Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)

88% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
85% of users liked it
(1,107 ratings)

One of the most memorable sports dramas because of its strong character development, Requiem for a Heavyweight is carried by Anthony Quinn as the washed-up boxer Mountain Rivera, and Jackie Gleason as his sleazy manager, Maish Rennick. In the opening scenes, Cassius Clay -- before he became Muhammad… More One of the most memorable sports dramas because of its strong character development, Requiem for a Heavyweight is carried by Anthony Quinn as the washed-up boxer Mountain Rivera, and Jackie Gleason as his sleazy manager, Maish Rennick. In the opening scenes, Cassius Clay -- before he became Muhammad Ali -- knocks out Rivera in a stunning fight sequence. Rivera's career is over, and although his trainer Army (Mickey Rooney) and a social worker (Julie Harris) encourage him with vain hopes for an alternate career, the boxer's courage is stronger than his addled senses, a serious barrier to getting any job. Then Rivera's manager Rennick breaks down and tells him he has lost a gambling bet against the fighter and needs him to bail him out -- by becoming a wrestler. The question is, will Rivera take this humiliating path just to save his unethical manager, or will he stick to his scruples and reject the idea? ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Ralph Nelson
Written By: Rod Serling
Genres: Drama, Sports & Fitness, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1962 Wide
On DVD: May 14, 2002

Critic Reviews

Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
The screenplay is as tight as a right hook from Cassius Clay (who, incidentally, appears here as himself two years before becoming Muhammad Ali) and drives effortlessly toward its somber, heartbreaking conclusion.
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
Columbia TriStar's DVD release does this movie proud with a splendid transfer of a beautiful digitally remastered print.... one of the best vintage black-and-white prints to hit disc.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Apesar das boas atuações de Rooney e Gleason, o filme apela demais para o melodrama e acaba soando de maneira excessivamente artificial - e a caricatural performance de Quinn não colabora muito para evitar isso.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
An all-time classic with Quinn giving one of the finest portrayals of his career. Gleason and Mickey Rooney are great in support.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A bittersweet drama about a burnt-out boxer who stumbles into the future following the dictates of his heart.