Few people other than boxing fans and sports fanatics would likely know who Primo Carnera was. And, even die-hard movie buffs (a finger points at me) wouldn't have known that this movie was based somewhat on Carnera. His story is very interesting itself. But, from the general background available, one is more inclined to say that Carnera and his boxing tenure might have inspired this film, rather than that the film was based on him. That's because beyond the film's depiction of boxing as a crooked enterprise in some cities and with some promoters in the early 20th century, there isn't much else in this film that might resemble Carnera or his life.
More on him later, for those who may be interested. But, now for this film.
Jack Carson has a nice lead and comedy role as Jeff Clayton, a common street con man in New York City. This is after WW II, and he bumps into a former Army buddy from the war, Tommy Tomkins, played by Vince Edwards. Tomkins wins the Mister Universe contest and the $1,000 prize which he needed so that he can marry his sweetheart.
By some quick and funny situations, Tommy gets roped into boxing with Clayton as his manager. Bert Lahr is very good and funny has Joe Pulaski, a prominent gym owner and manager of fighters. Robert Alda is good (and funny) as a mob leader and fight fixer, Fingers Maroni. Well, Clayton and Pulaski get into problems with Maroni and want Tommy to take a dive in a big fight. Tomkins is too honest and refuses to do so. But when Tommy gets a whiff of the perfume that Clayton's girlfriend is wearing, he gets very weak. Janis Paige plays Clayton's girl, Lorraine.
Will the boys and Lorraine be able to find the exact perfume to be able to weaken Tommy and save their skins? At this point, the comedy roles nicely with Maxie Rosenbloom helping out as Big Ears, the Trainer.
Vince Edwards is impressive for his muscular build and appearance as the body-building Tomkins who becomes Mister Universe. This is a fun film to watch, with an interesting look at a time when some of the boxing world was ruled by shady characters.
Oh, yes. Primo Carnera became world heavyweight champion in June 1933, and lost the title the next year. At 6 foot 6, and 265 pounds, he was the largest boxer in history for decades. His lifetime boxing record was 89 wins and 14 losses, and his 72 wins by knockouts is the all-time record for heavyweight boxers, according to Wikipedia. After losing a kidney in surgery, Carnera fought a few more years and then became a major draw as a wrestler for many years. He won 120 straight matches before his fist of two loses, and ended his wrestling career with near 150 wins.
This was all done in the United States. After his 1939 marriage in Italy, he and his wife moved to the U.S. He opened a restaurant and liquor store in Los Angeles and the couple became American citizens in 1953. They had two sons. Carnera was 60 when he died of liver disease. His life was anything but tragic.
