Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962) Synopsis & Summary

Synopsis

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, All Movie Guide

Movie Info

Starring:
Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason, Mickey Rooney, Julie Harris, Stanley Adams
DVD Release Date:
05/14/2002
Run Time:
86 min.
Distributor(s):
Columbia Pictures
Production Co.:
Columbia Pictures
Director(s):
Ralph Nelson
Genre(s):
Drama
Themes:
Down on Their Luck, Underdogs, Opposites Attract, Boxers, All Washed Up
Tone:
Bittersweet, Drab, Gritty, Intimate, Matter-of-Fact, Understated
Keywords:
aging, boxing, career, conflict, corruption, dignity, employment, forces [military], has-been, heavyweight, manager, performer, retirement, ring [jewelry], social-worker, sports, struggle, training
Language:
English
Version of / Remake of:
Requiem for a Heavyweight (1956)
Status:
DVD

Netflix FREE Trial

Rent as many movies as you want!