Aging small time boxer is coming to the end of his career and a deal is set up such that he will take a fall in his next fight. Ryan is determined to win.
One of, if not the, best boxing films with not a bum note in sight. Ryan, who was an amateur boxer, is excellent in the lead, but the strength of the first half is the atmosphere of the stadium and the surrounding streets where all life is taking place, the various audience members baying for blood and the changing rooms full of sweaty maybes and has beens preparing to go on. The supporting cast, particularly Audrey Totter who loves Ryan and fears so desperately for his him, are universally terrific throughout this section which leads into one of the best and wholly convincing boxing matches on film - very exciting - will he / won't he etc. Great film.
One of, if not the, best boxing films with not a bum note in sight. Ryan, who was an amateur boxer, is excellent in the lead, but the strength of the first half is the atmosphere of the stadium and the surrounding streets where all life is taking place, the various audience members baying for blood and the changing rooms full of sweaty maybes and has beens preparing to go on. The supporting cast, particularly Audrey Totter who loves Ryan and fears so desperately for his him, are universally terrific throughout this section which leads into one of the best and wholly convincing boxing matches on film - very exciting - will he / won't he etc. Great film.