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Gentleman Jim (1942 film)

Gentleman Jim
Gentleman Jim - Poster.jpg
1942 Theatrical Poster
Directed by Raoul Walsh
Produced by Robert Buckner
Written by Vincent Lawrence
Horace McCoy
Based on autobiography The Roar of the Crowd: The Rise and Fall of a Champion by Jim Corbett
Starring Errol Flynn
Alexis Smith
Music by Heinz Roemheld
Cinematography Sidney Hickox
Edited by Jack Killifer
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date
  • November 25, 1942 (1942-11-25)

1948 (France)
Running time
104 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $2 million (US rentals)
1,255,311 admissions (France)

Gentleman Jim is a 1942 film starring Errol Flynn as heavyweight boxing champion James J. Corbett (1866-1933). The supporting cast includes Alexis Smith, Jack Carson, Alan Hale, William Frawley, and Ward Bond. The movie was based upon Corbett's autobiography, The Roar of the Crowd, and directed by Raoul Walsh. The role was one of Flynn's favorites.

In 1890s San Francisco, boxing is illegal. James J. Corbett (Errol Flynn), a brash young bank teller, attends a match with his friend Walter Lowrie (Jack Carson). When a police raid nets Judge Geary, a member of the board of directors of Corbett's bank, Corbett's fast talking gets his superior out of trouble. The judge is looking to improve the image of boxing by recruiting men from more respectable backgrounds and having them fight under the Marquess of Queensberry rules. He has even imported British coach Harry Watson (Rhys Williams) to evaluate prospects. Watson finds that Corbett, raised in a combative Irish immigrant family headed by Pat Corbett (Alan Hale), has excellent fighting skills; Geary likes his protégé's seemingly-polished manner.

However, Corbett's arrogance irritates many of the upper class, particularly Victoria Ware (Alexis Smith). They clash frequently, but Corbett is attracted to her, and his limitless self-confidence and charm eventually overcome her distaste for him.

Meanwhile, Corbett becomes a professional prizefighter. He acquires a manager, Billy Delaney (William Frawley), and introduces a new, more sophisticated style of boxing, emphasizing footwork over the unscientific brawling epitomized by world champion John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond). After winning several matches, Corbett finally gets the opportunity to take on the great man. Corbett's method of boxing baffles Sullivan, and Corbett wins not only the title, but also Victoria.


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