Boxing promoter Tom Moody needs $5k to divorce his wife. His assistant and mistress Lorna Moon (Barbara Stanwyck) has to wait. Tom haven't had much luck in years. His fighter gets hurt before the big fight after getting knocked out by Joe Bonaparte (William Holden). Joe hounds him for a shot. Joe's grocery store owner father (Lee J. Cobb) wants him to be a violinist to bring happiness to the world. Siggie is Joe's abusive brother-in-law. Joe starts winning fights and gangster Eddie Fuseli wants a piece of his action.
It's William Holden's feature film debut and the start of a Hollywood legend. He's got the looks and some acting chops. It's raw and unformed. Stanwyck shines but is restricted by her supporting role. Cobb is great. The boxing action is limited to the last act. This is no Rocky but the fight looks real enough. It's great to see these old Hollywood legends but this movie has limitations.
It's William Holden's feature film debut and the start of a Hollywood legend. He's got the looks and some acting chops. It's raw and unformed. Stanwyck shines but is restricted by her supporting role. Cobb is great. The boxing action is limited to the last act. This is no Rocky but the fight looks real enough. It's great to see these old Hollywood legends but this movie has limitations.