Knockout

In his first lead role stalwart actor Arthur Kennedy displays a cocky confidence as Johnny Rocket in Knockout, a film he carries into the late rounds before getting KO'd by an improbable but B picture demanding finish. It has early nor promise.

Johnny Rocket' s got a promising career as a fighter but calls it quits to avoid going punchy. After getting shortchanged on purchasing his contract an unscrupulous manager (Anthony Quinn) lures him back to the ring where his ego and a rich reporter dame get the best of him before he careens down hill.

Director Clemens does what he can most of the way with Knockout before it does so giving it a good pace with a pair of economic montages that move the story along and develop character. Quinn presents a suave snake and there is a performance of note by Cornel Wilde in a minor role but little support is offered from Olymbe Bradne's frozen performance as his wife and Virginia Fields jaded temptress.