Gary spurns sweetheart Ellen Steffens and puts off a promise to best friend Steve Kelly to launch a construction business together.
When a football game is scheduled between Bob's school and a team of older all-stars, an opportunity arises for Gary to play against his brother and teach him not to make the same mistakes he did.
Uncredited: The New York Times critic gave it a mixed review, writing, "As a dramatic entertainment, it is not quite so satisfactory.
The scenarists in 'The All American' are too strenuous in their zeal to show the perils of national publicity for the young collegiates who have a battle to fight with life when they leave college.
"[5] The reviewer did praise the "outstanding performance" of Gleason and noted that "Mr. Arlen is earnest and attractive in the principal rôle.