Requiem for a Heavyweight
Seen it?1962 | 95 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
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 Creed or The Hurricane, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1962: an older pace and style.
After suffering a brutal defeat and being told he can no longer fight, 37-year-old, scar-ridden prizefighter Louis 'Mountain' Rivera struggles to find a new direction in life.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
89% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 DGA Award.
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 29K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Ralph Nelson
- Anthony QuinnLewis 'Mountain' Rivera
- Jackie GleasonMaish Rennick
- Mickey RooneyArmy
- Julie HarrisGrace Miller
- Stanley AdamsPerelli (as Stan Adams)
- Madame SpivyMa Greeny
- Val AveryYoung fighter's promoter
- Herbie FayeCharlie, the Bartender
- Jack DempseyHimself
- Muhammad AliHimself (as Cassius Clay)