Gentleman Jim (1942)

Second viewing; first seen on February 4, 1990.

A fiction incorporating some biographical elements -- and the name -- of real prizefighter Jim Corbett, one of the first boxers who, in the late 19th century, fought by the Queensberry rules.

I have been reading about transgenic organisms, and, while thinking on something to write about this movie, realized that biopics, old Hollywood ones anyway, are a lot like them, or, if you prefer a more literary reference, like those creatures created by H. G. Wells' Dr. Moreau. In this case, the monster could be named Flynnbett or Corlynn. Of course films vary in how much of the subject's personality is brought to the screen; in this case, I doubt there is anything other than some superficial data (he lived in such time, fought such and such guys, had such boxing style, etc.). Be that as it may, as a generic picture of the beginnings of boxing, this is very convincing and exciting; as a vehicle for the flamboyant leading man, it is also highly satisfactory. The love interest appears to be fictionalized, and is consistent with the ideas the film is trying to convey about class mobility, self-confidence, and so on; the name 'Victoria Ware' is very funny, whether intended as a joke or not.

Rating: 77 (up from 70)