A truly jaw-dropping experience, Makers of Men is an unabashed celebration of Conditional Love. Jack Holt plays Dudley, a macho college football coach who drives his players mercilessly, but they never complain because they're being transformed into real he-men. Alas, Dudley is saddled with a sensitive son named Bob (Richard Cromwell), who hates athletics and participates only because he is forced to do so. On two occasions, Bob lets his team down through cowardice and sloth and as a result is disowned not only by Dudley but by his campus sweetheart Dorothy (Joan Marsh). Fortunately for the screenwriters, Bob pulls himself together to win the Big Game, proving himself worthy of his father's name. The moral: Winning isn't everything -- it's the only thing.
~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide