This big-screen adaptation of Rod Serling's landmark television drama is about an aging boxer whose controlling manager leads him to consider throwing fights instead of retiring. Packing a wallop, primarily as an in-depth character study, this drama is packed with real-life boxers and star power. Julie Harris is undaunted as Grace Miller, a stern yet gentle employment counselor, who hopes to ease the heavy weight's transition. Anthony Quinn is huge in both soul and stature as Mountain Rivera, and Jackie Gleason proves to be an equal match for him as his manager Maish Renick. Renick is both weak and crafty which adequately bolsters our sympathies for Quinn's inarticulate giant fighter. Mickey Rooney tugs heartstrings as Army, Quinn's trainer, and has a particularly memorable moment in a card-playing scene. Full of authenticity and atmosphere, with cameos by Muhammad Ali and Jack Dempsey, and supported with a great script by Rod Serling, this is one of the most moving boxing films ever made.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Letterbox - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital Mono - English
Interactive Features:
Scene Selection
Interactive Menus

Anthony Quinn: Mexican actor, ZORBA THE GREEK
Jackie Gleason: American Actor/Comedian, THE HONEYMOONERS
Mickey Rooney: American actor, singer, THE BOLD AND THE BRAVE
Julie Harris: Actress, THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING
Stanley Adams: American Actor
Madame Spivy: American Actress
Herbie Faye: Actor
Jack Dempsey: Heavyweight Boxer

Ralph Nelson: Director/Writer/Producer

David Susskind: Producer

Rod Serling: Twilight Zone creator

Laurence Rosenthal: American Composer

Carl Lerner: American Editor/Director

"...[The film] has undeniable appeal for those with a prejudice toward vintage New York filmmaking..."