Requiem for a Heavyweight

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.