The Harder They Fall

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by KO KIDD, Aug 13, 2025 at 8:55 PM.

  1. KO KIDD

    KO KIDD Loyal Member Full Member

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    I have been reading the new Mark Kriegal book on Mike Tyson and he spends a lot of time on Cus D'Amato and his relationship with different writers. Budd Schulberg is discussed along with The Harder They Fall. I had not watched the movie before and gave it a go.

    I was surprised by how well Jersey Joe Walcott and Max Baer performed. I did not do much looking into the movie but did see Carnera sued and I can see the similarities especially with the similarities to the Ernie Schaaf situation. I thought it was also interesting that Baer's character bragged about being responsible for the death in the ring. I thought Schaaf's death greatly affected Max and portraying it that way on screen seemed against that though I guess he was trying to prove a point about the industry. Max had to see the similarities to Carnera and I wonder if he did the film as a dig to Primo.

    Has anyone read the book? Is it worth reading after seeing the movie?
     
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  2. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I read that Baer felt bad. I can't imagine any boxer feeling good about such a thing.
     
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  3. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Re- read it last week, definitely worth reading .
     
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