Film of the Day: 59
John Huston has had one amazing career in Hollywood. Starting with one of the true greats of Film-Noir, The Maltese Falcon. He made many epic films with many great actors such as Bogart, Gable, Peck, Nicholson, and many others (and even acted in quite a few films). He also directed a few great independent films such as Wise Blood, Under the Volcano and Fat City which was released today in 1972.
This film is one of the most impressive forgotten boxing films. It featured a young Jeff Bridges (Ernie) as the young boxer trying to jump start his career, and Stacy Keach (Tully) as the ageing boxer trying to get a second chance in the ring.
It is very much a character driven film, and the pacing of the film is just sublime as it really takes it's time to really explore these two fascinating characters. Tully's life has been completely meaningless ever since his wife left him, now his comfort lies only in the bottle.
One day when he goes to the gym, he meets Ernie and sees potential in the 18 year old and tells him to look up his old manager and trainer Ruben. Ruben is also impressed by the kid and Tully then feels the urge to get back in the ring and turn his life around.
Based on the novel by Leonard Gardner who also wrote the screenplay for the film, it is a terrific over looked boxing film that never quite reached the height of say Rocky but like Requiem for a Heavyweight, it has become quite the indie classic and features some stunning performances. Susan Tyrrell was nominated for an Oscar as the alcoholic, Bridges straight of from The Last Picture Show and Stacy Keach gives the performance of his career.
Click here for the trailer
This film is one of the most impressive forgotten boxing films. It featured a young Jeff Bridges (Ernie) as the young boxer trying to jump start his career, and Stacy Keach (Tully) as the ageing boxer trying to get a second chance in the ring.
It is very much a character driven film, and the pacing of the film is just sublime as it really takes it's time to really explore these two fascinating characters. Tully's life has been completely meaningless ever since his wife left him, now his comfort lies only in the bottle.
One day when he goes to the gym, he meets Ernie and sees potential in the 18 year old and tells him to look up his old manager and trainer Ruben. Ruben is also impressed by the kid and Tully then feels the urge to get back in the ring and turn his life around.
Based on the novel by Leonard Gardner who also wrote the screenplay for the film, it is a terrific over looked boxing film that never quite reached the height of say Rocky but like Requiem for a Heavyweight, it has become quite the indie classic and features some stunning performances. Susan Tyrrell was nominated for an Oscar as the alcoholic, Bridges straight of from The Last Picture Show and Stacy Keach gives the performance of his career.
Click here for the trailer
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