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Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)

Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)
Member Rating:  
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

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Starring:
Anthony QuinnJackie Gleason, (more)
Director(s):
Ralph Nelson
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of Requiem for a Heavyweight

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

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
86 mins

Complete Cast of Requiem for a Heavyweight


Director(s):
Ralph Nelson
Writer(s):
Rod Serling
Producer(s):
David Susskind
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR(Questionable for Children)
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Member Reviews
 
Charles B.

Clay battering Quinn at movie's onset may be best cinema fight sequence ever.

Yes   |   No

 
Damon R.

Anthony Quinn gives a stand-out performance as a boxer at the end of his career. Based on the real life fall of Joe Lewis, the picture paints a realistic view of the lives of early boxers. Mickey Rooney phones in his performance and the big hearted social worker was a bit much but Quinn's performance alone is worth the price of admission.

Yes   |   No

 
Amanda G.

Great acting, great cast, great character developement, good story.

Yes   |   No

 
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