BBBB
(out of 5)
Atmosphere overrules plot in this unjustifiably forgotten minor classic by John Huston. Stacy Keach is terrific as a has-been boxer who meets young up and comer Jeff Bridges and suggests he take on his own former trainer. Inspired by the successful relationship he creates, Keach re-enters the competitive world of boxing himself but is hampered by his age, his destructive relationship with a charismatic barfly (Susan Tyrrell) and his inability to successfully hold down a job. The goal here is not a big, inspiring grand prize, but just the opportunity to keep going in what is a highly watchable, low-key charmer. Keach is superb, while Tyrell is excellent in an Oscar-nominated performance as the damaged woman with whom Keach takes up, but all the performances are standouts here, and the mood that pervades over all of it is a great tribute to Huston’s ability to make something rich out of even the simplest story.
Columbia Pictures Corporation, Rastar Pictures
USA, 1972
Directed by John Huston
Screenplay by Leonard Gardner, based on his novel
Cinematography by Conrad L. Hall
Produced by John Huston, Ray Stark
Music by Marvin Hamlisch
Production Design by Richard Sylbert
Costume Design by Dorothy Jeakins
Film Editing by Walter Thompson
Cast Tags: Art Aragon, Billy Walker, Candy Clark, Curtis Cokes, Jeff Bridges, Nicholas Colasanto, Ruben Navarro,Sixto Rodriguez, Stacy Keach, Susan Tyrrell, Wayne Mahan
Academy Award Nomination
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Susan Tyrrell as “Oma”)
New York Film Critics Award Nomination
Best Supporting Actress (Susan Tyrrell)
National Society of Film Critics Award Nomination
Best Supporting Actress (Susan Tyrrell)
