Gus 1976

The California Atoms are a struggling professional football team in Los Angeles, under the ownership of Hank Cooper and the misguided coaching of Coach Venner. For years, they have remained winless, occupying the bottom of the league rankings. Their cheerleaders are hardly inspiring, and even their marching band leaves much to be desired. In a frantic attempt to draw in fans, Cooper dreams of having an extraordinary halftime show. His secretary, Debbie, uncovers a story in her parents’ Yugoslavian newspaper about a remarkable mule named Gus, who possesses the unique ability to kick a soccer ball through the goal from any part of the field.

Determined to bring Gus to Los Angeles, Debbie travels to Yugoslavia where she meets Andy Petrovic, the young owner of Gus. In that region, Andy’s older brother is a celebrated soccer player while Andy faces constant criticism for his own lack of skill on the field. It’s clear that Gus is their hope for success, so they swiftly make their way to L.A.

Meanwhile, Cooper is mired in gambling debts to the dubious bookmakers, Charles Gwynn and Cal Wilson. When Cooper reveals his inability to pay, the duo offers him a risky last chance: if the Atoms win the Super Bowl, he’s off the hook; but if they lose, not only will the gamblers take ownership of the team, but they hint at more sinister consequences.

As the Atoms embark on their first game, the team is poised for a dismal outcome until Gus dazzles the crowd at halftime, effortlessly kicking a football the entire length of the field. In a twist reminiscent of football lore, the second half sees Andy rallying the team, instructing them to pass the ball to Gus, who is ready to score. The referees allow it, as the rules don’t mandate the player to be human. Gus’s precision leads to newfound victories, and as the season progresses, the Atoms find themselves atop their division.

However, Gus has a peculiar condition: he will only kick for Andy when commanded with the word “oyage.” To ensure this duo continues to shine, Debbie is tasked with overseeing their training—an assignment that sparks a romantic connection between her and Andy, which Gus seems to egg on.

Yet, in the shadows lurk Gwynn and Wilson, frustrated with their team’s success. To thwart the Atoms, they recruit two inept crooks, Crankcase and Spinner. During one game, Crankcase impersonates a driver and tricks Andy and Gus into getting lost, resulting in a devastating loss for the team. In response, Cooper hires security for Gus and Andy, but as luck would have it, Spinner sabotages Gus by spiking his water with alcohol, leading to a comical mishap where Gus cannot perform.

With only a couple of losses, the Atoms make it into the playoffs. Andy finds fame as a result, gracing a television show that features his unimpressed parents in Yugoslavia, fixated instead on his brother’s athletic prowess. As playoff tension rises, Spinner and Crankcase execute a lie, telling Andy that Debbie is gravely injured in a car accident. In a rush, Andy finds himself trapped in a hospital room, manipulated by Spinner disguised as a doctor. Without Andy, the Atoms struggle, but Debbie steps in, donning Andy’s uniform to encourage Gus, who triumphantly kicks a winning field goal, though the audience mistakenly believes Andy is behind the success.

Finally, the Atoms reach the Super Bowl amidst turmoil. Spinner and Crankcase execute their ultimate plan, kidnapping Gus right before the game. But when Gus catches sight of the Super Bowl on television, he breaks free from captivity in a hilarious frenzy and heads to the stadium. In a race against time, Andy and Cooper take to the skies in a helicopter, searching for their beloved mule until they reunite just in time for halftime.

With Gus back in action, the Atoms fight back, making an impressive comeback. However, in a climactic moment, Gus stumbles, missing a crucial kick. Rather than giving up, the intelligent mule improvises, passing the ball to Andy, who runs an electrifying 95 yards to score the winning touchdown.

At the conclusion of the game, Andy emerges as the reluctant hero, while Gus subtly steps into the background. In a heartfelt scene, Cooper reassures Gus, stating, “It’s okay, everyone misses once.” As Cooper celebrates with Andy, Debbie shares a knowing glance with Gus, suggesting she is fully aware of his clever tactics.