THE WORLD OF “MOUNTAIN” RIVERA… THE FAST BUCK… THE ANGRY MEN… THE LONELY WOMEN!
Prizefighter “Mountain” Rivera (Anthony Quinn) is knocked out in the ring and told by the doctor that he needs to retire; however, finding a new line of work is hard for someone who only knows the art of fighting. Marty (1955), which was based on an original teleplay, became a lauded hit as a feature film, and this one follows in the same footsteps. Director Ralph Nelson, who also made the TV movie, maintains the character-driven intensity of an essentially simple but compelling drama about the inevitable downfall of a boxer and those who desperately depend on his fortunes. It wouldn’t have been this good without the three brilliant lead performances.
1962-U.S. 100 min. B/W. Produced by David Susskind. Directed by Ralph Nelson. Screenplay: Rod Serling. Cast: Anthony Quinn (Louis “Mountain” Rivera), Jackie Gleason (Maish Rennick), Mickey Rooney (Army), Julie Harris, Nancy Cushman, Madame Spivy… Muhammad Ali.
Trivia: First made for U.S. TV in 1956, then in Britain as Blood Money (1957). Alternative version runs 87 min.
