Champion / Body and Soul

Starring:John Garfield, Lilli Palmer, Hazel Brooks, Anne Revere, William Conrad, Joseph Pevney, Lloyd Gough, Canada Lee, Art Smith, James Burke, Virginia Gregg, Peter Virgo, Joe Devlin, Shimen Ruskin, Mike Lally, Wheaton Chambers, Tim Ryan, Forbes Murray, Mary Currier, John Wald
Director: Robert Rossen, Mark Robson
Studio: Republic Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

sorry, but it just doesnt deliver a knockout punch
The Rocky Road of Boxing
Soul-less Transfer and Editing
By unanimous decision: one of the best boxing movies ever
The Winner And Still Champion

Body and Soul
Starring: John Garfield , Lilli Palmer , Hazel Brooks , Anne Revere , and William Conrad
Director: Robert Rossen
Manufacturer: Republic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005YUP0
Release Date: 2001-08-14

Customer Reviews:

sorry, but it just doesnt deliver a knockout punch.......2007-04-07

john garfield gives a worthy performance in this otherwise dated boxing film from director robert rossen. the movie manages to embrace nearly every cliche of the boxing movie, tho its mercifully shorter than the typical sylvester stallone opus. perhaps its just that this is a genre of film im just not a fan of (my favorite boxing flick is the parody "movie movie"), but i just dont much care what happens to these people. interestingly, there IS a sidelight to this particular movie -- but it has nothing to do with boxing: scads of the cast & crew would be caught up in the next few years in the red scare and the black list" most notably its star (driven to a premature death) and its director (who saved his career, if not his self-respect by naming names). add a star if youre a fan of boxing movies.

The Rocky Road of Boxing.......2007-03-03

Body and Soul, 1947 film

A man in a rural area gets into a car and drives to a city. Charley Davis is a boxer, and he visits his mother. Peggy is not happy to see him. There will be a fight the next day. Charley was told to make the fight last 15 rounds. The bets are all in. Then Charley recalls his past life, when he first met Peg, a model and painter. Charley's parents did not approve of prizefighters. Some gang attacks a neighboring speakeasy, there is collateral damage at his parent's candy store. The story shows the hard times for ordinary people. Charley's Mom wants to get a loan so Charley can get an education, but Charley refuses. Charley will fight to make big money. But Mr. Roberts controls the fight game in New York.

After a year Charley is near the top. He has a lot of money now, and drinks. Mr. Roberts demands that Ben, injured in his last bout, fight Charley. Mr. Roberts also makes a new deal to split the winnings. In the fight Charley knocks out Ben, the champ. At the celebration party some facts come out, and Shorty leaves them. Peg decides she doesn't want that life. Charley continues with his good times. Then a new challenger appears. The deal is for Charley to go 15 rounds for a decision (the fix is in). A big fix like this is a lush opportunity in a lifetime. Charley thinks of ending his career, this will be his last fight.

But there is a complication in his life. Ben the trainer had stayed in the fight game too long. The title fight goes on. Charley isn't doing so well, he is knocked down but saved by the bell. Charley does worse in the next round. There is a KO in the last round, Charley pulled off a victory!

[This happy ending seems to contradict the story. This film tells how bouts are manipulated, like in other show businesses. Does it remind you of things in the real world?

Soul-less Transfer and Editing.......2006-07-06

Don't let the stars fool you, I love this movie and if I were reviewing the movie itself on its merits alone, it would get 6 stars. My love for this classic is the reason I can give this DVD version only two stars. The print is very poor - the lighting in some scenes is too dark to pick up some details. There are skips and jumps in the frame. The sound transfer is also very uneven. In fact my 20 year-old VHS tape is STILL better quality than this DVD. But all those technical faults could be forgiven were it not for the most egregious cut of all - a few lines of dialogue. In a pivotal scene where the grocer delivers to the Davis house, Charley has just told Peg that he needs his money to bet on the fight. The grocer comes in and talks about everyone betting on the fight - Charley says anyone who bets is foolish. The grocer disagrees. The words that were cut out of this print, essentially the heart of why the neighborhood loves their champ, are very simple "In Europe, the Nazis are killing our people, but here Charley is Champeen! No, it's not about the money." I have no idea why these lines are missing, but it was the final straw before I returned the DVD for a refund.

Unfortunately us movie fans lose out again. We can't get a decent transfer or an unedited copy of a great film. Many lesser films released in the last 5 years have several editions available, with added footage, interviews, alternate endings, "director's" cuts and other gimmicks to drive sales. It's a good thing I haven't given away my VHS tape or dumped my VCR, otherwise I'd never again see this movie in a facsimile of its intended presentation. I guess the simple grocer was wrong, it's always about the money.

By unanimous decision: one of the best boxing movies ever.......2005-11-28

The quintessential fight movie, starring John Garfield as the boxer who works his way up to becoming the champ, but sells his soul (and body) to sleezy promoters along the way. He does whatever they tell him to do, as long as he gets his money. In his last fight he's supposed to take a dive so a new champ can be crowned (Garfield even bets against himself), but at the last minute he gains his self-respect and wins the bout.

As a boxing movie there is the usual fare offered up: corruption, sleezebag fights, money grubbing - but the cast does a superb job all around and makes the picture top-notch entertainment. The whole movie has an uncommon sense of realism about it. Lili Palmer as Garfield's true love and Anne Revere as his mother are real standouts. The scenes with black actor Canada Lee (who was also a professional fighter) are also on the level for once. The script is excellent, and the photography, especially of the fight scenes, is eye-popping. And, of course, the haunting theme song occurs throughout the movie, to great effect. An excellent movie in every way; definitely worth a watch.

The Winner And Still Champion.......2005-10-02

With the arguable exeption of "Rocky" and "Raging Bull" BAS is the greatest boxing film of all time -- perhaps one of the greatest films of any kind. To a young viewer, it may seem riddled with cliche's, (which is part of the fun) but realize, BAS was the prototype for such cliche's. It literally wrote the book of using boxing as a metaphor of the struggle of life itself . The depiction of the sleezy promoter, the allure of money and fame, the glorification of violence, the betrayal of those who are no longer useful, and the ultimate fall from grace caused by the cruelest of enemies -- age. It's all here. It's the most basic of morality tales -- everybody loves a winner, but nobody stays a winner for long. And in a touch of blue collar existentialism, the most profound statement of all reverberatates throughout -- "everybody dies". This was the role Garfield was meant to play. A combination of tough guy swagger with a touch of self doubt. Garfield also insisted on a scene (often cut out on television presentations) where the characters address the fact that " people like us are being persecuted in Germany." This was heavy stuff for Hollywood to handle at the time, and it makes its point more powerfully than a 3 hour documentary on the holocaust. The final fight scene is devestatingly gritty. But throughout the entire film there isn't a false step in the direction or the performances and even the score is magnificant. (People who thought Million Dollar baby was a masterpiece, take note...THIS is the way it's supposed to be done). But what I think is the most powerful aspect of this film is also what is most misunderstood. The ending of BAS is often viewed as an act of redemption, when it is not. It is an act of SPITE. (Stop here if you don't want to know the ending) Charlie fights to win not for glory or out of a sense of duty. But because he's been betrayed and would rather lose it all that to let the "evil" prosper at his expense. That is humbris times ten! And that is the action of a pure, unadulterated,prideful, arrogent, politically incorrect, "don't let them make a monkey out of you" American man from the middle of the 20th century -- the kind they don't make anymore. As is this movie. It's a must. Enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Now my leon issac kennedy collection is complete
'SOME BODY' & Lots Of Soul To Boot!
over all a very positive movie
over all a very positive movie
it was a good movie

Body and Soul
Starring: Leon Isaac Kennedy , Jayne Kennedy , Perry Lang , Nikki Swasey , and Michael V. Gazzo
Director: George Bowers
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006GAO40
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Description

Based on the 1947 classic of the same name, this "entertaining" (The New York Times) rags-to-riches tale about a vivacious young fighter from Chicago pulls no punches in its portrayal of boxings dark side. Featuring the always-animated Muhammad Ali as himself, Body and Soul is "a rousing good time" (LA Herald-Examiner)! Golden Gloves champ Leon (Leon Isaac Kennedy) has no interest in becoming a pro boxer; instead, he wants to be a doctor. But when his little sister requires immediate and expensive medical treatments, he decides to go for the title and all the money it will bring. On his way to the top, however, Leon succumbs to the temptations that come with success: money, flesh, ego. As a result, he begins to lose everyone and everything he used to care about. Can Leon pull his life back together, or is he too far gone to be redeemed?

Customer Reviews:

Now my leon issac kennedy collection is complete.......2005-03-18

I remember this one very big movie for leon issac kenndeys it was a big movie back then, they pulled all the punches for this one .It even had big stars showed up for this one.Like rat packer peter lawford,and muhammad ali.I can remember this playing at the movie to a packed house.What I really liked about it was that it has a good story line and some funny scenes like the mexican boxer when he threw the baby on the ground ,that was some funny stuff back then buy this one for the memories.

'SOME BODY' & Lots Of Soul To Boot!.......2005-02-14

This '81 remake of the boxing classic with Leon Isaac Kennedy in the lead role was long overdue for DVD release. Why we even get Muhammad Ali to climb onboard for several scenes. The ring legend is a natural here & my guess is he offered his expertise as well in making the fight sequences come off as realistic as possible. L.I.K. has always been linked with this genre- witness the release of two of the three PENITENTIARY flicks. It seems to be his forte 'cause he certainly has THE BODY to bring the house down. And he doesn't lack the charisma & arrogance needed to make LEON THE LOVER credible. But getting back to THAT BODY-he's decided (he wrote the storyline) to come at us 'hot & heavy' from all angles with his magnificent physique. Buffed to the max & cut & chiseled beyond belief, his approach from the film's outset is 'in your face.' The plot theme is a good one. You see this guy really would rather be a doctor than box for a living but taking on a good samaritan role there are doctor bills to be paid for a sick relative- a rather cute little actress I might add. Jayne Kennedy plays the girlfriend here but in case you didn't know she's his significant other in real life. Of course- who wouldn't enjoy this guy's firm grasp & manhandling abilities in the bedroom. Bet there are also plenty of TASTE TESTS. Anyway,she can't hold a candle to the other chocolate dream girls peppered throughout the film. They can't match her looks & charm but more than make up for that in other ways if you get my drift. Check out the first babe presented 'round the thirty minute mark. Blessed with humongous knockers she gets & keeps Leon's attention. TOP HEAVY is puttin' it mildly. For me the color & lighting has to be perfect when we're talking about presenting constant dizzying displays of flesh. Here a bronze hue seems to come through with many of these shots & that suits Kennedy's ADONIS LIKE TORSO to a T. With his pointy perfect pecs, washboard abs & potent pipes he's well armed for all comers. It's hard to imagine anyone layin' a whuppin' on this dude & they don't. All the opponents are chumps. Peter Lawford plays a shady promoter who keeps trying to buy him or get his girl jealous. In fact my favorite scene is when she finds him with not one, but three luscious ladies who need their chimes rung. As they argue in the parking garage, L.I.K.strikes his best pose standing shirtless/almost statuesque with his already massive chest expanded & huge guns dangling. He seems rather annoyed. I was annoyed I couldn't have him for my very own. This black cat has always had it 'going on' real good all over his body. His God-given definition is incredible- bulges & ripples everywhere with even the slightest movement. It was a joy watching his ribcage area spring to life as he paused to take deep breaths in the various bouts. In closing it's a shame Hollywood typecast Leon. In the 80's & 90's not much came his way & when it did it was quite forgettable. If you like WELL CARVED black males served up with nary an ounce of fat, BODY & SOUL will more than satisfy those insatiable taste buds. SCRUMPTIOUS INDEED. Buy it & REPORT BACK TO ME!

over all a very positive movie.......2000-12-20

I think that it was a positive movie. Leon the Lover started out doing what his family wanted him to do and that was to be a doctor. Instead he became a boxer and succeeded against the odds and got the beautiful reporter played by his then wife Jayne Kennedy. She was excellent as well playing the nieve reporter out to interview the champion boxer and falling in love.

over all a very positive movie.......2000-12-20

it was a good movie.......1999-04-10

I thought it was a good movie even though i never saw the origional

Average customer rating:

Worth watching again.....
Joe Montagna and Mancini are great
Cool Movie

Body and Soul
Starring: Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini , Michael Chiklis , Jennifer Beals , Rod Steiger , and Joe Mantegna
Director: Sam Henry Kass
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006GAOEK
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Description

Featuring an all-star cast, including OscarÂ(r) winner* Rod Steiger, Jennifer Beals (Flashdance), Michael Chiklis ("The Shield"), Tahnee Welch (Cocoon), former lightweight champRay "Boom Boom" Mancini and Joe Mantegna (The Godfather: Part III), this gripping tale aboutan ambitious young boxer's attempt at glory explores the strugglesboth inside the ring and out a fighter must endure on his way to the top! After years as an amateur, small-town boxer Charlie (Mancini) and his manager buddy, Tiny (Chiklis), head to Reno with dreams of the big time. When they get there, a seasoned but gruff trainer (Steiger) recognizes potential and takes Charlie under his wing. Everything is looking up for Charlie until he's forced to go into business with a shady Reno promoter (Mantegna) who demands that he trade in his principles and loyalties for a shot at the title! *1967: Actor, In the Heat of the Night

Customer Reviews:

Worth watching again............2005-09-13

I loved the movie. Jennifer Beals has played several different roles in the movies she has been in and every preformance has been excellent. She puts 100% into everything she does. The movie was worth watching again. My husband even watched it. There were several other actors I remembered from other shows. As I understand, Ray Mancini was a real boxer at one time. All in all it was a great movie.

Joe Montagna and Mancini are great.......2004-08-30

I laughed reading that last review, I also had small parts. I'm the red-haired female reporter during press conference where fight breaks out... Joe Montagna gets cold cocked and takes out a row of reporters! You guessed it. No they DIDN'T mention that part when they cast me and the "hazard pay" never arrived. But how many can say Joe Montagna fell on them? I also helped choreograph some fight scenes. BOOM-BOOM Mancini and "Papa BOOM" (his real father, former world champion boxer) are the funniest, sweetest people ever. This film is meant to serious, but it's just fun entertainment!

Cool Movie.......2000-09-20

We were walking through a casino in Reno when we were approached and asked if we wanted to be extras in a movie. So we sat around a bar in borrowed clothes while Jennifer Beals served us make-believe drinks. We actually got to watch her sigh. Very deep movie. It was an experience.

Prizefighter: DVD Collector's Pack ('Body and Soul' & 'Champion')

Average customer rating:

A Dark Look at Prizefighting

Prizefighter: DVD Collector's Pack ('Body and Soul' & 'Champion')
Starring: Kirk Douglas , Marilyn Maxwell , Arthur Kennedy , Paul Stewart , and Ruth Roman
Director: Mark Robson , and Robert Rossen
Manufacturer: Republic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Release Date: 1999-11-23

Customer Reviews:

A Dark Look at Prizefighting.......2000-05-03

"Champion" is an extraordinarily grim and intense study of a man already corrupted by an insatiable need to dominate. Seldom has a Hollywood film from this period had so tortured a figure at its center. It is to Kirk Douglas' credit that, because of his performance as Midge, the viewer doesn't hate the character, and is able to feel compassion.

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