kenstallings-65346 Humphrey Bogart died about a year after this movie was completed. That alone would give the film poignancy. But, for Bogart, this final work was a grand coda indeed! In many respects, this was a brave effort in 1956 to expose the seedy side of boxing, and it did so in a most spectacularly effective manner, likely better than any other effort that came before or after it.Near the end of the film, long after the swindle was known by the audience, as well as the protagonist (Bogart), the bookkeeper continued pouring over every tidbit of budget magic showing the details of how the boxer was skillfully swindled of his money. All of the expenses were taken out of his share, as the others in the heist took their money off the top.Other movies would have made it a swift effort, but director Mark Robson knew that the details of the swindle is what made it seedy, and so he wanted the audience to see and hear it all. And it is the details that come after the brutality that make the conclusion all the more powerful.Ultimately, the moral lesson is that the worst profession a person can undertake is one that profits off the bodies of other people. Of special note are the number of actual boxers who acted parts in the film, including Jersey Joe Walcott, who was heavyweight champion from 1951-52, and who delivered one of the best lines of the movie, when asked why their boxer didn't protect himself like he was instructed, replied, "Some guys can sell out and other guys just can't. Goodnight!" There was a lot about this movie that was ahead of its time, including the meaningful roles of black actors such as Wolcott. Max Baer was the other real world fighter who played an important role in the film. He was heavyweight champion from 1934-35, winning the title against Primo Carnera, an historical fact that was eerily paralleled in this movie. So well did Baer play the role of the bloodthirsty pugilist, that his reputation as an actual boxer was sullied by people who foolishly confused his actual boxing career with his performance in this film!It should not go without notice that two real-world heavyweight boxing champions played prominent roles in this film, which very much exposed the corruption in the sport. Today, that corruption is well known, but this film was made in 1956, when most people took the sport as being clean. Today, the film remains as relevant as ever, and Bogart's skill is a prime reason why. He expertly sells the movie with the kind of adroit and nuanced acting that was the hallmark of the legend's career. Few actors get to make such a strong statement in his final role!

secondtake The Harder They Fall (1956)Sure, it's Bogart's last film. And he's great Bogart, once more. But it's also a tough, gritty film on other levels. It is meant to be an indictment of the fixed racket known as professional boxing, and as such it has a lot of clichés and simplifications. Bad guys are really crooked, fighters are really willing pawns in the fixing machine, and boxing is a sham that people seem to ignore. Does it work? Not quite. The writing is the culprit most of all. It's a bit predictable and canned, even considering it came before some other great boxing movies like "Raging Bull" and "Requiem for a Heavyweight." It's also a painfully white movie in an era when boxing had seen a string of boxing great who were black. What elevates it all is the relentless pace as a fighter rises up thanks to Bogart, the press agent Eddie Willis. And the filming of boxing and of night time New York and L.A. is vivid. And the crooked fighting promoter played by Rod Steiger gives is all an edge that he's so good at.The boxers are of some interest—not the leading guy named Toro, a huge lunk from the Andes who can't act worth beans, but a couple of short appearances by actual fighters from the time, and a bunch of bit actors who have honest resilience. Mostly, though, it's Bogart trying to make the movie hold together and give it more than superficial narrative movement. He partly succeeds. What drew me the most was just the series of scenes from the time, the crowds, the hotels and boxing rings, the city streets. It seems to be mostly or entirely location work, and the legitimate filming in these places is great. There are little incidents, too, almost written for Bogart, like a line that resonates with his last role: "A man passes forty, he shouldn't have to run anymore." I wish.

LeonLouisRicci A relentless and rigorous dive into the world of Professional Boxing (circa 1956) and its effect on the Athletes and their exploitation and disregard. It is no surprise that this was a flop at the box-office at the time. It has since found its place in the Film-Noir world with its no holds barred expose of corruption.Notable for the last screen role for Humphrey Bogart it has much more to offer. Crisp hands-on Direction with the Cinematography and Lighting and Sets looking as bleak as the Story. It is an uncompromising and unsettling unfolding of a no-talent, but gargantuan, Boxer that believes he is unbeatable. But the fix is in and he is the last one to know. The result is heart-wrenching and real here, with the salty script and hard-boiled performances by all lending credulity with its cynicism and gutsy shout-out in an era of rigid conformity and a faith-based belief in the integrity of larger than life, celebrity based, and powerful institutions from Government to Show Business.This is a dreary and dreadful Fiction based on Fact. Character studies laced with as much pomp and spectacle as need be. There are unforgettable scenes with Bogart and Steiger as well as some just as memorable from the cheap seats.

wes-connors Unemployed sportswriter Humphrey Bogart (as Eddie Willis) reluctantly agrees to work as promoter for sleazy boxing manager Rod Steiger (as Nick Benko). Fixing fights for lumbering heavyweight Mike Lane (as Toro Moreno) leads to the expected championship bout, but Mr. Bogart is secretly battling a moral conscience. "The Harder They Fall" also catches Bogart losing his fight with cancer. In hindsight, the superstar appears to be in failing health, but with his screen persona and acting skills intact. Like many classic stars of early cinema, Bogart can be the singular reason to watch a motion picture.****** The Harder They Fall (5/9/56) Mark Robson ~ Humphrey Bogart, Rod Steiger, Jan Sterling, Mike Lane