The story of two men, a veteran boxer who is down and out, and a young man who is just starting his life and boxing career. Their fighting careers cross paths as their lives and fortunes head in opposite directions. Director John Huston tells their stories with a level, unsentimental honesty and makes it into one of his best films.
Direction
Huston's final masterpiece—loose, lived-in, devastating.
Acting
Susan Tyrrell's Oma: drunk, furious, unforgettable Oscar nominee.
Cinematography
Conrad Hall makes Stockton look like a lost Edward Hopper painting.
Director
John Huston
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Huston cast real boxers—Art Aragon was a legitimate contender, and the fight choreography was improvised in the ring.
The film flopped in '72 but became a secret bible for directors; Paul Schrader called it 'the most important film about American life in the last 50 years.'
US
