The Great John L.
| The Great John L. | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Frank Tuttle |
| Produced by |
James Edward Grant Frank R. Mastroly |
| Screenplay by | James Edward Grant |
| Starring |
Linda Darnell Barbara Britton Greg McClure Otto Kruger Wallace Ford George Mathews |
| Music by | Victor Young |
| Cinematography | James Van Trees |
| Edited by | Ted Bellinger |
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Production
company |
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| Distributed by | United Artists |
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Release date
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Running time
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96 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | approx $900,000 |
The Great John L. is a 1945 American biographical drama film directed by Frank Tuttle and written by James Edward Grant. The film stars Linda Darnell, Barbara Britton, Greg McClure, Otto Kruger, Wallace Ford and George Mathews. The film was released on May 25, 1945, by United Artists.
In 1880, when bareknuckle fighting is still condoned. John L. Sullivan chooses boxing over baseball and becomes known as "the Boston Strong Boy" after his victory over established prizefighter John Flood.
Sullivan's sweetheart, Kathy Harkness, refuses his marriage proposal, unhappy about how he has chosen to make a living. After he wins the heavyweight championship, Sullivan buys a tavern and begins drinking too much of his own product. He also meets New York singer Anne Livingston, marrying her on the rebound from Kathy and traveling the world, meeting British royalty while fighting abroad.
Sullivan's ego and alcoholism grow out of control. Anne realizes he still loves Kathy and leaves him, but Kathy still disapproves of his life. Sullivan is defeated by "Gentleman" Jim Corbett, loses the heavyweight crown and also loses his saloon, due to growing debts. Anne, too, becomes bankrupt as well as terminally ill. Sullivan vows to turn his life around, speaking on behalf of temperance unions as Kathy sees a glimmer of hope for their future.
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