The Kick-Off! (1931)

"Kickoff", part of Hal Roach Boy Friend series, is an entertaining one-reeler directed with great style by George Stevens. The director shows that even at this early stage of his career, he had a knack for presenting his stories and getting his audience involved in what they were watching, as it's the case in this funny tale about football when it was in its infancy.

The story about centers about how even then, bad guys were betting in the results of the game. What they don't count on is the way that Mickey, who is asked to step into the game, is instrumental in the victory. Mickey, whose hair has been half eaten by the team's mascot, proves that in spite of being ticklish he can deliver.

The last part of this short film is pure slapstick as the team comes to the rescue of their kidnapped coach. Mickey Daniels and Grady Sutton are the main reason for watching the film.