Take a Cue

About This Movie

Take a Cue (1939) is one of those curiosities from the late '30s that captures a unique blend of school spirit and leisure activities. The film centers around Charles C. Peterson, a teacher whose passion for billiards oddly elevates him above the recent basketball victory. It’s this juxtaposition of sports that intrigues me; the students are drawn more to the precision and strategy of billiards rather than the usual hustle of basketball. The atmosphere feels warm and almost nostalgic, a slice of life that offers a peek into the social dynamics of the time. Performances are earnest, if not a bit understated, giving it a quaint charm. It's a piece that stands out, not for any grand production values but for its simplicity and focus on character.

Take a Cue is fairly obscure, and as such, not a lot of prints are floating around, making it somewhat of a hidden gem for collectors. Most known copies are in VHS format, as it never really saw a proper DVD release, which adds to its scarcity. The film's low profile has kept it under the radar, but for those interested in offbeat educational narratives or sports films, it has a certain charm that makes it worth the search.