • The opening domestic violence is called harsh and jarring.
  • Bernadette Peters’s beehive styling is criticized. — Bill Simmons
  • The same shocked-warden reaction appears to be repeated from multiple angles during the game. — Bill Simmons
  • The remake is criticized for stealing recognition from a film the panel regards as already complete. — Bill Simmons
  • Smelling salts for injured players are treated as an outdated response to likely concussions. — Chris Ryan
  • Old receiver alignments are one of the few football details that visibly differ from the modern game. — Chris Ryan
  • Brass knuckles and deliberate injury tactics are treated as unacceptable football equipment and strategy.
1:03:07

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Mean Machine is proposed, but The Longest Yard is defended for revealing its meaning only near the end.

Mean Machine is proposed, but The Longest Yard is defended for revealing its meaning only near the end.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:07Read transcript
  • Mean Machine is the only direct alternate title. — Bill Simmons
  • The original title is praised for joining the football yard and prison yard meanings. — Bill Simmons
1:03:19

Van Lathan Award for Did This Movie Need More Black People?

No; recruiting the Black prisoners is essential to winning

No; recruiting the Black prisoners is essential to winning

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:19Read transcript
  • The answer is an immediate no. — Van Lathan
  • The film is praised for showing that the team needs the Black prisoners and must actively earn their participation.
1:06:21

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

“You’ve come too far to stop now”

“You’ve come too far to stop now”

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:21Read transcript
  • The final huddle’s come-too-far line is the leading quote. — Chris Ryan
  • The line about a player having broken his neck is another prominent nominee. — Chris Ryan
  • Crewe saying people keep him around for his sense of humor is offered as a summary of Burt Reynolds’s appeal. — Chris Ryan
  • Knauer’s answer that fifteen gun turrets explain the warden’s command is nominated. — Chris Ryan
1:07:15

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Burt Reynolds is called the greatest car-chase driver; alternate takes read the film as a story about America and spe...

Burt Reynolds is called the greatest car-chase driver; alternate takes read the film as a story about America and speculate that Crewe fathers a child in prison.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:15Read transcript
  • Burt Reynolds is argued to be the greatest performer at driving while being chased. — Bill Simmons
  • Steve McQueen and Ryan Gosling are considered as alternatives. — Bill Simmons
  • The movie is read as a story about Americans from different backgrounds uniting through football and hatred of authority. — Chris Ryan
  • A deliberately speculative take imagines that the secretary becomes pregnant after the encounter with Crewe. — Van Lathan
1:10:05

Casting What-Ifs

James Hampton as Caretaker; modern equivalents for Joe Kapp, Ray Nitschke, and Sonny Sixkiller

James Hampton as Caretaker; modern equivalents for Joe Kapp, Ray Nitschke, and Sonny Sixkiller

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:05Read transcript
  • James Hampton was reportedly intended for Unger before pushing to play Caretaker. — Bill Simmons
  • The observed Joe Cap and Ray Nitchke are identified as real football stars in the cast. — Bill Simmons
  • Kirk Cousins is proposed as a present-day Joe Cap equivalent. — Bill Simmons
  • Khalil Mack and Fred Warner are considered as Ray Nitchke equivalents. — Bill Simmons
  • The observed player is reported as a former University of Washington quarterback who also played in the WFL. — Van Lathan
1:11:54

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

The performer playing Unger

The performer playing Unger

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:54Read transcript
  • James Hampton is considered a That Guy for most listeners despite his familiar Teen Wolf role.
  • The observed Ed Lauder is considered too identifiable by name by part of the panel. — Bill Simmons
  • Harry Caesar is proposed because Granville is more memorable than the actor’s name. — Bill Simmons
  • Unger wins because the panel does not know the actor’s name but would recognize him as Unger. — Bill Simmons
1:12:59

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Announcer Michael Fox

Announcer Michael Fox

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:59Read transcript
  • Bernadette Peters is nominated for intensifying sharply in her second scene. — Bill Simmons
  • Shockner, Pop, the warden’s sidekick, and the cheerleaders are alternate short-role candidates. — Bill Simmons
  • Michael Fox wins because his announcer commentary is both memorable and self-written.
1:13:49

Recasting Couch

Glen Powell is favored over Ryan Gosling as a modern Paul Crewe.

Glen Powell is favored over Ryan Gosling as a modern Paul Crewe.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:49Read transcript
1:14:45

What Would Tony Romo’s Director’s Commentary for This Movie Sound Like?

Chris Collinsworth is favored over Tony Romo.

Chris Collinsworth is favored over Tony Romo.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:45Read transcript
  • Tony Romo and Chris Collinsworth are proposed for football commentary over the movie. — Bill Simmons
  • Collinsworth is favored for explaining the repeated success of Split Right on Two. — Bill Simmons
1:15:23

Half-Assed Internet Research

Albert S. Ruddy’s story, Robert Aldrich’s comedy takes, the real inmate-trooper game, Reynolds’s rapport with prisone...

Albert S. Ruddy’s story, Robert Aldrich’s comedy takes, the real inmate-trooper game, Reynolds’s rapport with prisoners, Aldrich’s treatment of Michael Conrad, and the Maserati sale

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:23Read transcript
  • Producer Albert S. Ruddy is reported to have conceived the story in the late 1960s and hired a screenwriter. — Bill Simmons
  • The production shot at Georgia State Prison with cooperation from then-governor Jimmy Carter. — Bill Simmons
  • Aldrich reportedly kept cameras rolling for what he called schtick takes so Reynolds could improvise comedy. — Bill Simmons
  • After production, inmates used the remaining equipment to play state troopers and reportedly led 66–0 at halftime. — Bill Simmons
  • Reynolds reportedly ignored warnings and ate with prisoners during meal breaks. — Bill Simmons
  • Aldrich reportedly feuded with Michael Conrad and called him the Polish princess. — Bill Simmons
  • The recovered Maserati was reportedly sold by the producer for seven thousand dollars. — Bill Simmons
1:17:22

Apex Mountain

The Longest Yard as Burt Reynolds’s retrospective apex; The Longest Yard among football movies; the 1974 Maserati

The Longest Yard as Burt Reynolds’s retrospective apex; The Longest Yard among football movies; the 1974 Maserati

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:22Read transcript
1:20:26

Cruise or Hanks?

Tom Cruise as Paul Crewe; Tom Hanks as Nate Scarborough

Tom Cruise as Paul Crewe; Tom Hanks as Nate Scarborough

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:26Read transcript
1:21:16

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

Mean Machine

Mean Machine

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:16Read transcript
  • Mean Machine is selected as the strongest racehorse name. — Van Lathan
1:21:45

Picking Nits

The unbribed referees, two NFL players sharing a prison, the disappearing push-up athlete, the warden’s obsession, Ca...

The unbribed referees, two NFL players sharing a prison, the disappearing push-up athlete, the warden’s obsession, Caretaker murder logistics, team hierarchy, Chicago prisoners in Florida, the coin toss, play calls, and comeback clock

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:45Read transcript
  • The warden’s extensive effort to fix the game makes failing to bribe the referees conspicuous.
  • Two former NFL players sharing one Florida prison without Crewe knowing is treated as implausible. — Chris Ryan
  • The skilled push-up prisoner largely disappears after the swamp sequence. — Chris Ryan
  • The warden’s intense investment in a semipro prison team is questioned and partly defended by real prison-sports culture.
  • Unger’s light-bulb murder device seems too elaborate to escape notice.
  • Nate’s head-coach status conflicts with Crewe initially calling him an assistant. — Chris Ryan
  • The Chicago Youth Authority prisoners’ presence in a Florida state prison is unexplained.
  • A modern viewer questions why the team did not defer after winning the coin toss. — Bill Simmons
  • Split Right on Two is too simple a call for a reverse pass. — Bill Simmons
  • The final comeback appears to require multiple unseen defensive stops in very little game time. — Bill Simmons
  • Knauer’s poor clock management is partly explained by the warden demanding a larger margin. — Bill Simmons
1:29:14

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

A basketball remake about a disgraced NBA star leading prisoners against guards

A basketball remake about a disgraced NBA star leading prisoners against guards

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:14Read transcript
  • Basketball is proposed as the sport for a new remake fifty years later. — Bill Simmons
  • The recruiting sequence would seek European or Serbian prisoners as needed specialists.
  • Edward Norton’s American History X character is jokingly proposed for the opposing prison group.
1:31:10

Is This Movie Better With…?

The Hanson Brothers

The Hanson Brothers

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:10Read transcript
  • Wayne Jenkins, the observed Danny Treos and Sam Jackson, J.T. Walsh, and the observed Philip Bicker Hall are among the proposed additions. — Bill Simmons
  • The Hanson Brothers win because they could add iconic football-team and hot-box scenes. — Bill Simmons
  • The observed Byron Mayo, Harley Mays, evil-laughing Ramon, and Raymond are also proposed as stock additions. — Bill Simmons
1:31:35

Just One Oscar

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:35Read transcript
1:31:35

Probably Unanswerable Questions

The score without Crewe tanking, the guards’ real competition, prison sports-talk narratives, Crewe’s age, Caretaker’...

The score without Crewe tanking, the guards’ real competition, prison sports-talk narratives, Crewe’s age, Caretaker’s resemblance to Red, Crewe’s statistics, and Knauer’s fate

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:35Read transcript
  • The panel asks how badly the Mean Machine wins if Crewe never throws the third quarter. — Chris Ryan
  • The guards’ national runner-up status is questioned after a team assembled in four weeks beats them. — Chris Ryan
  • The day-after prison sports shows and their treatment of Crewe are imagined.
  • Crewe’s claimed eleven-year career and eight-year exile seem inconsistent with his apparent age. — Bill Simmons
  • The panel asks whether Red in The Shawshank Redemption resembles Caretaker or a broader prison-fixer trope.
  • Crewe’s passing and rushing statistics are estimated from the game. — Bill Simmons
  • The panel asks whether the warden will have the observed Canauer killed after the loss. — Bill Simmons
1:35:18

Best Double Feature

North Dallas Forty
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:18Read transcript
  • Smokey and the Bandit is proposed as a Burt Reynolds charisma pairing. — Bill Simmons
  • North Dallas Forty is the leading same-era football pairing.
  • Slap Shot and Heaven Can Wait are additional 1970s sports options.
1:35:55

The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day?

Crewe is expected to be framed, assaulted, or forced to escape, while the guards’ season collapses.

Crewe is expected to be framed, assaulted, or forced to escape, while the guards’ season collapses.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:55Read transcript
  • The warden is expected to retaliate by framing or attacking Crewe.
  • A sequel would need Crewe to escape because his prison situation is untenable. — Van Lathan
  • The guards are imagined falling into a three-and-eight season and quarterback controversy. — Bill Simmons
1:37:15

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Crewe’s black number 22 Mean Machine jersey

Crewe’s black number 22 Mean Machine jersey

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:37:15Read transcript
  • The game ball and Crewe jersey are reported as possible prior auction items.
  • A non-torn black Mean Machine number 22 jersey is the preferred piece.
1:37:31

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Nate’s prison-survival speech and Caretaker’s explanation of football’s meaning

Nate’s prison-survival speech and Caretaker’s explanation of football’s meaning

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:37:31Read transcript
  • One lesson says prison cannot beat a man’s courage and manhood out of him.
  • Another lesson explains that point shaving violated the meaning prisoners invest in football.
  • That lesson sets up Crewe’s refusal to sell out the team again. — Van Lathan
1:38:33

Who Won the Movie?

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:38:33Read transcript
  • Burt Reynolds is the clear and repeated winner choice.
  • Ruddy gets an alternate winner case for the foresight to unite Aldrich, Reynolds, the story, and a no-holds-barred tone. — Chris Ryan
  • Ruddy’s long career through The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby strengthens the alternate case. — Van Lathan
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Burt Reynolds
Speaker not identified
Burt Reynolds
1:41:01

Producer review

The producer praises the football and final forty minutes, finds the first hour dated, admires the older stars’ natur...

The producer praises the football and final forty minutes, finds the first hour dated, admires the older stars’ natural presence, wants a stronger final speech, and argues Crewe should have thrown the game

In the discussion (9)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:01Read transcript

More from the conversation

Burt Reynolds’s charisma, physical credibility, comedy, and darkness are treated as the combination that makes redemption believable.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:47Read transcript
The film is treated as the first great modern sports movie because it joins a real dramatic premise, comedy, credible play, and a major director.
Approx. transcript time · 00:17:30Read transcript
The split-screen, wide coverage, slow motion, huddles, and score clarity make the long football game readable and influential.
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:44Read transcript
Caretaker and Granville provide the team’s conscience and make Crewe’s betrayal emotionally costly.
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:13Read transcript
The 1974 awards and box-office discussion places the film against an unusually strong Best Actor field and records its large return.
Approx. transcript time · 00:27:11Read transcript
The panel treats the remake’s lighter cameo-heavy approach as evidence for why the original’s danger matters.
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:00Read transcript
The soundtrack discussion places Lynyrd Skynyrd among the recurring bands used to define 1970s movie energy.
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:59Read transcript
The Black prisoners’ recruitment is read as both a racial negotiation and the tactical condition for beating institutional power.
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:19Read transcript
The real players, prison location, improvised comedy, and dangerous play shape the production history.
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:24Read transcript
The comeback-clock nitpicks still depend on admiration for how precisely most of the game is staged.
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:45Read transcript
The producer addendum contrasts dated pacing and language with durable football realism and star presence.
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:01Read transcript

Mentions across The Rewatchables

Recorded movie reference

Breaking Away

The Rewatchables · aired June 11, 2024

Seventies sports pyramid; 1979 domestic box-office list (twelve named)