The Prizefighter and the Lady (1933)

Directed by W. S. Van Dyke. Starring Max Baer, Myrna Loy, Otto Kruger, Walter Huston, Muriel Evans, Robert McWade, Vince Barnett, Primo Carnera.

Surprisingly enjoyable sports picture overcomes its mountain of clichés in telling the story of a palooka-turned-pugilist who rises through the fight ranks and marries nightclub singer and gangster’s moll Loy. Light and flavorful when it counts, polished even when the wit shows lumps, with a solid climactic bout making it all worthwhile. Though still merely on the brink of stardom, Loy was already seasoned enough in front of the camera for effortlessly piquant charm; real-life professional boxer Baer is a tomato can as an actor, but he gets the job done in the ring. Loy’s song numbers and an extended stage show crack-up from Baer should have all been KO’d in the editing room. Original director Howard Hawks left the production early on, replaced by Van Dyke. Real-life boxer (and current champ at the time of the picture’s release) Carnera plays himself; ex-world heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey also appears as himself in the role of a promoter.

69/100