A question about The Greatest, Ali's 1977 film

The lady who played the character of Velvet Green, played by famous actress Dinah Merill.
Was he based on a real lady? The one who got Ali's autograph after one of his fights and told him " I come to all of your fights." Ali thanks her , and then she replies " because I can't wait til they carry you out on a stretcher, the Devil won't always win." Words to that effect, I have the movie on dvd but it's been a couple years since I watched it.
Anybody have any info on this?

 

I love this movie! Seen it many times.

I don't think any footage of that real life encounter exists. Ali starred in the movie, and obviously wrote it too, so I would guess that it was based off of a real conversation, but there is always the possibility it was just for the movie (although I don't think so).

At 2:21 of the trailer, you can see part of the line:

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I haven't seen any real-life interviews about Ali mentioning the encounter.

 

I love the soundtrack to the movie also.

 

Lol, that trailer kind of reminds me of...

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AMAZING Soundtrack, made the movie

 

Note to self watch Blacula

 

Got this film on video, back in around 1988. Watched it numerous times back then. Back in the day when you had to grab what you could on boxing visually and keep hold lol. But yes, enjoyable film.

 

I have this movie in my video collection, the lady Velvet Green was mentioned in his book.

 

I have some vague recollection of Bundini saying "Velvet Green, the meanest *****, you ever seen!" but other than that and her appearance in the movie, that's all I really know about her.

 

I saw The Greatest the first time in 1983 or 84, I had just started getting interested in boxing. One night it was on Channel 11 the New York station. Unfortunately the tv guide said it was coming on at like 2am in the morning on a school night. I was only in 7th grade at the time, but I begged my parents if I got my homework done, and went to bed after dinner, if I could set my alarm clock, and get up and watch it. I'm glad they let me!

 

I saw it at the Drive Inn in June 1977, with my brother in law and my sister, good movie.

 

Wow 1977, the first movie in the theatres I saw was Star Wars that year, I think that was summer of 77 so I wasn't quite 6 years old.

 

Those were the days, good times.

 

I think it's in the book. Happend after Quarry comeback supposedly. Book later turned out to be largely fictional in many many instances

 

Saw Star Wars, bought the Marvel comic the next day along with Tomb of Dracula and the Avengers.

The Greatest is a lot of fun to watch, saw it in the theaters with my Mom and Dad.