The Prizefighter and the Lady *** (1933, Myrna Loy, Max Baer, Primo Carnera) – Classic Movie Review 8968

Director W S Van Dyke’s 1933 romantic comedy crime drama The Prizefighter and the Lady stars real-life prizefighter Max Baer as the ex-sailor turned boxer hero Steve Morgan, while top-billed Myrna Loy plays bar star lady Belle Mercer, the lady he’s got his black-eye on.

The only problem romantically is that she already belongs to a mobster, Willie Ryan (Otto Kruger), though sports-wise there are other problems when he gets a shot at the heavyweight title.

The Prizefighter and the Lady is a rousing sports melodrama, with good boxing atmosphere (particularly when Baer fights Primo Carnera) and a surprise asset in Baer – a rare case of a sportsman who could act.

The other real-life boxers Carnera, Jack Dempsey and Jess Willard add a touch of authenticity.

Also in the cast are Walter Huston, Vince Barnett, Muriel Evans, Robert McWade, Jean Howard, Strangler Lewis, Garry Owen, Arthur Hoyt and Harry Woods.

Howard Hawks had an uncredited hand in the direction.

The Prizefighter and the Lady [Every Woman’s Man] is directed by W S Van Dyke, runs 102 minutes, is made and released by MGM, is written by John Meehan and John Lee Mahin Jr, based on the story by Frances Marion, is shot in black and white by Lester White, is produced by Hunt Stromberg and is scored by David Snell.

It was not a hit, losing MGM $105,000.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8968

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