There have been quite a few movies centred around boxing over the years from 1937’s Kid Galahad to 2018’s Creed II with plenty of standouts in-between such as 1956’s Somebody Up There Likes Me, 1962’s Requiem for a Heavyweight, 1972’s Fat City and 1980’s Raging Bull. None of these however get as straight to the punchline as 1949’s knockout noir The Set-Up. (More here including Wednesday evening's showtime information throughout the U.S.):
Excellent review, Arthur; you nailed it. This is a superb little film, a minor masterpiece. It reminded me of Hemingway; there is nothing wasted in this film.
I agree Arthur, thanks for pointing TSU out with your top-class feedback.
Yep, a powerful b movie coz you had Wise's techniques he knew how too get the best out of his casts & cinematography, just look at his cv, & this movie one of Ryan's best performances.
Ryan & Trotter both had ex screen characteristics for opposed lovable reasons, but mainly their danger the scheming in this script is underworld that amend dirty bungs the trainer the mob compliment that. Ryan's punishment was sure seedy it spoke true colours with his grieving wife, Wise wanted fixing etc.. keeping it real-life drama that is part of real-boxing for sure the fighters the action looked fab for 1949.
Rocky took this influence with the way Stoker lived, from the slums not much money being a so called bum-beater the trainer is similar tales + a similar-boss, & Stoker's wife wanting him too quit fighting many times even saying you'll lose get hurt. The latter was # II Etc.
