Knockout

There are newspaper headlines aplenty in this Bryan Foy produced programmer, but Knockout remains an above average 'B' film that will satisfy bottom of the bill fanciers. Arthur Kennedy stars as Johnny Rocket, a talented young pugilist who's got his eye on a new bride and a new job at a gym. But crafty manager Harry Trego(Anthony Quinn) soon intercedes in an effort to keep Rocket's golden gloves performing in the ring. Nicely shot by Ted McCord, the film is at its best when Rocket's life hits bottom when he gets in over his head with the smart set and wife Olympe Bradna leaves him. Bradna, a Frenchwoman, is the film's weak link, as she's unable to contain her Parisian accent whilst trying to portray the first generation daughter of a Brooklyn-based Italian immigrant. If you can overlook her shortcomings, however, you'll find this a satisfying example of the lost art of 'B' grade filmmaking.