L'uomo di bronzo

This was certainly not the most original movie made by Warner Brothers, but it was an excellent showcase for the talents of Edward G. Robinson and cast. It's a perfect example of the type of film this company made so well in the 1930s--a simple and predictable story combined with excellent dialog and acting and breezy direction. While this story will not change the world, it is well worth the watching. By the way, this story has been remade several times---such as THE WAGONS ROLL AT MIDNIGHT (with Humphrey Bogart taking on the Edward G. Robineson part and Eddie Albert playing a lion tamer instead of a boxer) and KID GALAHAD (with Elvis). None of these films are quite as satisfying as this film. So my advice is, if you only want to see one, watch this one.

A commiseration party after a loss, leads to conflict where a bellhop gets quite cross, goes toe to toe with Turkey's lad, then gets the name Galahad, it's not too long before he has a brand new boss; who then puts him through the ring to fight and maul, this pugilist is handsome and he's tall, a trip to the countryside, he finds a girl to make a bride, but there's one whose eyes with tears cascade and fall; then a chance to fight to become champion, the crowds are buzzing this will be a great dingdong, but the tactics just confuse, you're set up to fail and lose, has the promise and potential, all gone wrong.

There were two primary reasons for seeing 'Kid Galahad'. One was for the cast, Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart were three of the all-time greats and seeing them in the same film seemed to be even more irresistible than seeing them individually. The other being that it was directed by Michael Curtiz, who directed two of my favourite films 'Casablanca' and 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'.

Neither the cast or Curtiz disappoint, and neither does 'Kid Galahad' as an overall film. It is not among the best of all involved, Robinson, Davis and Bogart did do better films and performances and when thinking of classic Curtiz 'Kid Galahad' to me is not quite there but very nearly is. It is still extremely entertaining and handled so cleverly, with everybody involved on never less than good form (top form actually), and is much more than a boxing/sports film (of which it is a fine example of how to do it well). Actually remember the film more for the drama, relationships and insights. It has been often compared to its remakes 'The Wagons Roll at Midnight', which also featured Bogart, and the Elvis Presley musical version from 1962, and of the three this is by quite some way the best.

'Kid Galahad' may not have one of those stories full of surprises, can understand the predictable criticisms from anybody who have seen similar tropes in films frequently since before seeing the film.

It also doesn't always have the most refined of production values, mostly they come off well but some occasional hokiness in the fights from being a little over-kinetic.

Wayne Morris, whose career sadly faded into relative obscurity not long after, however is immensely likeable and easy to engage with in the title role, making the character very rootable. Even better are the three stars 'Kid Galahad' was seen for. Robinson is a very commanding and full of life screen presence, while pre-true stardom Davis and Bogart make every bit as strong impressions. Davis is both alluring and witty, while Bogart is malevolently tough and perhaps at his meanest without overdoing it. Jane Bryan is occasionally on the sugary side but mostly is very charming. A great job is done making the character relationships and conflicts interesting without it getting too over-heated.

Curtiz directs with no signs of breaking momentum or losing control, while the editing is mostly tight, cohesive and keeps things moving nicely (if at times in need of a slowing down). The story does generally absorb and the fights are excitingly and dynamically choreographed and even if the outcomes are not in doubt there is still a sense of fun and danger. Other than Robinson, Davis and Bogart, a big star here is the script, sharp-witted, taut without any extraneous fat and with intricate insights on manners and morals.

Overall, extremely entertaining. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Warner Bros. mix of gangster grit and boxing sweat has fight manager Edward G. Robinson battling with nemesis Humphrey Bogart over fighters, egos, and money (the only thing they don't argue about is dames!). Matters are complicated by a fresh, innocent rube, a bellhop with a right hook whom Robinson wins the confidence of. Bette Davis is Eddie's right-hand-gal who falls in love with the polite, shy Wayne Morris against her better judgment, while Jane Bryan as Eddie's kid sis wins the boxer's heart after graduating from convent school. Based on a Saturday Evening Post story, this smoky, super-emotional and physical melodrama allows each of its players to shine (except for Bryan, who isn't in the same league as the others). Michael Curtiz directed with skill and speed, though an early boxing sequence is too fast (with the film mechanically speeded up for no apparent reason); other scenes in the ring also look hokey, although these are the only incidents which do. Curtiz is amazingly adept at handling actors, and Davis is girlish and positively charming making sweet and light conversation with Morris, whose aw-shucks smiles at her tell us everything we need to know. Later remade as one of Elvis Presley's better pictures. A big fat hit. ***1/2 from ****

I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't send in my comments after I saw this film. This was an extremely enjoyable film. As a fan of Edward G. Robinson, I can say with great enthusiasm that he doesn't disappoint. Bette Davis is up to her smart-as-a-whip self which makes it even more entertaining. Humphrey Bogart puts on a role of a scheming man that makes him look better than he already is.

Near the end, the film started to derail a bit and got a bit pointless, but it was all in good taste. It was also well-directed with Michael Curtiz at the helm. I couldn't imagine anyone else directing this. Boxing fans and movie buffs, see this film immediately. This is one film you will not want to miss.