12 Mighty Orphans

What does this 2021 film based on Jim Dent’s book of the same title, tell us about the life changing influence of Coach Rusty Russell on the boys in Forth Worth’s Masonic Home and School during the Depression? How does the film contrast his coaching philosophy with others? How does the film use the story of eventual NFL standout Hardy Brown to illustrate Coach Russell’s impact on their lives? Did Coach Russell and Doc save him from a violent and possibly criminal life? How does the film illustrate the nature of camaraderie in teams, how it developed within this team, and between the team and coaches? How does it portray Coach Russell’s creativity in coaching the undersized Mites? Does the telescoping of Russell’s 14 year career into one year detract from the film’s plausibility and appeal?