How to Watch Football

How to Watch Football is a unique and humorous dive into the beloved sport of American football, brought to life through the creative lens of director Ray “Pappy” White who was well-known at the time for his short, humorous sports documentaries. This comedic short film from 1938 stars none other than Robert Benchley, a well-respected humorist and actor, along with the versatile Eddie Acuff and Ernie Alexander, all of whom contribute to bringing forth the entertaining spirit of this film.

The narrative is skillfully presented as a humorous guide intended for the average viewer who may not have immense knowledge about the sport. Benchley, who is also the narrator, takes on the role of an unassuming, typical man with an everyman quality. This allows the viewers to identify with him as he ventures into the world of football, trying to make sense of the rules and maneuvers of the game. As Benchley fumbles his way through the intricacies of the sport, his quips and observations make for a hilarious commentary that anyone who has ever felt lost or overwhelmed while watching a sports game can truly appreciate.

The film opens with Benchley being dragged to a football match by his enthusiastic friends. Feeling rather bewildered and out of place amidst the fervor of the crowd, he resorts to myriads of peculiar techniques to try and understand the game. At the heart of it all, How To Watch Football captures the confusion and numerous misunderstandings faced by football newcomers in a light-hearted and accessible way.

Eddie Acuff and Ernie Alexander offer excellent support to Benchley, contributing to the film’s overall humor and charm. Their exaggerated enthusiasm and passion for football contrast vividly with Benchley's bemused indifference, highlighting the central theme of the movie - the overwhelming nature of the game for the uninitiated.

One of the most distinct aspects of How To Watch Football is the way it merges fictional narrative elements with an almost pseudo-documentary style. This creates a comedic and critical examination of both football as a sport and the cultural phenomenons surrounding it. The soundtrack adds a lively dimension with the band music and roaring crowd noises, creating an engaging atmosphere that mirrors the excitement of the actual football games.

The film, with its run time of close to 10 minutes, is filled with numerous funny and memorable moments that any viewer can chuckle at, irrespective of their knowledge about football. Moreover, its simple yet smart humor makes this short film an endearing classic that can be appreciated at any time. It manages to capture the lightheartedness of a short comedy while still offering a somewhat functional primer to watching and understanding football.

Technically, the cinematography of the film deserves special mention. The use of different camera angles to portray the confusion on the field, as experienced by Benchley, works up a comical perspective. The shots of cheering crowds, players rushing across the field, and the meticulous attention to detail in the shots from varying perspectives encapsulate the energy and fervor of the live matches.

Ray White’s direction and Benchley’s satirical commentary are easily the stand-out aspects of the film. White manages to steer clearly away from the temptation of overburdening the film with technical terms or intricate game plans. Instead, he focuses on Benchley's humorous struggle to grasp the game's basics, which drives the narrative of How to Watch Football.

In essence, How to Watch Football is more than just a comedic take on the complexities of American football. It sheds light in a humorous way on the larger idea of an outsider's struggle to fit into or understand a new activity or community. Its charm lies in its simplicity, relatablility, and Benchley's adeptness at maintaining a comedic tone throughout, making it a sweet and amusing watch even after all these years. This film is a delightful recommendation not just for avid sports fans but also for anyone fond of lighthearted and entertaining content.