This is the story about Jim Corbett, the heavyweight boxing champion in the 1890’s. Errol Flynn is in the title role. His drinking buddy and costar in many films Alan Hale is in it, playing his father. The movie also stars Alexis Smith and Jack Carson. It was directed by Raoul Walsh.
The film starts out with Corbett watching an illegal boxing match, that gets raided. Corbett and many others get arrested. One of the people arrested is the president of the bank, where Flynn works. He crafts a convincing lie that allows him, the bank president and everyone else to go free. The president is so thankful, that he gives Corbett a raise and introduces him to high society. Corbett joins an athletic club and takes up boxing where he excels. Unfortunately the blue bloods at the club look down on him. They set up a match between him and a former boxing champion. They hope that Corbett will be humiliated, when he’s beaten, and place bets on his opponent. The club members receive a surprise, when Corbett beats their guy, and they lose their shirts. Corbett’s success continues as he fights his way to the top, with the help of his manager, Billy Delaney, played by William Frawley, and begins to earn a place in society. He also grudgingly earns a place in Victoria Ware’s heart. She is played very well by Alexis Smith. Finally the day comes for Corbett’s big match with John L. Sullivan, the heavyweight champion. He is played by Ward Bond, best known for his role on WagonTrain. It’s back and forth for several rounds, until finally Corbett knocks out Sullivan. After the fight, Corbett is relaxing with friends, when Sullivan enters the room. Sullivan shakes his hand, and congratulates him, handing him his championship belt. It’s one of those feel good Hollywood moments. After this, the film ends with Victoria Ware and Corbett embracing, realizing that they love each other.
Errol Flynn was a very good actor, and handles the role of Jim Corbett well. He didn’t use a stuntman for the boxing scenes and does very well. He plays the role almost tongue and cheek, with great success. His onscreen cameraderie with Alan Hale helps this movie. His back and forth with Alexis Smith, is one of the best interactions, of his movie career. His offscreen antics were legendary, and some scandalous, but onscreen roles like this one, built his legendary screen career.
Alexis Smith’s role as the snobbish Victoria Ware keeps Flynn’s character on his toes. She does well and nearly makes you forget the other actresses who acted with him.
Raoul Walsh was a veteran filmmaker, when helming this movie. He’s done a great job with the boxing scenes, and the scenes where people are inquiring about the fight, on phones or by telegrams. This film is just one of many, that keep his legendary career alive.
This story is entertaining throughout. It’s slightly different for an Errol Flynn movie, but it never loses anything, and has the best of acting and directing.