Champion
Seen it?1949 | 99 min | Drama
Friday Night Flickearly ratingWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Karate Kid or The Natural, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 39 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1949: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
An unscrupulous boxer fights his way to the top, but eventually alienates all of the people who helped him on the way up.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Best Film Editing. Also nominated for 5 more Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$3 million worldwide on a $600K budget
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 21K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Mark Robson
- Kirk DouglasMidge Kelly
- Marilyn MaxwellGrace Diamond
- Arthur KennedyConnie Kelly
- Paul StewartTommy Haley
- Ruth RomanEmma Bryce
- Lola AlbrightPalmer Harris
- Luis van RootenJerry Harris
- Harry ShannonLew
- John DaheimJohnny Dunne
- Ralph SanfordHammond