Requiem For a Heavyweight (1962)
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88% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
84% of users liked it
(1,141 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
- Directed By
- Ralph Nelson
- Written By
- Rod Serling
- Genres
- Drama, Sports & Fitness, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1962 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
No Featured Audience Ratings Found…
Cast
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Anthony Quinn
as Mountain Rivera
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Jackie Gleason
as Maish Rennick
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Mickey Rooney
as Army
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Julie Harris
as Grace Miller
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Stanley Adams
as Perelli
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Madame Spivy
as Ma Greeny
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Herbie Faye
as Bartender
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Steve Belloise
as Hotel Desk Clerk
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Lou Gilbert
as Ring doctor
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Arthur Mercante
as Referee
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Muhammad Ali
as Ring Opponent
- Val Avery
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Jack Dempsey
as Himself
- Abe Simon
- Rory Calhoun
- Stan Ross
- Michael Conrad
