
Hold 'Em Yale 1935
"FOUR SLUGS DISH OUT ROMANCE IN THE YALE BOWL"
In *Hold 'Em Yale (1935)*, director Sidney Lanfield crafts a lighthearted pre-Code comedy brimming with deception, romance, and the spirit of college football.
Director: Sidney Lanfield
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hold 'Em Yale (1935) about?
*Hold 'Em Yale* follows a young socialite whose romantic dreams are dashed when a smooth-talking hustler dumps her after learning she's been cut off by her father. Undeterred, three of his former partners hatch a plan to reunite her with a sincere but awkward bookworm—all while scheming their way to the Yale-Harvard football game.
Who directed Hold 'Em Yale?
Hold 'Em Yale was directed by Sidney Lanfield, a filmmaker known for his work in comedies and musicals during Hollywood's pre-Code era.
Who stars in Hold 'Em Yale?
The film stars Patricia Ellis, Buster Crabbe, Cesar Romero, William Frawley, and Andy Devine.
Is Hold 'Em Yale (1935) worth watching?
While *Hold 'Em Yale* isn't a landmark film, its snappy dialogue, energetic pace, and pre-Code charm make it a fun watch for fans of classic comedies. The interplay between the cast—especially Ellis and Crabbe—adds to its appeal, though it's best enjoyed as a light, nostalgic romp rather than a cinematic masterpiece.
How long is Hold 'Em Yale?
Hold 'Em Yale runs for 61 minutes.
About Hold 'Em Yale (1935) — A pre-Code comedy of love, lies, and football chaos
In *Hold 'Em Yale (1935)*, director Sidney Lanfield crafts a lighthearted pre-Code comedy brimming with deception, romance, and the spirit of college football. The story follows a spirited socialite whose heart is broken when a charming hustler abandons her after discovering she's been disowned by her wealthy father. Left to navigate the fallout, she finds herself the target of a clever scheme hatched by three of the hustler's scorned partners—who hope to lure her to the legendary Yale-Harvard football game to reunite with a kind but awkward bookworm. With its blend of witty repartee, slapstick humor, and a dash of mischief, the film captures the giddy excitement of early 20th-century college life while exploring themes of loyalty, redemption, and the chaos of misplaced trust.
Starring Patricia Ellis as the determined debutante and Buster Crabbe as the lovable rogue, *Hold 'Em Yale* delivers a breezy, entertaining romp fueled by the talents of Cesar Romero and a supporting cast that includes William Frawley and Andy Devine. The film's brisk 61-minute runtime keeps the energy high, blending romantic misunderstandings with the playful antics of a con artist's comeback plot. Under Lanfield's direction, the movie thrives on its fast-paced dialogue and the infectious charm of its characters, making it a delightful snapshot of an era when college football and high-society antics collided with flair.