It appears that, like many biopics of the era, this one has little in common with the true story of Gentleman Jim Corbett. But who cares? This is a wonderfully entertaining flick! And, it's sadly interesting that Errol Flynn had a mild heart attack during the filming.
The movie begins in San Francisco before the turn of the century. Boxing is illegal, but of course, that doesn't stop it from taking place. James J. Corbett (Flynn) plays an irrepressible bank teller who likes attending fights. Through a series of coincidences, following a raid on a boxing match he is invited to join an upper class men's club, though he and his family are decidedly not upper class. His brassy attitude annoys some members of the club, and they arrange a boxing match for him with the former champion of England. He wins. And slowly he boxes more and more leading fighters...all the time having his eye on Alexis Smith, who has the same feelings, although she doesn't yet realize it. William Frawley plays his manager, who eventually gets him a fight with the world champion -- John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond). Corbett beats Sullivan and wins Alexis Smith.
There are solid performances by all the principals in this film. Errol Flynn is...well...Errol Flynn, but he gives a great performance and is particularly well understated in the climax of the film -- the meeting with John L. Sullivan after Corbett has defeated him. Alexis Smith is wonderful as the romantic interest. Ward Bond is superb as John L. Sullivan...always an underrated actor. Alan Hale, Sr. is great as Crobett's father. Jack Carson must have felt cheated; although he got third billing, his role was very minor. And, there are a whole group of character actors you'll recognize...my favorite being Minor Watson (father of the child actor). William Frawley is the usual as the fight manager.
Recommended for great, if not accurate, entertainment, with some great boxing scenes.
The movie begins in San Francisco before the turn of the century. Boxing is illegal, but of course, that doesn't stop it from taking place. James J. Corbett (Flynn) plays an irrepressible bank teller who likes attending fights. Through a series of coincidences, following a raid on a boxing match he is invited to join an upper class men's club, though he and his family are decidedly not upper class. His brassy attitude annoys some members of the club, and they arrange a boxing match for him with the former champion of England. He wins. And slowly he boxes more and more leading fighters...all the time having his eye on Alexis Smith, who has the same feelings, although she doesn't yet realize it. William Frawley plays his manager, who eventually gets him a fight with the world champion -- John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond). Corbett beats Sullivan and wins Alexis Smith.
There are solid performances by all the principals in this film. Errol Flynn is...well...Errol Flynn, but he gives a great performance and is particularly well understated in the climax of the film -- the meeting with John L. Sullivan after Corbett has defeated him. Alexis Smith is wonderful as the romantic interest. Ward Bond is superb as John L. Sullivan...always an underrated actor. Alan Hale, Sr. is great as Crobett's father. Jack Carson must have felt cheated; although he got third billing, his role was very minor. And, there are a whole group of character actors you'll recognize...my favorite being Minor Watson (father of the child actor). William Frawley is the usual as the fight manager.
Recommended for great, if not accurate, entertainment, with some great boxing scenes.