Gentleman Jim (B+ or 3/4 stars)
Errol Flynn stars as the 19th c. Irish-American bare-knuckle boxing star Jim Corbett in 'Gentleman Jim', a solid biopic directed by Raoul Walsh of The Strawberry Blonde). Originally a San Franciscan bank clerk who comes from a family of brother who just lovvve to brawl, Jim Corbett is introduced to the disreputable and then-illegal sport of fighting when one of the bank execs decides to sponsor his training at the prestigious Olympic Club (so as to make boxing more gentlemanly & honorable). Jim is a braggadocio, so his arrogance wins him quite a few enemies in his life, including some benefactors, as well as the high-born Lady Victoria Ware (pretty Alexis Smith), whose active dislike eventually turns to affection when she realizes that Jim is a sincere guy who can actually back up his boasting.
What Jim wants most in life is a match with reigning heavyweight champ John L. Sullivan (an excellent Ward Bond). Corbett & Sullivan meet in climactic fashion with a bout governed by the brand new Marquis of Queensbury rules that "Gentleman Jim" helped popularize at the time. 21 longggg rounds later, Jim Corbett emerges victorious. At the grand victory celebration, Sullivan shows up and, the two gentlemen graciously exchange mutual words of affection & utmost respect. At this point in the story, Jim has completely won over Victoria - but hasn't quite convinced his brawling Corbett brothers that the 'scientific' brand of boxing that he employs will be the wave of the future. To this, the film ends fittingly with the brutish, fight-lovin' Corbett clan going at it once more -- they just can't help themselves, haha.
'Gentleman Jim' - while not 100% historically accurate (what movie is?) - is a boisterous entertainment; and one that surprised me upon my initial viewing. This film provides a clear picture of the pre-Queensbury fight scene (1880s). I enjoyed getting to know the loud, brawling Corbett family. And though this movie doesn't have the largest budget, it's an exceedingly handsome production; with crisp black-&-white cinematography, & lavish period sets/costumes, & slick editing. Speaking of editing, there is just the right amount of boxing scenes on display, and the filming of Flynn/Jim's fleet, innovative footwork is mighty impressive.
Errol Flynn is known for his Swashbuckling epics, but he's excellent here as the bold, brash, social-climbing Corbett. Flynn excels at playing both arrogant AND likeable, interchangeably. And it's this type of demeanor that eventually wins-over Lady Victoria, ably performed by Alexis Smith. Ward Bond is also wonderful as Corbett's idol, a man who knows that the time to pass the torch is upon him. My favorite moment of the film is Sullivan's humbling speech to Corbett after the big fight; it's just a subtly touching moving moment btwn. the 2 actors. This was reportedly Errol Flynn's favorite role; and now I see why. Again, while 'Gentleman Jim' is hardly accurate, it's an exuberant, humorous, involving entertainment that most of today’s inspirational sports biopics can only hope to emulate.
What Jim wants most in life is a match with reigning heavyweight champ John L. Sullivan (an excellent Ward Bond). Corbett & Sullivan meet in climactic fashion with a bout governed by the brand new Marquis of Queensbury rules that "Gentleman Jim" helped popularize at the time. 21 longggg rounds later, Jim Corbett emerges victorious. At the grand victory celebration, Sullivan shows up and, the two gentlemen graciously exchange mutual words of affection & utmost respect. At this point in the story, Jim has completely won over Victoria - but hasn't quite convinced his brawling Corbett brothers that the 'scientific' brand of boxing that he employs will be the wave of the future. To this, the film ends fittingly with the brutish, fight-lovin' Corbett clan going at it once more -- they just can't help themselves, haha.
'Gentleman Jim' - while not 100% historically accurate (what movie is?) - is a boisterous entertainment; and one that surprised me upon my initial viewing. This film provides a clear picture of the pre-Queensbury fight scene (1880s). I enjoyed getting to know the loud, brawling Corbett family. And though this movie doesn't have the largest budget, it's an exceedingly handsome production; with crisp black-&-white cinematography, & lavish period sets/costumes, & slick editing. Speaking of editing, there is just the right amount of boxing scenes on display, and the filming of Flynn/Jim's fleet, innovative footwork is mighty impressive.
Errol Flynn is known for his Swashbuckling epics, but he's excellent here as the bold, brash, social-climbing Corbett. Flynn excels at playing both arrogant AND likeable, interchangeably. And it's this type of demeanor that eventually wins-over Lady Victoria, ably performed by Alexis Smith. Ward Bond is also wonderful as Corbett's idol, a man who knows that the time to pass the torch is upon him. My favorite moment of the film is Sullivan's humbling speech to Corbett after the big fight; it's just a subtly touching moving moment btwn. the 2 actors. This was reportedly Errol Flynn's favorite role; and now I see why. Again, while 'Gentleman Jim' is hardly accurate, it's an exuberant, humorous, involving entertainment that most of today’s inspirational sports biopics can only hope to emulate.