Somebody Up There Likes Me

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Stevie G, Jan 18, 2011.

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  1. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    A lot of us have seen this biopic on Rocky Graziano,played by the brilliant Paul Newman. Apparently this role was intended for James Dean,originally. Anyway,I digress. In the Tony Zale fight scenes,was The 'Man of Steel' playing himself ? It looked a HELL of a lot like him.
     
    Stevie G, Jan 18, 2011
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  2. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    Yes, Zale played himself.
     
    red cobra, Jan 18, 2011
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  3. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Funny you mention this, S. Zale -- who still was in great shape -- was brought in to play himself, but was quickly replaced with the stuntman (who wound up in the movie) because in trying to choreograph the fight scenes, Zale broke Newman's ribs. He didn't know how to pull his punches.

    Imagine gettin' hit with the body shot that crumpled Graziano.
     
    john garfield, Jan 18, 2011
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  4. mister

    mister Active Member Full Member

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    it is a good film:yep:think
     
    mister, Jan 18, 2011
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  5. johnmaff36

    johnmaff36 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Wasnt it a debut for steve mc queen, although his part in the fight on the rooftop wasnt for long
     
    johnmaff36, Jan 18, 2011
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  6. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Think it was McQueen's first film appearance, j
     
    john garfield, Jan 18, 2011
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  7. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Robert Loggia as 'Frankie Peppo', good role.

    Good movie, though it did portray Rocky a little too much as a brainless street-thug.
     
    Il Duce, Jan 18, 2011
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  8. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Indeed,John.....OUCH....!!!
     
    Stevie G, Jan 18, 2011
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  9. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yes,I believe it was indeed Steve McQueen's debut.
     
    Stevie G, Jan 18, 2011
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  10. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Newman was brilliant in it. I can't imagine the original choice,James Dean doing as well as Paul.
     
    Stevie G, Jan 18, 2011
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  11. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    No doubt, Stevie G.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Paul Newman, perfect casting.
     
    Il Duce, Jan 18, 2011
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  12. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Great catch, ID

    Rocky had little schooling, but he was plenny street smart. After he stopped fighting, used to golf with him. He was more popular in N.Y. than the Yankees. Every doctor, lawyer 'n pol fell all over themselves inviting him to play -- on the arm -- at their country club, to rub shoulders.

    Rocky asked me to join him at a posh Long Island club.

    Money was always bet. After playing, a dentist said to Rocky: "You owe me $60, Rocky"

    "Would much rather owe it to you than not pay you," Rocky replied.
     
    john garfield, Jan 18, 2011
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  13. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Quite a character,by all acoounts. He could be very amusing.
     
    Stevie G, Jan 18, 2011
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  14. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Tell me some details about the Ruben Shank thing,please John.
     
    Stevie G, Jan 18, 2011
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  15. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Rocky was a more popular personality in New York, than Joe Dimaggio in the 1960's, and early 1970's.
     
    Il Duce, Jan 18, 2011
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