Gentleman Jim (1942 film)

Infobox Film
name = Gentleman Jim


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director = Raoul Walsh
producer = Robert Buckner
writer = James J. Corbett (book)
Vincent Lawrence
Horace McCoy
starring = Errol Flynn
Alexis Smith
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cinematography =
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released = November 25 1942
runtime = 104 minutes
country = USA
language = English
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imdb_id = 0034778

"Gentleman Jim" is a 1942 film starring Errol Flynn as heavyweight boxing champion James J. Corbett. The supporting cast includes Alexis Smith, Jack Carson, Alan Hale, William Frawley, and Ward Bond. The movie was based upon Corbett's autobiography, "The Roar of the Crowd", and directed by Raoul Walsh.

Plot

In 1890s San Francisco, boxing is illegal. James J. Corbett (Errol Flynn), a brash young bank teller, attends a match with his friend Walter Lowrie (Jack Carson). When a police raid nets Judge Geary, a member of the board of directors of Corbett's bank, Corbett's fast talking gets his superior out of trouble. The judge is looking to improve the image of boxing by recruiting men from more respectable backgrounds and having them fight under the Marquess of Queensbury rules. He has even imported British coach Harry Watson (Rhys Williams) to evaluate prospects. Watson finds that Corbett, raised in a combative Irish immigrant family headed by Pat Corbett (Alan Hale), has excellent fighting skills; Geary likes his protegé's seemingly-polished manner.

However, Corbett's arrogance irritates many of the upper class, particularly Victoria Ware (Alexis Smith). They clash frequently, but Corbett is attracted to her, and his limitless self-confidence and charm eventually overcome her distaste for him.

Meanwhile, Corbett becomes a professional prizefighter. He acquires a manager, Billy Delaney (William Frawley), and introduces a new, more sophisticated style of boxing, emphasizing footwork over the unscientific brawling epitomized by world champion John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond). After winning several matches, Corbett finally gets the opportunity to take on the great man. Corbett's method of boxing baffles Sullivan, and Corbett wins not only the title, but also Victoria.

Cast

*Errol Flynn as James J. Corbett. This film was one of Flynn's own personal favorites.
*Alexis Smith as Victoria Ware
*Jack Carson as Walter Lowrie
*Alan Hale as Pat Corbett
*John Loder as Carlton De Witt
*William Frawley as Bill Delaney
*Minor Watson as Buck Ware
*Ward Bond as John L. Sullivan
*Madeleine LeBeau as Anna Held
*Rhys Williams as Harry Watson
*Arthur Shields as Father Burke

Production

In his somewhat unreliable 'autobiography' "My Wicked, Wicked Ways", Flynn details how he suffered a mild heart attack while making this movie.

External links

*tcmdb title|id=617|title=Gentleman Jim