The Harder They Fall (1956)

Director

• Mark Robson

Starring

• Humphrey Bogart
• Rod Steiger
• Jan Sterling
• Mike Lane
• Max Baer

Last On

13:00-15:10 Wed 6th May 2009 130m
Film4

Synopsis

Based on Budd Schulberg's hard-hitting novel, this riveting exposé of corruption in professional boxing is given added poignancy by the fact that the star is Humphrey Bogart in his last role, aged, mellowed and dying. He gives a terrific performance as a cynical sports journalist and he's matched by Rod Steiger playing a boxing promoter in the pay of the Mob. It is a joy to witness their contrasting acting styles - Bogie so casual and effortless, Steiger so Method and explosive. Mark Robson's direction and Philip Yordan's screenplay attempt rugged realism, but this is full-blooded Hollywood melodrama and should be enjoyed as such. Watch out for some key fight figures such as Max Baer and Jersey Joe Walcott, and the underrated Jan Sterling as Bogie's screen wife.