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The Champ

  • 1979
  • PG
  • 2h 1m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
9.7K
YOUR RATING
The Champ (1979)
A former boxer discovers that his biggest battle of all is going to be with his ex-wife, Annie, who returns after abandoning their young son seven years prior.
Play trailer2:13
1 Video
42 Photos
BoxingTragedyDramaSport

Billy Flynn is an ex-champion boxer who was KO'd by booze and gambling. When the wealthy, estranged mother of his young son begins trying to lure the boy away from him, Flynn must return to ... Read allBilly Flynn is an ex-champion boxer who was KO'd by booze and gambling. When the wealthy, estranged mother of his young son begins trying to lure the boy away from him, Flynn must return to the ring to provide for his child.Billy Flynn is an ex-champion boxer who was KO'd by booze and gambling. When the wealthy, estranged mother of his young son begins trying to lure the boy away from him, Flynn must return to the ring to provide for his child.

  • Director
    • Franco Zeffirelli
  • Writers
    • Frances Marion
    • Walter Newman
  • Stars
    • Jon Voight
    • Faye Dunaway
    • Ricky Schroder
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.8/10
    9.7K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Franco Zeffirelli
    • Writers
      • Frances Marion
      • Walter Newman
    • Stars
      • Jon Voight
      • Faye Dunaway
      • Ricky Schroder
    • 73User reviews
    • 22Critic reviews
    • 38Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 2 wins & 8 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:13
    Official Trailer

    Photos42

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    Top cast65

    Edit
    Jon Voight
    Jon Voight
    • Billy Flynn
    Faye Dunaway
    Faye Dunaway
    • Annie
    Ricky Schroder
    Ricky Schroder
    • T.J. Flynn
    Jack Warden
    Jack Warden
    • Jackie
    Arthur Hill
    Arthur Hill
    • Mike
    Strother Martin
    Strother Martin
    • Riley
    Joan Blondell
    Joan Blondell
    • Dolly Kenyon
    Mary Jo Catlett
    Mary Jo Catlett
    • Josie
    Elisha Cook Jr.
    Elisha Cook Jr.
    • Georgie
    • (as Elisha Cook)
    Stefan Gierasch
    Stefan Gierasch
    • Charlie Goodman
    Allan Miller
    Allan Miller
    • Whitey
    Joe Tornatore
    Joe Tornatore
    • Hesh
    Shirlee Kong
    • Donna Mae
    Jeff Blum
    • Jeffie
    Dana Elcar
    Dana Elcar
    • Hoffmaster
    Randall 'Tex' Cobb
    Randall 'Tex' Cobb
    • Bowers
    • (as Randall Cobb)
    Kristoff St. John
    Kristoff St. John
    • Sonny
    • (as Christoff St. John)
    Gina Gallego
    Gina Gallego
    • Cuban Girl
    • Director
      • Franco Zeffirelli
    • Writers
      • Frances Marion
      • Walter Newman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews73

    6.89.7K
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    Featured reviews

    7asd29

    Probably the all time best weepie movie

    I have not seen this film for many years , ive not seen the dvd anywhere since i last watched it on tv years ago, the movie is a cross between kramer vs kramer and rocky the acting in this is sensational to say the least especially from a young ricky schroder who is now nearly unheard of , despite schroders fledgling career he is the only actor who has genuinely made me cry his performance in the closing scene is heart wrenching its so realistic its nearly unbearable, i will look out for this film in the future and when i see it again the tears are very likely to fall again .
    10aj75

    One of the most heart-rending films in the history of films

    I first watched this film in 1980 as a five year old with my gran and we managed to distort the credits through our tears and sobbing. I received the video about four years ago, and as a twenty-two year old it had the same effect. Last night, I watched the Champ with my girlfriend and I am happy to say that the years haven't mellowed me and we were both in floods of tears before I switched the film off. I defy anybody who has an emotional bone in their body not to be touched by the story of Billy Flynn, and more importantly TJ. I won't give any of the storyline away as it will make it all the better for watching if you haven't seen it. As for me, I can't wait until the Champ get's it DVD release as I will be first in the queue.

    "I want the Champ !"
    scoobyg69

    The most EMOTIONAL movie ever made, A 10-hanky MUST-SEE!

    Once upon a time, when I was 10 years old, my father took me from playing with my friends to see this movie called "The Champ." And now, I can't wait to share it with MY children. Truly, the most EMOTIONAL movie I've ever seen. Jon Voight plays the role of ex-Boxing champion Billy Flynn who attempts a comeback to help his son. Ricky Schroder is the object of affection from his down-on-his-luck father, AND his rich mother (Faye Dunaway)who deserted him many years ago. The conflict between the parents is so painfully realistic, but it's Ricky's acting performance as T.J. that steals the show and your heart. Have SEVERAL boxes of tissue handy when viewing this film, because there are MANY scenes that will draw tears from the hardest of hearts. NO ONE can sit through this film and not be affected by the emotional impact, unless they are just a cold-hearted, unloving, uncareing person. I rate this one a 10-hanky MUST-SEE!
    7alaz_izmir

    Maybe not masterpiece but poignant father-son story

    First of all, it does not deserve a harsh criticism from the critics. The movie is not technically perfect but the acting especially from T.J is superb and as a parent, some show their love and affection obscurely than the others but in this story, the bond between father and son is powerful and moving. Whatever the critics say, just avoid them and watch this beautiful movie.
    8themustanggtman

    Remake of the 1931 classic

    This is a remake of the classic Wallace Berry original from 1931, it was well made and is a more modern uptake of the original. The theme and plot of this movie is timeless, it transcends eras and is as relevant today as it was in 1931! This is a "must see", I also recommend you find the time to watch the 1931 original, BOTH are excellent watches and well worth the time. I sometimes wish Holleywood would get back to movies like these, they are always worth the price of admission and are good for the heart. We can only hope! This will be a great movie to view with the whole family, just put on the pop corn, fill your glass with your favorite beverage and prepare to be completely entertained! Your children will remember this one!

    Best Emmys Moments

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    Related interests

    Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in Rocky (1976)
    Boxing
    Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams in Manchester by the Sea (2016)
    Tragedy
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
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    Sport

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      At just age nine, Ricky Schroder won the Golden Globe Award for "Best New Male Star of the Year in a Motion Picture" for his performance as T.J. Flynn in this film.
    • Goofs
      At the gym in the beginning of the film, Tex Cobb is being battered in a sparring match and his seconds call him Tommy. At the end of the film, Cobb is featured as Roland Bowers, Heavyweight Contender.
    • Quotes

      Ring Doctor: [SPOILER]

      [Champ has just died]

      Ring Doctor: I'm sorry.

      T.J.: [Georgie and Jackie start to cry, TJ is shocked] No! Champ! No! Champ. Is he out? Is he out? What's the matter, Champ? Champ, wake up! Wake up! Wake - wake up!

      [kisses his head]

      T.J.: Champ, wake up, Champ! Hey, don't sleep now. We got to go home. Got to go home, Champ.

      [Georgie collapses into sobs]

      T.J.: Georgie. Don't cry. Georgie.

      [TJ goes to the doctor]

      T.J.: Mister, help me. Wake him up! Wake him!

      Ring Doctor: We're all real sorry.

      T.J.: Please, wake him up!

      Ring Doctor: Let's go outside.

      T.J.: No, no! I don't want to! I don't want to!

      [runs to Jackie]

      T.J.: Jackie! Wake him up! Wake him!

      Jackie: TJ, please.

      T.J.: I want Champ!

      Jackie: TJ...

      T.J.: I want Champ!

      Jackie: TJ. Please, TJ, listen to me. He's gone. He's gone, son. He's gone.

      T.J.: [shakes his head and backs away from Jackie] No. No! He's not gone! He's not! He's not!

      Jackie: [Annie comes in, a smile on her face until she sees Champ and Jackie trying to calm TJ] Please.

      T.J.: He is not dead! He is not dead! I want Champ!

      Jackie: Please, listen to me, son.

      T.J.: I want Champ!

      Jackie: TJ, please, listen to me!

      T.J.: I want Champ! Champ! He is not gone!

      Jackie: [he and the doctor try to drag TJ away from Champ] Come on, son. Come on. TJ.

      Annie: TJ.

      [TJ walks towards her and hugs her, holding on tightly as he sobs]

    • Connections
      Featured in Sneak Previews: Hair/Murder By Decree/A Perfect Couple/The Champ/Buck Rogers in the 25th Century/Love at First Bite/In Search of Dracula (1979)

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    FAQ19

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 4, 1979 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Warner Bros.
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • El campeón
    • Filming locations
      • Hialeah, Florida, USA
    • Production companies
      • Hialeah Park Studios
      • Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $30,441,738
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $1,972,684
      • Apr 8, 1979
    • Gross worldwide
      • $30,441,738
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h 1m(121 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • 4-Track Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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