In Rod Serling's original teleplay for Playhouse 90, Mountain skips out on the 'deed which has become necessary' and goes home to pursue the illusion of being a camp counselor. So go for that version if you like your reality that way.
Each one of the cast members does an outstanding job, especially Anthony Quinn. His face is battered, his voice thick and he's slow and punchy. I could almost see his thinking process, with just an extra second or two for anything to register. I identified with this man who never did make champion and who was now just 37 years old and at the end of his career. Jackie Gleason was the perfect unscrupulous manager and I hated him throughout, but also saw his humanity and real fear as the mob came after him. Mickey Rooney as the good-hearted trainer was wonderful too and he and Gleason had some great scenes together. Gleason is large and Rooney is small; this added yet another element to the film. Julie Harris keeps her dignity throughout and there is a scene in a bar between her and Anthony Quinn that I will always remember. To top off this star-studded cast, there is a scene with the real Mohamed Ali, then Cassius Clay, in the opening segment of the film. And, later, Jack Dempsey makes a short appearance.
There's an authenticity to it all and real emotion and done so well that for a little while I lived in the world of the fight game. It's not pleasant, nor was it meant to be. But this is a fine filmmaking even though this film won no awards or nominations. Highly recommended. See it if you can.
