The Harder They Fall (1956)

“The fight game today is like show business. There's no real fighters any more, they're all actors. The best showman becomes the champ!” Nick Benko

A solid final performance from the legendary Humphrey Bogart in the tale of a crooked fight promoter. Based on the story of Primo Carnera, a fighter who became heavyweight champion of the world, allegedly through fixed fights, although this was unknown to himself.

The Harder They Fall was based on the Budd Schulberg novel of the same name, adapted for the screen by Phillip Yordan. Carnera sued Columbia Pictures but was unsuccessful in his bid to clear his name. The cloud over the legitimacy of Carnera’s title still remains to this day.

Bogart plays a down on his luck sports writer named Eddie Willis who is drawn into a ring of corruption when he agrees to promote an unknown fighter from South America, Toro Moreno (Mike Lane), who, despite his gargantuan size, turns out to have a glass jaw and hits like a kitten.

Beyond the obvious corruption in the fight game, as the movie clearly depicts, it also shows the danger of selling out; doing something you know is wrong for money. Unfortunately Eddie Willis needs the money and is able to damp down his scruples, at least partially, but is frequently reminded by his wife (Jan Sterling), who serves as the conscience of the story. Villain Nick Benko (Rod Steiger - The Pawnbroker) does his best to keep them apart in a fantastic supporting performance that nearly steals the film.

In fact, all of the supporting performances are memorable, with real prize fighters Max Baer and Jersey Joe Walcott playing important roles, Mike Lane as the big dumb boxer, and Nehemiah Persoff as the crooked accountant who makes sure they steal as much as they can from what El Toro brings in. Harold J. Stone plays a big TV sports announcer who looks the other way for Bogart’s sake. Edward Andrews plays Jim Weyerhause another crooked fight manager who buys Toro’s contract when the big boys are through with him.

Despite all these strong performances, the quick-witted Eddie Willis is able to dominate the screen. Bogart was able to bring his usual strong tough guy characterization tempered with a little shamefaced greed which added yet another dimension to the various characters he portrayed through his distinguished career. Sadly, this movie was his last, Bogart succumbing to cancer on January 14, 1957.

The Harder They Fall is shot in the expressionistic style by Burnett Guffey, master cinematographer. The bitter-sweet story fits quite well into the universe of film noir and the many fight scenes put you right in the ring with the boxers. The long shots of the ring have a surreal beauty with the squared circle appearing under a halo of lights. Topping the drama off is a modern jazz Hugo Friedhofer score that gives it just the right edge. You’ll smile at the scenes showing El Toro’s tour bus, accompanied by modern jazz interpretations of traditional Latin American themes.

The Columbia DVD is in black and white, in 1.85:1 theatrical format and runs 108 minutes. The black and white is an excellent choice for the subject matter, giving it added gravity and showing the darkness that sometimes lives in the heart of professional sports.

For those who like professional sports, organized crime movies, or a good engrossing drama, this is your movie.

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Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening