Nominated for two primetime Emmy Awards in 1984, this made-for-TV movie follows the true story of American boxer Jack Dempsey, who became a media sensation in the 1920s as the world heavyweight champion. Based upon the book by Jack Dempsey and Barbara Piatelli Dempsey.
Acting
Treat Williams captures Dempsey's hungry charisma and physicality.
Production
Surprisingly lush period recreation for 1983 television standards.
Director
Gus Trikonis
Treat Williams
Jack Dempsey
Sam Waterston
Doc Kearns
Sally Kellerman
Maxine Cates
Victoria Tennant
Estelle Taylor
Peter Mark Richman
Tex Rickard
Jesse Vint
Bernie Dempsey
Robert Harper
Damon Runyon
John McLiam
Hyrum Dempsey
Bonnie Bartlett
Celia Dempsey
James Noble
Gavin McNab
John Lehne
Gene Normile
Mark L. Taylor
Price
Jimmy Nickerson
Gene Tunney
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Treat Williams trained with actual boxing coaches for months and reportedly broke his hand during filming on a mistimed punch.
Dempsey's 1920s stardom essentially created the template for modern athlete celebrity—endorsements, scandal, and all.
US
