Apparently (I did not realize this) there are two versions of this movie on video. I watched the TV version (Playhouse 90) starring Jack Palance. The 1956 version also starred father and son, Ed and Keenan Wynn as Army and Maish and Kim Hunter as Grace Miller.

My understanding, from reading comments on imdb.com is that there are differences between the releases beyond the actors. These differences include the ending; the version I watched has a hopeful ending while the later release was the more realistic (and tragic) type of ending (???).

Jack Palance's performance was great. He was heartfelt and heartbreaking in this role as the aging (well, in his thirties) "Mountain" McClintock. He is this bumbling, huge, sweetheart of a guy who was uneducated (6th grade) to start with but also brain-addled and disfigured from boxing. He is heart and soul devoted to his manager, like a puppy to its owner.

I cannot compare it to the better known version, as I have not seen it. What I can say is that after watching this teleplay, I could not imagine anyone else replacing any of these characters. They were all so “right”. I especially love the background story surrounding Ed Wynn. He was a life-long comedian there was concern among many people working on the production that he would fumble, panic, and break into a comedic line, which he had done while rehearsing repetitively. To top it off, he would get flustered whenever his son’s character got too rough spoken, because he had a hard time keeping in mind the difference between his son and the character. The concern was so great, that another actor was practicing the lines (Ed did not know this) to take over the role if need be at the last minute. In the end, Ed came through just fine.

Watching the teleplay was interesting because it was a recording of a live performance and it captured a number of fumbled lines. That was the nature of a live broadcast, and a pretty cool addition for someone who was not alive when this movie was made.

I am half way through the movie. I hate watching a movie in pieces, but got interrupted. So far, I am really liking it.

There was a section on the VHS tape prior to the movie start hosted by Jack Kluggman (sp?) and including some of the people involved in the movie. That was very educational and really added to my interest before the movie had even started.

Hopefully, I will finish it tonight and can say something more.

Curious to hear your thoughts Alex.

Cesar: I am pretty sure I have seen a bit of this movie once, because the story-line sounds so familiar. I won't know for sure until I start watching it, though. Will definitely comment after viewing.

Thanks Cesar, added to my Netflix queue! I've read about this film for years since I'm a big TZ fan but forgot to check its avalibility on DVD...until now:)

So far apparently, no one has heard of this film.
Thank you Mawgojzeta, for taking the time and interest.
I would love to hear your take on it once you have seen it.

I just read about it on Internet Movie Database. Sounds great. I reserved it at the library just moments ago.

Requiem for a Heavyweight.
Has anyone out there seen this film?
A forgotten classic of American cinema.
Released in 1962 and stars Anthony Quinn as a washed up boxer. This is one of Quinn's most poignant, memorable, and tragic performances. Jackie Gleason and Mickey Rooney also star.
The film also features a cameo by Cassius Clay,
as he was known at the time, playing himself.

I heard of this film in conversation with a friend over
The Twilight Zone. The film is scripted by none other than
Rod Serling. Though there in nothing supernatural in this story.
It is very gritty and very real.
This film has one of the most powerful endings I've ever seen.
Not the signature twist endings Serling was known for,
in fact the ending, though shocking, seems inevitable.

This is powerful storytelling,
and this film deserves greater recognition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbiOsZoEA...