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12 Mighty Orphans
View on Wikipedia| 12 Mighty Orphans | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ty Roberts |
| Screenplay by |
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| Based on | Twelve Mighty Orphans: The Inspiring True Story of the Mighty Mites Who Ruled Texas Football by Jim Dent |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | David McFarland |
| Edited by | James K. Crouch |
| Music by | Mark Orton |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Sony Pictures Classics |
Release date |
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Running time | 118 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $3.7 million[1] |
12 Mighty Orphans is a 2021 American sports film which was directed by Ty Roberts from a screenplay by Roberts, Lane Garrison and Kevin Meyer. It is based upon the non-fiction book Twelve Mighty Orphans: The Inspiring True Story of the Mighty Mites Who Ruled Texas Football by Jim Dent. The book is based on the Masonic School for Orphans in Fort Worth, Texas.[2]
The film stars Luke Wilson, Vinessa Shaw, Wayne Knight, Jake Austin Walker, Jacob Lofland, Levi Dylan, Robert Duvall and Martin Sheen. The film was released in the United States on June 11, 2021 by Sony Pictures Classics. It received mixed reviews from critics.
Plot
[edit]During the Great Depression, war veteran and former orphan Rusty Russell (Luke Wilson) relocates with his wife Juanita (Vinessa Shaw) and daughter to Fort Worth, Texas, to teach math and science at the Masonic Home for Orphans. He also takes on the role of football coach. Upon arrival, Rusty discovers that the orphanage is run by the abusive Warden Frank Wynn (Wayne Knight), who exploits the boys for child labor in his personal printing press. The boys, lacking proper education and discipline, are subjected to harsh conditions and have little hope for the future.
Determined to make a difference, Rusty, with the support of the home's compassionate physician, Doc Hall (Martin Sheen), decides to form a football team. Recognizing the boys' physical limitations, he devises innovative strategies, including a spread offense, to level the playing field. Despite lacking basic equipment and playing barefoot, the team, dubbed the "Mighty Mites," begins to improve, instilling a sense of purpose and unity among the players.
Facing numerous challenges, including resistance from Warden Wynn and skepticism from the community, the Mighty Mites persevere. They gain attention for their unique playing style and resilience, eventually catching the interest of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As the team advances toward the Texas state championships, they confront personal and institutional obstacles that test their determination and spirit.
In the climactic championship game, the Mighty Mites face a formidable opponent. Despite their best efforts and innovative tactics, they narrowly lose the game. However, their journey and transformation inspire a nation in need of hope, and Rusty's legacy as a coach and mentor endures.
Cast
[edit]- Luke Wilson as Rusty Russell
- Martin Sheen as Doc E.P. Hall
- Robert Duvall as Mason Hawk
- Vinessa Shaw as Juanita Russell
- Wayne Knight as Frank Wynn
- Jake Austin Walker as Hardy Brown
- Treat Williams as Amon Carter
- Carlson Young as Annie
- Natasha Bassett as Opal
- Jacob Lofland as Snoggs
- Lane Garrison as Luther
- Scott Haze as Rodney Kidd
- Kelly Frye as Mary Jane
- Sampley Barinaga as Chicken
- Levi Dylan as Fairbanks
- Slade Monroe as Wheatie
- Heath Freeman as Coach Cox
- Lucy Faust as Wanda
Production
[edit]Principal photography initially took place for seven weeks from October 7 to November 25, 2019 in Weatherford,[4] Cleburne,[5] and Fort Worth, Texas.[6][7][8][9][10][11] It is based on the non fiction book of the same name by Jim Dent.[12][13][14] Alice Eve was initially attached to the project early in the development, but dropped out for unknown reasons shortly afterwards.[15]
Release
[edit]Sony Pictures Classics acquired worldwide distribution rights to the film in January 2021, five months pending the official release.[16] It was released in a limited release on June 11, 2021 which was followed by a wide expansion one week later on June 18, 2021.[17][18] The film was released theatrically in the United Kingdom three months later on September 17, 2021.[19]
Reception
[edit]Box office
[edit]In its opening weekend the film made $251,569 from 132 theatres. It expanded to 1,047 theatres the following weekend, making an estimated $870,000 and finishing in eighth place at the box office.[20]
Critical response
[edit]On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 63% based on 89 reviews with an average rating of 6/10. The site’s critics consensus reads: "12 Mighty Orphans will rouse faithful fans of old fashioned inspirational sports dramas, but the target audience has seen this sort of thing done more effectively before."[21] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 44 out of 100 based reviews from 14 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[22] Audiences surveyed by PostTrak gave the film an 80% positive score, with 75% saying they would definitely recommend it.[20]
Peter Debruge of Variety called it "Square but satisfying" and said "sometimes they do make ‘em like they used to."[23]
References
[edit]- ^ "12 Mighty Orphans". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
- ^ "Beyond the Chain Link Lay the Kingdom of the Mighty Mites | Hometown by Handlebar". hometownbyhandlebar.com. 15 June 2021. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
- ^ "12 Mighty Orphans (2021) - Plot Summary". IMDb. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- ^ "'12 Mighty Orphans' completes filming in Weatherford". Weatherford Democrat. 5 November 2019. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ "2019 Honorable mentions". Cleburne Times-Review. 4 January 2020. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ Granberry, Michael (24 October 2019). "Robert Duvall and Martin Sheen to join Luke Wilson in upcoming Fort Worth film '12 Mighty Orphans'". The Dallas Morning News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ "Martin Sheen Visits Fort Worth's Joe T. Garcia's". KXAS-TV. 12 November 2019. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ "12 MIGHTY ORPHANS Adds Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen". BroadwayWorld. 22 October 2019. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (22 October 2019). "Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen Join Texas Football Tale '12 Mighty Orphans'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ Stevenson, Stefan (22 November 2019). "'12 Mighty Orphans' producers hope to premiere Fort Worth-set film in city next fall". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Archived from the original on 4 April 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ NTFR (17 December 2019). "Retelling Stories in Texas – North Texas Farm and Ranch". Archived from the original on 2021-04-17. Retrieved 2021-04-17.
- ^ Granberry, Michael (14 August 2020). "How the heartwarming Texas football story '12 Mighty Orphans' has been horse-collared by COVID-19". The Dallas Morning News. Archived from the original on 17 August 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ "CLEBURNE'S ROCK DOUBLES AS MOVIE SET". KTFW-FM. 19 November 2019. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (23 October 2019). "Luke Wilson's Sports Drama '12 Mighty Orphans' Adds Jake Austin Walker (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (1 October 2019). "Alice Eve Joins Luke Wilson In '12 Mighty Orphans'". Yahoo! Finance. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ Donnelly, Matt (19 January 2021). "Sony Pictures Classics Acquires '12 Mighty Orphans,' With Luke Wilson, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 16, 2021). "Sony Pictures Classics Sets Summer Release For Luke Wilson & Martin Sheen Football Drama '12 Mighty Orphans'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
- ^ "WHERE TO WATCH 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS: IS THE 2021 MOVIE STREAMING?". www.hitc.com. 9 June 2021. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ "12 Mighty Orphans: Sony Pictures". sonypictures.co.uk. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 20, 2021). "'Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard' Hits $17M 5-day Debut In Dull Father's Day Weekend (Which Is Starving For A Pixar Movie) – Update". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
- ^ "12 Might Orphans (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
- ^ "12 Might Orphans Reviews". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
- ^ Debruge, Peter (June 17, 2021). "'12 Mighty Orphans' Review: Luke Wilson and Martin Sheen Topline This Solid Underdog Texas Football Drama". Variety.
External links
[edit]12 Mighty Orphans
View on GrokipediaBackground
Historical basis
The Masonic Home and School of Texas was established in Fort Worth in 1889 by the Grand Lodge of Texas Freemasons as a residential facility to provide shelter, education, and care for the widows and orphans of deceased Masons, addressing the needs of children left destitute in an era of limited social services.[4][8] By the 1920s, the institution had grown to serve hundreds of residents, many affected by economic instability, and it operated its own independent school district to ensure academic opportunities for its students.[9] The Mighty Mites football team emerged at the Masonic Home in the late 1920s, initially lacking proper equipment and facilities, with players often using makeshift gear and practicing on rough fields.[3] Under the guidance of coach Harvey Nual "Rusty" Russell, who arrived in 1927 after a successful tenure at Temple High School where he had led teams to state semifinals, the squad transformed into a formidable competitor against much larger high schools in the Texas Interscholastic League during the 1930s.[10][3][3] Russell, a World War I veteran and science teacher at the Home, emphasized holistic player development alongside an innovative single-wing offense adapted for smaller lineups, focusing on speed, deception, and multiple ball-handling roles to compensate for the team's limited roster of about 12 players.[11][12] The team's major achievements highlighted their resilience, including an undefeated regular season in 1932 that propelled them to the Class A state championship game against the much larger Corsicana High School, where they battled to a 0-0 tie before losing on a first-down tiebreaker, an outcome that drew statewide acclaim for the underdogs.[13][3] In 1938, the Mighty Mites again reached the state semifinals, falling 20-6 to Lubbock High School after a dramatic 12-12 tie with Highland Park in the quarterfinals, which they advanced from via a 4-2 penetration advantage.[14][13][15] They made additional semifinal appearances in 1934 and 1940, earning national recognition in newspapers and magazines for their success despite the players' underprivileged origins, with stories of the orphans' grit inspiring fans across the country during hard times.[16][17] The Great Depression, beginning in 1929, severely impacted Texas orphanages like the Masonic Home, exacerbating overcrowding as farm failures and bank closures orphaned more children, while the concurrent Dust Bowl droughts in the 1930s devastated the Panhandle's agriculture, leading to widespread migration and economic strain that reduced institutional funding.[18][19] The Mighty Mites faced acute hardships, including outdated uniforms donated by other schools and meals supplemented by community drives, yet garnered broad local support through Fort Worth boosters who viewed their victories as a symbol of perseverance amid the era's adversities.[5][20] Individual player narratives underscored the team's human element, with many boys overcoming profound personal traumas such as parental loss to illness, accidents, or suicide during the economic collapse, and some enduring prior abuse or abandonment before finding structure and camaraderie on the field.[3] For instance, the 1932 upset run against larger opponents not only spotlighted the team's tactical prowess but also highlighted stories like those of linemen who had arrived at the Home malnourished and grieving, transforming their experiences into collective motivation that fueled the program's enduring legacy.[21][3]Literary source
The primary literary source for the story of the Mighty Mites is the 2007 book Twelve Mighty Orphans: The Inspiring True Story of the Mighty Mites Who Ruled Texas Football by Jim Dent, published by Thomas Dunne Books, an imprint of St. Martin's Press.[22] The narrative chronicles the Fort Worth Masonic Home's football team during the late 1920s through the 1940s, focusing on their underdog triumphs amid the Great Depression.[23] Jim Dent, a veteran sportswriter who covered the Dallas Cowboys for over a decade at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Dallas Times Herald, discovered the Mighty Mites' story through a television sports feature approximately two decades before publication.[24] He conducted extensive research by visiting the former Masonic Home site in Fort Worth, where he gained access to its museum and archival records through cooperation with the institution's administration, and collaborated with individuals connected to the era, such as Russell Morton, whose grandfather managed the Home in the 1930s and 1940s.[25] Dent's work includes detailed accounts of the team's formation under coach Rusty Russell, pivotal games against larger schools, biographies of key players like Whey Harper and Hardy Brown, and the broader impact on figures such as a young Doak Walker, who was inspired by the Mighty Mites as a fan before Russell coached him at Southern Methodist University.[26] Central themes emphasize resilience among the orphans, the mentorship provided by Russell—a World War I veteran who innovated single-wing offensive strategies—and the role of football in fostering discipline and family bonds within the Home.[23] The book achieved New York Times bestseller status and received praise for its vivid portrayal of Texas high school football culture and engaging anecdotes that humanize the players' hardships, including practicing with makeshift equipment during economic turmoil.[25] However, it drew criticism from members of the Masonic organization for narrative embellishments and factual inaccuracies, such as dramatized dialogues and events not fully corroborated by records, which some viewed as disrespectful to the Home's legacy.[24] Dent's storytelling approach, while compelling, prioritized inspirational drama over strict historical precision in places.[26] This publication significantly revived interest in the Mighty Mites' forgotten saga, directly inspiring the 2021 film adaptation by highlighting their innovative play and cultural significance in Texas sports history.[25]Film
Plot
Set in Fort Worth, Texas, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, 12 Mighty Orphans centers on the Masonic Home orphanage, where a group of underprivileged boys form the Mighty Mites football team.[6] The story draws from the real-life inspiration of the orphanage's team, known as the Mighty Mites, who defied odds in Texas high school football.[27] The narrative introduces Coach Rusty Russell, a devoted high school football coach and former orphan haunted by his mysterious past, who relocates to the orphanage to lead the scrawny, inexperienced team.[28] Lacking basic resources like shoes, pads, or even a proper football, the Mighty Mites face central conflicts rooted in physical challenges, poverty, and societal prejudice against the orphans, all while striving for competitive success in a harsh era.[6] Russell's innovative single-wing offensive strategy and emphasis on discipline help transform the boys from disorganized novices into a cohesive unit during grueling practices.[29] Key themes of redemption, teamwork, and overcoming adversity emerge through the players' poignant backstories—marked by loss and hardship—and the deepening coach-player relationships that foster mutual growth and resilience.[30] The plot progresses from early struggles to high-stakes games, prioritizing the emotional development of the young athletes and the uplifting role of sports in instilling hope amid national despair.[27] Overall, the film delivers an inspirational tone, highlighting the transformative power of perseverance and community without resolving specific outcomes.[28]Cast
The principal cast of 12 Mighty Orphans features Luke Wilson in the lead role as Rusty Russell, the innovative coach who transforms the orphanage's football team. Vinessa Shaw portrays Juanita Russell, the coach's supportive wife, while Martin Sheen plays Doc Hall, the compassionate orphanage doctor who aids the young players. Robert Duvall appears as Mason Hawk, a influential figure in the community, and Wayne Knight as Frank Wynn, the local sheriff involved in the team's challenges.[1][31][32] Supporting roles include Levi Dylan as Fairbanks, a team member contributing to the orphans' spirit, and Lane Garrison as Luther Scarborough, the rival coach. The ensemble of young actors depicting the Mighty Mites football team members consists primarily of Texas natives, many making their feature film debuts, such as Preston Porter as Dewitt Coulter, a resilient orphan player, and Austin Shook in a team role; others like Jake Austin Walker as Hardy Brown, known for his fierce determination on the field, and Jacob Lofland as Snoggs, bring authenticity through their regional backgrounds and prior minor roles in independent films.[33][34][35]| Actor | Role | Character Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Wilson | Rusty Russell | Innovative coach leading the orphanage team |
| Vinessa Shaw | Juanita Russell | Coach's wife providing emotional support |
| Martin Sheen | Doc Hall | Orphanage doctor mentoring the boys |
| Wayne Knight | Frank Wynn | Local sheriff influencing team dynamics |
| Robert Duvall | Mason Hawk | Community leader impacting the program's fate |
| Jake Austin Walker | Hardy Brown | Tough orphan player central to the team's defense |
| Preston Porter | Dewitt Coulter | Determined team member from the orphanage |
| Jacob Lofland | Snoggs | Key contributor among the young athletes |
| Levi Dylan | Fairbanks | Supportive figure in the ensemble of orphans |
