Gentleman Jim

Gentleman Jim.
1942 Warner Bros. Pictures & Turner Entertainment.
Starring: Errol Flynn, Alexis Smith, Jack Carson, Alan Hale, William Frawley, Ward Bond
Director: Raoul Walsh
Amazon listings: Single DVD. Part of the Errol Flynn Signature Collection, Volume 2.

A film based on boxing champion James J. Corbett's autobiography The Roar of the Crowd.

In San Francisco during the 1890s, boxing is illegal. James J. Corbett (Flynn) is a young bank teller with an interest in boxing, who stumbles into it after talking the police out of arresting Judge Geary, a member of the board of directors at Corbett's bank, for illegally promoting fights. Geary is looking to improve the image of boxing by finding talent from more respectable backgrounds, and having them fight under Marquess of Queensbury rules. Geary has also found a British coach to evaluate prospects. During an impromptu sparring session, Geary discovers that Corbett has excellent fighting skills, in addition to his polished manner. On the downside, Corbett's arrogance alienates many from the upper class, particularly Victoria Ware (Smith). Corbett is attracted to her, but they argue frequently, and Victoria slowly comes around.

Corbett goes pro, hiring a manager named Billy Delaney (Frawley), and he introduces a new sophisticated style of boxing that downplays violent brawling. He wins several matches enroute to the championship fight with John L. Sullivan (Bond).

Interesting movie, and a personal favorite of Errol Flynn, who suffered a mild heart attack while filming it. Recommended movie.