Gentleman Jim (1942 film)

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Gentleman Jim
Directed by	Raoul Walsh
Produced by	Robert Buckner
Written by	James J. Corbett (book) Vincent Lawrence Horace McCoy
Starring	Errol Flynn Alexis Smith
Release date(s)	November 25, 1942
Running time	104 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
IMDb profile

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.

1 Plot
2 Cast
3 Production
4 External links

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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