Original subtitles

(grand orchestral music)

(crowd cheering)

- And now the challenger is coming down the aisle.

This crowd is giving him a tremendous

ovation as he climbs into the ring.

No doubt about it.

This lad is the most popular

heavyweight contender in a long time.

And there's drama behind those cheers too.

The drama in the lives of these two men that has

finally brought them together in this ring tonight

to battle for the heavyweight championship of the world.

(bell rings)

- 15 rounds of boxing!

For the Heavyweight Championship of the World!

Introducing, at 212 pounds!

The champion, Coke Mason!

(crowd booing)

- [Rose VO] There it is again.

The roar of the crown.

20,000 people all hating just one man.

If they only knew.

It isn't him they ought to hate.

It's me.

Because there was a time you couldn't find a soul

who didn't think he was the sweetest guy on Earth.

And then something happened to change all that.

I fell in love with him.

(harpsichord melody)

People can fall in love any place.

Even in Coaltown, Pennsylvania.

Falling in love is supposed to make you happy.

But somehow in Coaltown it only made things worse.

Because i was trapped.

Trapped like everybody else in town.

Trying to figure a way out, knowing they'd never make it.

And hating it.

Like Alex Mallick.

Or just resigned to it.

Like Pete Kosco.

Or waiting for that one big break like his son Tommy.

All of them trapped in the endless monotony of the mines.

Never knowing from day to day when

the trap might shut on them for good.

And still not being able to do a single thing about it.

All except Coke Mason.

He was different.

He'd have gotten out.

He'd have made it someday.

His way.

If only i'd let him.

(drills whirring)

- Hey Pete!

You going to the meeting tonight?

- Huh?

- The meeting, are you going?

- I can't hear you!

- Hey Coke, cut your drill!

Cut your drill!

- What?

- I said cut your drill.

- [Coke] Why?

- On account of what i tell you, that's why.

(drill whirring)

What are you, a wise guy?

- Nope.

- You looking to get your nose broke?

- Looking to get some work done, do you mind?

- Why you do this thing?

Coke does nothing to you.

You are wrong.

- Okay, so i'm wrong.

I don't like the guy.

(spits)

I don't like you, understand?

- That's gonna worry me a lot.

- Alex!

Alex.

Hey, let's go eat.

(Alex gargles)

- Why you look for trouble?

- (chuckles) Trouble from him?

He's too good for trouble.

Too good for mining too ain't you, Einstein?

That book gonna teach you how to move coal?

- Moving coal ain't the only way to make a living.

- What's the matter a fellow want to get out of the mine?

This country, everybody got a chance

to make himself what he wants.

My Tommy want to get out too.

That's why i send him to night school.

Learn to be optimist.

Make glasses. Good trade.

- [Alex] So's this.

- Maybe Coke show you how to move coal, Alex.

- Him?

- Uh-huh.

- Maybe you'd like to make a little bet, huh?

- Yeah.

How about it?

10 bucks i move more the next shift than you do.

- Put up or shut up, Alex.

- Yeah, put your money where your mouth is.

- Come on.

- Okay Einstein, you got yourself a bet.

(drill whirring)

- Get a stick.

(tense music)

(loud explosions) (dramatic sting)

- Let's go, Coke!

(suspense music)

- [Miner] Come on now, push!

All right, hold it!

Let's go!

Come on, move!

Come on, Alex has to find it!

- How's the family?

- Got four new ones.

- Four?

- Trixie, my dog, had four new puppies.

All with black spots.

I'm gonna kill that firehouse dog.

(Pete and Rose laugh)

Feels good.

- Ah, it's a fine boot.

Very well made.

Built like a tire.

- I'll take them with me.

- All right.

- Pull it a little bit.

Thank you!

- Here you are.

- Charge them.

- Okay.

- (foreign phrase) Ms. Warren.

- (foreign phrase)

(loud banging)

(dramatic music)

Hello, dirty face.

- Hi.

Those mine?

- Autumn came in.

Want them all today?

- Yeah.

Yeah, all of them.

Cash today.

- Oh really?

- Won a bet.

- Where? Up there?

- Oh no no, down there.

Moving coal.

I'm almost too tired to take you out tonight.

I said almost. I'll pick you up as soon as i change.

- I can't tonight, Coke.

Inventory 'til 10 or 11.

- Don't be silly, I'm gonna propose to you.

- You did that last week.

- So I'll do it again. I liked what you said.

- I didn't say yes.

- You said maybe.

- Herbie's looking.

(loud banging)

- Tell him you're sick and i'm the doctor.

- I wish you'd tell that brother of yours

he's making entirely too much noise upstairs.

- Tell him yourself. It's your building.

Say, about the inventory,

could Rose bow out of that tonight?

- Of course not.

And if you don't tell him i'll give him notice to vacate.

- Why? You knew why he rented the place.

- I did not.

He said it was to be a club. A social club.

- Yeah, that's why he moved in three pool tables.

About the inventory.

(loud banging and hollering)

- Please speak to him, Coke.

Sometimes i think they're coming right through the ceiling.

- Okay.

Wrap them nice and pretty huh?

- Hey George, I'll take 10 to five

on Madigan tonight in the semifinal.

How about it?

- I'll give you eight to five.

You're lucky to get it.

Madigan may dump that palooka in three rounds.

(phone rings)

Yeah?

Yeah, sixth at Belmont, okay.

Hello kid, just the guy i want to see.

Huh?

Oh all right, I'll wait.

Hold on, I'll be right up!

I got one here -

- I got one for you, Herbie's unhappy about the noise.

- Oh forget Herbie.

He's always beefing about something.

What?

Oh no, you're breaking my heart.

Anderelle in a photo!

(patrons cheering)

- Maker's choice, 10 on the show.

- Tone them down, George.

Herbie can make trouble.

- Herbie can make trouble?

You should see what Anderelle just did to me.

You got 20 'til Monday?

- Again?

- All right, so I owe you 20.

- How much?

What, does it bother you? - No, but i just -

- No, but maybe you'd like to forget

that i wiped your nose, went hungry to feed you.

Is that it?

- I didn't say that.

Okay, I'm sorry.

I mean it.

- Aw you shouldn't be, kid. Anything i ever did for you

you paid off right down the line.

- Oh shut up.

How about some handball tonight?

What, no Rosie?

- Inventory.

- Okay, handball.

- I'll pick you up around 8.

- Okay.

Yeah?

Yeah, the seventh at Belmont.

10 to win, 10 to place on clean away.

- Ain't he the sweetest player you ever saw?

- He is not.

He's as clumsy as a bull elephant.

Everything he does is wrong.

- Ahh!

(laughs)

- Yeah, everything wrong but he wins.

- That's what amazes me.

- Hello Alex! Joe!

- Hello Gunner.

- What do you say?

That's a quick four bucks you owe me, George!

Want to try again?

- Okay Tommy, you got a bet!

Double or nothing next game huh?

- Right.

- Next game?

You guys gonna play all night?

- We got one more. Relax.

- Aw, quit hogging the court.

You got four men waiting here.

Only we ain't waiting.

- They got another game, Alex.

They only played one. Ask Crowley.

- I don't have to ask anybody, I'm telling you.

Get off the court.

- What's wrong, Alex?

You feeling the burn over the 10 bucks you lose to the kid?

- How'd you like a poke in the nose?

- Forget it.

We didn't come here to argue.

- Yeah, and that goes for you too.

- [George] Come outside and I'll knock your brains out!

- Yeah? You and who else?

- I'll fight him.

If that's what he wants.

- How soon and where?

- Just a minute.

If there's gonna be any fighting here

It'll be in the ring and i'll referee.

That suit you, Coke?

Okay, come on, let's go.

- You know, I'm gonna be doing this

professional pretty soon.

The old man wants me to be an "optimist" like he calls it.

But not for me.

Fighting's my trade.

- [Spectator] You gonna win, Alex?

(Alex chuckles)

- Okay Tommy, I'll take over.

- Tommy's my second.

- No, no, Speed. Speed O'Keefe. I'm gonna be a fighter -

- All right "Speed," come on.

We'll talk about it later.

(whistle blows)

- [Spectator] Come on, Alex boy. Let's go, Alex.

- Now let's keep it clean, that's all.

Shake hands. Come out fighting.

Come on.

(whistle blows)

(onlookers yelling)

- Your left, Coke! Keep it high!

- Relax, kid.

Contain yourself.

(onlookers laugh)

(suspense music)

(Alex laughs)

Here it comes.

- [Spectator] Come on Alex, don't wait for him!

Come on!

Come on, Alex!

- Break! Break!

Break, break!

- Come on, kid!

(whistle blows)

- Neutral corner! Come on!

Come on!

Go back to the corner!

- Stay there!

Stay in the corner!

- One.

That's enough.

Better call a doctor.

- What i tell you?

You got dynamite punches!

- [Spectator] Next time, use a club!

- Better still, use an axe!

- Go on, peddle your papers!

Go on!

(spectators rabbling)

Come on, Coke.

(classy orchestra music)

- Hey, this is a little on the elegant side.

We got enough money to eat here?

- Yeah, on account of i'm fresh out.

- Money, I'm loaded.

- Lasted Belmont 10 to win

and 10 to place with my money.

- Belmont?

Oh that dog?

Nah, he ran out.

No, I bet you tonight, kid.

I take three to one on a knockout

and garner a sweet 90 bucks.

- You bet on me against Alex?

- Remember when we left the handball court?

I did real good.

- Your table is ready, Mr. Mason.

- Ah, fine, Charlie.

Go ahead, boys.

Something from Havana honey, huh?

- Thanks, mister.

- It's a big table, isn't it?

- Well why not?

It's gonna be a big party.

Wine, Charlie.

Domestic but with bubbles huh?

And char up three steaks.

We'll take care of the eat department.

Relax, fellas.

Oh no, you might as well start now as any time.

- Start what?

- Training.

- Oh here we go again.

- Look kid, I've been trying to tell you for a long time.

You're gonna be a fighter.

A great fighter.

- Forget it.

- I've been forgetting it long enough.

Tonight we start thinking about it.

Serious.

Kid, you got a million dollars

wrapped up in those two hands.

A million!

- [Tommy] He's right, Coke.

You got a lot to learn, you do a lot of things wrong.

But you got the one thing nobody can learn.

The thing only the great ones have got.

You're a killer.

- I'm a miner.

And i'm gonna stay a miner.

Maybe someday i'll have a radio store, but until then -

- Radio schmadio, that's for kids!

But if you really want it, okay.

I'll show you how to get it.

Why in six months i'll have you doing

semi-finals at seven, $800 a crack.

In one year seven, eight, maybe 10,000 for a main goal.

Then you'll buy yourself a store,

you'll put your name on the window,

and Rose can sit behind the cash register.

Simple as that.

- No kidding, Coke. You're a natural.

You oughta see what you did to Alex's eye and his nose.

- Tommy, drink your wine huh?

- What about Alex? - So you beat him up a little.

What did you expect?

- Bad?

- Well not - - Not good. Not for Alex.

- I didn't know that.

But i do know this.

I'm not gonna do it again.

Not to Alex or anybody.

If that bothers you, give me my 20 bucks and i'll blow.

- Okay kid, if that's the way you want it.

What are you gonna do?

Take Rosie to a light movie and hold hands?

- I just might do that.

- And maybe you better talk it over with Herbie huh?

- Excuse me a minute, Herbert.

Hello Coke.

Tommy, George.

- Hi Rose. - What are you doing here?

- "Taking inventory".

- It so happens i was working tonight.

- Were you?

- Yes.

We finished early and Herbie thought

it would be a good idea - - A very good idea.

Well i know you two want to fight alone.

Come on, Tommy. Amscray.

- Can't you call me Speed?

- Okay, champ.

Send up a flare if you're in trouble now.

- Don't you believe i was working?

- Does it matter what i believe?

- Well you know it does.

What's the matter with your eye?

- Nothing.

All right, so i believe you were working.

You take it from there.

- Well we finished early.

Herbie suggested some food.

- So you went to the chop suey joint

on Main Street only the tea was cold.

- No, Coke.

That was last Saturday night.

And the Saturday before.

It was every Saturday night for the past year with you.

Look Coke, I don't blame you.

You work hard for your money and you're trying to save it.

For us, I know that.

But can't you see it from my angle just a little bit?

I've never even seen the inside of this place before.

Or any other place like it.

So tonight i had the chance, I took it.

A few lights for a change.

Is that really so bad?

- You want go to joints like this, I can take you.

- Sure, and what do we use

to start the radio business, coal?

All right, you win.

So now we've both seen the place,

so now let's go back and get some chop suey huh?

- What about Herbie?

- Herbie will understand.

Dope.

- Mr. Mason, your guests.

- Hello, you gorgeous hunk of man.

Did i draw you, honey bun?

- If this is a gag it isn't funny.

- I think it is.

(laughs) I think it's very funny.

Goodnight, "honey bun".

- Hello Tilly girl!

You too, Billy.

Hey Gwendolyn, contain yourself.

Come on, you're with me.

- You mean i don't get muscles?

- Nice going, brother.

You really loused the evening in a hurry.

- What, you mean you don't like Tilly?

- You know what i mean.

- Oh, Rose.

Don't worry about her.

Where's she gonna run to?

But if you're really unhappy I'll square things for you.

- Leave it alone.

- [Gwendolyn] You are divine.

- I know, but i'm in training.

(girls laugh)

- "In training".

- [Tilly] For what?

(group laughing)

(drill whirring)

- Get me a couple more sticks.

- You're shooting pretty heavy, Alex.

- I said get me a couple more sticks.

I'm shooting what i like.

- Hey Alex.

About that eye.

I'm sorry.

- Yeah?

Well let me tell you something, mister.

I can still lick you if you fight like a man.

But not when you fight like some kind of animal.

- I guess i lost my head.

- Yeah, well it's too bad you found it.

Give me them sticks.

Fire in the hole!

- [Miner] Fire in the hole!

(loud explosion)

(wood creaking)

(tense music)

(suspense music)

(miner bell ringing)

- [Miner] South entry, six at full!

(alarm blaring)

- Hey Lonnie, whereabouts?

- Floor six!

South entry are full!

- [Miner] Whereabouts, George?

- Floor six.

That's Coke's level.

(suspense music)

- George, where is it?

- Floor six.

Coke's working that level.

- Rose.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Probably won't amount to anything.

- [George] Wait a minute, wait a minute!

- [Miner] Can't hold it, George.

- Let me on, will you? Coke's on sixth.

- We'll get him out. - Oh don't give me that.

I was running this squad when you were the help.

Come on, let's go!

Here, give me that.

- Alex!

- Come on, let's keep digging.

(tense music)

- Mason!

Come out of there while we getting the timber!

- Never mind the timber!

Clear the grip!

(faint digging)

- Tommy!

Tommy, listen!

(faint banging)

- Miles!

We're under them!

Come on, let's go!

(miners coughing)

Coke, you all right?

Coke!

- [Coke] George.

George.

- They're okay!

Come on, let's get them out!

Coke.

(dramatic music)

- George!

George!

Thank you. You saved my life.

- Take it easy, Pete.

You're not in the mine.

- [Miner] Hey Pop, be quiet will you?

- Thanks for the books.

Tell Herbie i'll pay him as soon

as they give me back my pants.

- They're all paid for.

They're my get well present.

- How are you, champ?

How's it going?

- Okay. - I got a surprise for you.

Pretty huh?

I wanted lilies, but they didn't have any.

(Coke laughs)

- You're a screwball.

How much it set you back?

- Oh a moderate sum.

They keep those ribbons in stock.

Husband, brother, beloved son.

- You're not funny.

- I know, but I try.

Well how's it going?

- All right. They're gonna let me out in three days.

- Wow.

- Hey, light one for me will you?

- Oh.

Sure.

Oh wait a minute.

Look kid, you're in training as of now.

This time i mean it.

The road, the gym, the works. I figure i'll have you ready

for your first go in about four weeks.

- George has an idea i'm a fighter.

I have an idea he's crazy.

- For two reason i got that idea.

First, on account you very seldom

buy one of these for a fighter.

Second, money.

10, 15,000 one year, maybe 20 if you're lucky.

Then your kids can get that radio store.

A big one in Philadelphia.

- That's a lot of money. - Honey, those are just some

telephone numbers he dreamed up.

Don't listen to him.

- Telephone numbers huh?

Lookit here.

Ridgewood Palace October 3rd.

Four round preliminary, $50.

Oakdale Grove October 29th, four rounds, $50.

November 20th, Scranton Arena, 75 boppos.

Is that better than moving coal?

- I don't get it.

- Fights I booked for you.

I got all three of them without even

leaving the pool room over the telephone.

I tell you kid, I got connections.

All you gotta do is the fighting.

Which he does very nicely.

Well, you happy?

- No.

I'm not gonna fight, George.

- "I'm not gonna fight, George".

Have it your own way.

Well I guess your kids want to get in

a little smooching time, huh?

Get well now.

I'll drop you a line when i get to New York.

- [Coke] New York?

- Or Chicago.

Anyway, I'm getting out of here in the morning.

There's no future in Coaltown for me anymore.

Or for you, only you're too dumb to see it.

- What about the pool room?

- There's no future in that either.

Especially since they've taken back the tables.

Be good now.

- They really take out his pool tables?

- Uh-huh.

This morning.

(dramatic music)

Coke.

Coke, is it very hard to fight?

I mean in the ring.

It's just that it seems like so much money.

And so quickly.

- You've been talking to George?

- No, I...

He said something about it.

I didn't pay much attention.

I just wondered.

- Look, Rose.

I don't know how to make you understand,

but i don't want to fight.

I mustn't fight.

It's like Alex said, I'm not a man anymore.

I'm like an animal when I fight. I want to Kill.

That's what's bad.

When that feeling comes over me and i can't stop it

and if i had a club or something in my hands -

- But George said that was the thing

that you had that was so great.

The killer instinct.

Like Dempsey, like -

- You have been talking to George.

- No, Coke, honest i didn't.

He talked.

But couldn't maybe he be right?

Look, Coke, you wouldn't have to do it forever.

A year is all, two at the most.

And we'd have all the money we need.

The way it is we'll be old and gray

before we ever have anything.

With you down in the mines every day and me wondering.

I just don't know how long I could stand it, Coke.

(bell rings)

- Look Coke, let me show you.

See, you keep your hands high.

Way up.

- So law says i have to hit that thing?

- No, but it's fun.

Socking it in fast and furious.

Doesn't it give you a lift?

- No.

- Let's go, champ.

Here, let me hold it.

- Save it, kid.

Use it tomorrow night. You've been working out in the ring?

- No, it's booked solid.

(bell rings) - Okay boys, wrap it up.

We want to use the ring.

Hey Philly, you want to work out with my boy?

- I'll work out with him.

- Oh save it, kid.

Save your hands.

You're gonna be an optimist, remember?

What do you say?

- Sure.

- Good.

- Since when you giving orders to my fighters?

- Well Jo Jo, just the man i want to see.

Come on, get in here, Kid.

I hear you'll add even money

Jackie knocks out Coke tomorrow.

I'll take 20 of that.

- Are you crazy?

I'll give five to your 20 and no better.

All right Jackie, hit the showers.

"Even money," and my boy with a cracked rib.

- A cracked rib?

- And dry yourself off good.

- Thanks for the information.

Come on, box it pretty now, kid.

Plenty of footwork, eh?

(bell rings)

- Four rounds of boxing!

In the white corner at 212 pounds!

From Coaltown, Coke Mason!

(crowd lightly applauds)

- In the black corner!

Weighing 215 pounds!

From Ridgewood, Jackie Bowden!

(crowd cheers and applauds)

- Come on, boys, come on.

You both know the rules.

Don't nobody break.

Shake hands now and come out fighting.

- Just his head, kid.

Keep away from his belly now.

(whistle blows)

Go head hunting.

- On account of Jackie's got a cracked rib?

- On account of he's got a weak jaw.

Do you think i fell for that cracked rib?

Bowden can take it in the belly all night.

Only the head, kid, you hear me?

- Where's Rose sitting?

- She's all right, she's all right.

Remember where i said. Go after his head.

(bell rings)

- Feel him out in the first. See what he's got!

(crowd cheering)

- Coke!

- One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Five!

Six!

Seven!

- Give it to him, Coke!

Get him roughed up!

- 20 even your boy doesn't go.

20 to 10?

- You got 20 to my 10.

- Get up get up get up!

(crowd laughing)

- One!

Two!

- Get up, Coke! Get up!

- [Referee] Three!

Four!

Five!

Six!

(tense music)

Seven!

Eight!

- Here it comes.

(suspense music)

- That's it!

Get him! Come on!

- Hey! Break it up!

(crowd booing)

- Coke, get in the corner!

Get in the corner!

- One!

Two!

Three!

(bell rings)

- Do that again and I'll throw you out on your ear.

Do you hear me?

(crowd booing)

How is he?

- He's all right, but what about that fall?

- How do you feel, kid?

Can you go on?

(bell rings)

(crowd booing)

- Coke, it's over!

(bell rings)

- Pretty dirty, kid.

(crowd booing)

- Are you all right, Coke?

Did he hurt you?

- I'm all right.

- I mean, when he knocked you down.

- Didn't hurt me.

- It's just that Coke was off balance, Rose.

It happens sometimes.

Why it could happen to anybody.

How'd you like the way the champ dropped Jackie?

Killer huh?

He's got murder in both hands.

- Where's George?

- Oh he's talking to the matchmaker. I'll get him.

- Well how'd you like it?

- Well i don't like to see you get hurt.

But it's exciting when you win.

- They were booing me weren't they?

- Oh don't worry.

They'll stop.

You just keep winning.

They'll start cheering.

- [Rose VO] But they didn't start cheering.

Oh he was winning all right.

And he was drawing the crowds too.

But they didn't come to see him win.

And they didn't come to cheer him.

- I wouldn't walk across the street

to see Buddy Blaine fight.

But to see Coke Mason get his lumps?

I drove 60 miles tonight.

(guys laughing)

(crowd applauds)

(crowd booing)

- Pushing your boy a little fast aren't you, George?

Six round bout and only three months in the trade.

- Why not?

We want a crack at the title this year.

- Coke Mason's our local bad boy.

- What's bad about him?

- You'll find out.

Hey George, I want you to meet Mr. Watkins.

New York Examiner.

- Max Watkins?

I read your column every day.

Never miss it. Glad to know you and I'm glad you're here.

I want you to see the next champ in action.

- I expect to in the main event.

(bell rings)

(crowd booing)

- Pretty isn't it?

(menacing orchestra music)

- $1,310.

I can hardly believe it.

- If they were paying off in booing we'd be millionaires.

- I know you don't like that part.

- Well how do you like it? - All right, Coke, I know.

But i know something else.

In a year from now we'll be out of this place.

And be married and have our own home.

And begin to live like human beings.

- When you're doing your best you want them to like you.

You wouldn't know.

- Come here.

Come here.

In one year, one year from now,

we'll have a store like this in Philadelphia.

Our store.

All paid for in cash.

That's not too much to ask is it?

(gentle music)

- I know, Mr. Melio.

I know he is.

I know Savella's the contender.

But believe me, he won't draw flies

if you put him in there with Blaine.

Here, read this.

- I read them.

They all say your boy stinks.

Max Watkins says he's the dirtiest fighter he's ever seen.

- That's why he pushed the state champ

out of the headlines huh?

"Coke Mason opted himself in gutter tactics."

Yeah, they really like him.

- Well do they have to?

- Hmm?

- So they come to see him get killed.

- Yeah, against Savella that's exactly what happens.

Thanks, no, I don't like murder.

- With a full house is murder bad?

- This Coke Mason.

He's your brother or your brother-in-law?

Which?

Hiya, Herb!

- Hi Tony.

- Joe.

This is George Mason.

He's got that Coaltown punk that flattened Loomis.

Joe Savella, the guy you want to fight.

- Hi.

- Herb Riley, his manager.

- Good to know you.

Good to know you, Riley.

Glad you dropped in.

Maybe we can wrap the deal up this afternoon.

- What deal?

- Well a fight with your boy

now that Gados canceled out.

Coke Mason's a natural.

- Who's Coke Mason?

Read what Max Watkins has to say about him.

That's a syndicated column.

352 newspapers.

- So that makes your boy a fighter eh?

(Melio laughs)

You better come back in about five years.

- Were you able to get Patty Keller for us?

- No, no dice, he ain't ready.

- What about Madigan?

- Same with Madigan.

I was figuring Buddy Blaine -

- Coke Mason.

Dirty boy, huh?

Likes to play rough.

- Al little too rough for you maybe,

but I'll ask him to take it easy.

(Melio laughs)

- How much did Blaine draw at the Ridgewood?

- Blaine didn't draw flies.

They came to see Coke Mason.

Look, we can work this deal out on a percentage.

A deal that'll protect you and at the same time

get Coke in the ring with Savella.

Now the way I see it.

(crowd cheering)

- One!

Two!

- He's got him now!

- Five!

Six!

Seven!

(crowd cheering)

One!

Two!

Three!

(bell rings)

(crowd applauds)

- You gotta keep your left up, kid.

He's pounding your head with every punch.

- I know.

- Like we did in the gym, Coke.

- Why don't you do as i tell you?

You got the seventh coming up.

I told you to dump him in the fifth!

- Ain't i trying?

I hit him with everything but you.

- Well try harder.

Keep punching to the head.

(whistle blows)

(bell rings)

(crowd cheering)

- You've overmatched him, George.

- (indistinct).

- Wrap it up, kid.

- Come on, Coke.

Toss it in, George.

Please George, you'll kill him!

- [George] Coke! Get up!

- Five!

- Come on!

(crowd cheering)

- Coke, I don't usually give any postmortems,

but after 20 years of writing about the fight game

I think i qualify as an expert.

So here's three words of advice.

Give it up.

I don't know where you got the idea you could fight,

or who put the idea in your head.

But you just haven't got it, son.

If you're lucky, some boy with a hard right

will kill you before you've been around too long.

If you're lucky.

So long, Coke.

I hope i never see you again

or read about you in the sports pages.

I thought you'd never throw in that towel.

- Listen kid, you can take it or leave it,

but for what it's worth, I'm sorry.

- For what?

- You seen yourself in a mirror?

All right, so it's my fault.

Hungry for a buck, so i match you with Savella.

Never again.

Watkins was right.

Neither one of us belong on this racket.

And as of now, we're out of it.

Tonight.

- You sure of that, George?

- I am.

I lived a hundred years tonight.

I thought i'd die before it was over.

I don't want you to do it anymore, Coke.

Not ever.

- Listen kid, this is George talking.

Your big brother, remember?

He knows all about you.

He knows what happens when you get hit.

How you don't even know when you're getting cut to pieces.

And i was ready to cash in on that.

Tonight i learned a funny thing.

Blood's thicker than water.

Especially when it's all over your brother's face.

- Pull over.

I said pull over.

I want you to hear this.

You know, this is very funny.

All of a sudden you're worried about me getting hurt.

And all the time i've been worried

about hurting the other guy.

I'm not worrying anymore.

They were screaming for Savella

to kill me tonight weren't they?

They'd like that.

All right, I'll give them something to scream about.

Maybe it'll take a little time,

but i'll catch up with Savella

and i'll catch up with the champ too.

Then they can really scream.

If you want to go along with me, that's great.

What do you say?

- Have it your way, kid.

- Why do you listen to him?

Why do you agree with him?

No.

No, no.

- Call it any way you like, Rose,

but if you're going with me you're going all the way.

All the way.

- [Rose VO] I went all the way.

I knew by then that i was wrong.

That i'd been wrong all the time.

That i'd gotten out of one trap.

And fallen right into another.

Because by now it had become a grim contest

between Coke and the hatred of the crowds.

Four rounds in Wilkes Bear, four rounds in Jersey City.

And four more stitches over Coke's eye.

South to New Orleans following the roads

that lead past the arenas.

They came to see him get hurt.

And he never disappointed them.

But he was winning.

And the crowds were getting bigger all the time.

And the hate that followed him was something

you could almost reach out and touch.

I knew he couldn't take that kind of hate

without having something happen to him.

Sometimes his face looked almost like a stranger's.

And i'd get sick with fear.

Wondering when his heart would be a stranger's too.

It was worse when Speed started fighting.

Speed always fought clean.

And the crowds loved him

and cheered themselves hoarse for him.

How i wished some of those cheers could have been for Coke.

(crowd cheering)

But it was Coke's name that made the copy in the headlines.

And by the time he caught up with Savella in Chicago

for a second fight, Coke was big time news.

- You can quote me as saying

Coke Mason will take Savella in five.

And that's official. - Can you make it in one?

I like to get home early when i work.

- You like to get home early huh?

- Hello George!

- Well girls, how are you?

- Look, there's Coke Mason.

(girls booing)

- Hey, what's all the booing about?

In my book this is the nicest hunk of man

that ever stepped into the ring.

And you know something funny?

I'm not kidding.

Hey Coke, I've got a wonderful idea for a picture.

- Yeah?

- You tossing these dames out the window.

- A fan huh?

I didn't know i had one.

Photographer too, how come?

- How come fan or how come photographer?

- Either one.

- It's a long tedious story.

How about a drink?

- Sure, what would you like?

- We'll keep that a secret, but i'll take a sidecar.

- Max here doesn't think I can take Savella.

- Oh?

- Well you know my wife.

- Oh yes, yes, of course.

How are you, Mrs. Mason?

Here.

- Thank you.

- Rose, this is Ms. Ford.

- Hello.

- How do you do?

Believe it or not, I'm waiting for a sidecar.

- Speed, I see you're finding a semi-windup

on the same card with Coke.

- That's right, Mr. Watkins.

- Keep it up, Speed.

Maybe someday you'll be in there with him.

- No thanks, Mr. Watkins.

- Speed baby, how about showing me

the city lights from the terrace?

- Oh i would, only i'm in training in all that night air -

- Oh for goodness sakes!

(group laughs)

- Did Coke ever tell you i advised him

to quit after the first Savella fight?

- Yes.

So did i.

- [Ford] Why, Mrs. Mason?

Why?

- Because i love him.

I want to keep on loving him.

- Tell me Max, how come you picked Savella in your column?

- Well because i don't believe Savella's

slipped too much or Coke has come up far enough.

Of course i could be wrong.

- You are.

I can take Savella and he knows it.

- Well frankly it doesn't make that much difference.

- He's right, Coke.

It doesn't.

(dramatic music)

- Taking Savella means a shot at the champ.

Or doesn't that count with you anymore?

- Coke, we've got $11,000 in the bank

in spite of what George spends.

Let's get our radio store -

- It isn't the money.

I've told you enough times.

It's not the money, it's the title.

That's what i want and that's what i'm gonna get.

- Coke.

Then will you quit?

- That title.

Sure.

Sure i will.

- Mr. Mason.

The phone please.

- Excuse me.

Yeah, this is Mason.

- This is Herb Riley.

How soon can i see you?

- See me?

This is Coke Mason.

I guess you want my brother.

Wait a minute. - Don't quote me on this,

but if we take Savella which we will -

- George! Telephone.

- Wouldn't be at all surprised if you saw

a championship fight in six months!

(group laughs)

- Herb Riley wants to talk to you.

- [George] Riley huh?

- Maybe Savella's getting cold feet.

- Yeah.

Yeah, Riley, it's George.

- George.

I gotta have that dough and i gotta have it quick.

- [George] Well i just haven't got it, Riley.

- Then go out and raise it.

There's gotta be somebody you can go to.

- Well there might be one place.

I didn't want to try, but i will.

- Okay.

Come on down. We'll talk it over.

- Yeah, Riley, I'll be right down.

- What's the matter? Something wrong?

- Oh no, no, just about the percentages.

Don't say anything to them.

I'll straighten it out.

- Don't lose me this fight.

I want Savella.

Even if we have to take peanuts i want Savella.

- Quit worrying will you?

You'll get him.

Hey Speed!

- Yeah?

- Help Coke pour for the guests huh?

- Have you spoken to Coke about it?

- To Coke?

Why he'd blow his top in 10 directions.

He figures he can take Savella.

- Don't you?

- Nothing's that sure in this racket, Rose.

You know that.

The thing is that if Savella throws the fight

we get a shot at the title. - Look, Mrs. Mason.

George agrees with me.

In the fight business what you figure don't count.

Unless it's with an adding machine.

Maybe.

Maybe Coke takes my boy legitimate.

Maybe he don't.

And maybe he gets his brains knocked out.

All to no purpose.

George can tell you that Savella's

ruined a lot of good boys.

- You don't have to tell me that.

That's the only reason I'm listening to you at all.

What happens if we win over Savella?

- What do you mean what happens?

I just told you, a crack at the title, that's what.

- What happens then?

- What are you worried about, Rose?

Didn't Coke promise to quit after he wins the title?

- Coke can take Savella without a payoff.

- He can't.

And you know it.

- Then why are you offering to let Savella throw the fight?

- All right, Mrs. Mason.

Suppose there's an outside chance that Coke can win.

It'll go the limit.

And when it's over, neither of those boys

will ever fight again.

They'll be ruined.

Beat to death.

Sure, Savella's over the hill.

But if i ride him along easy like he's got two,

three more years of fighting left than him

before i gotta throw him away.

Does that make sense?

- [George] Not at 15,000.

- [Herb] Let's say 12,5.

- Say 10, Mr. Riley.

And you might have yourself a deal.

(cars honking)

(traffic whistle blows)

(crowd cheering)

- Nice going, Speed.

- Thanks, champ.

Thanks a lot.

Soon as I change I'll be down at your corner.

- Come on, kid.

(crowd booing)

- Never mind these characters, Coke!

Yay! Yay!

- Get them off, will you?

Coke's in the ring.

- You've got time.

- Get my pants and a sweater.

- Another year and he'll be in your corner.

He ain't in the same league with you.

- You're punchy. Coke's a champ.

In another year he'll have the title to prove it.

(crowd cheering)

- Nice fight, Speed.

Congratulations.

- Thanks, Mr. Watkins.

Thanks a lot.

Look at the way Coke works.

Isn't he wonderful?

- No.

(bell rings)

- We've come back a long way, George.

Sent him back even further.

- Well don't get careless.

Ride him along until about the fifth.

By then he oughta be tiring.

(whistle blows)

(bell rings)

(crowd cheering)

(crowd booing)

- One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Five!

(crowd booing)

(bell rings)

- Stop taking them.

You want that eye on your chest?

Block and hold!

- Come in and show me how.

(whistle blows)

- Can't figure it, George.

He isn't the same.

He isn't even punching.

- So what?

You do it for him.

(bell rings)

(crowd booing)

- What a phony!

How much you get paid?

- Get over there!

(crowd booing)

- Well there's one you missed, Max.

- Yeah.

- Granted Coke Mason can hit.

Granted he's the dirtiest roughest

fighter that ever stepped into the ring.

Still, that knockout needs explaining.

(dramatic music)

- And it's your contention that you know nothing

of any arrangement by which Savella agreed to lose?

- Agreed to lose?

I can take Savella today, tomorrow, any day in the week.

There's any doubt in your mind or in here -

- All right Mason, that's enough of that.

You're not in back of some saloon.

- I've been in saloons where the air

was a whole lot sweeter than it is here.

This stinks and you know it stinks!

Maybe I'm not the kind of fancy dance fighter

that Watkins likes, but if he says

we bought this fight he's a liar!

And you can write that.

- I will write it.

Because i think you believe every word you said.

Is it a lie you spoke to Herb Riley at your hotel last week?

That you sat with him in the bar and discussed a deal?

- That i spoke with him? No.

That i discussed a deal with him?

That's a lie, yeah.

- Look, could i say something?

- What is it?

- Three ribs cracked.

Riley's got the x-rays.

If I took a dive, I sure timed it bad.

- I'll drop you off at the hotel.

Then i'll -

- Better come up to the hotel with me.

- Well later.

I want to make sure the newspapers

get the right slant in this story.

I'll use those X-ray pictures

and nail this thing down solid.

- I said come up with me.

- Everything's under control, children.

Relax.

- They cleared you! i knew they would. That's great, champ.

Did you tell them off?

- What about the purse?

- I pick up a check this afternoon.

Then we fly down to New York and see

what we can do about a title bout.

That suit you?

- No.

- Well why not?

- Rose and i are gonna stay in Chicago.

Found the store we've been looking for

and the price is right.

- The store?

- [Coke] Yeah, our store.

The radio store you've been wanting to own.

- You want to quit fighting?

- That's what you want isn't it?

- What's eating you, Coke?

Did you drop your buttons?

- Isn't that what you want? A radio store?

- Yes, but -

- But what?

- Can we afford it?

- Yeah, that Savella purse wasn't too heavy you know.

Riley didn't want the fight. I had to pick the short end

to get his boy in the ring for you.

But with that under your belt -

- We did get 10 grand though didn't we?

- Well yeah, your figure's about that.

Maybe 11.

- You got 11 in the bank.

- Coke.

I haven't got 11 in the bank.

- Why not?

- Look, Coke -

- You knew i wanted to take Savella.

I waited to take Savella, but you didn't think i could.

- Why don't you forget Savella?

- What makes you think i need any help

from you at all in the ring or out?

- What?

When didn't you need my help?

Remember me?

I'm the guy that took you out of the mines.

I take you from a shack in Coaltown

to this suite in Chicago.

- Get out.

Go on out and find yourself a new meal ticket

because you and i are all wrapped up!

- Okay.

Okay, brother, I might do just that.

Another thing.

I'm gonna send you right back to the mines where you belong!

- Wait a minute, Coke, I put up

the money to fix the fight, not George.

I did it because i didn't want you to get hurt anymore.

I wanted you to go on and get your title so you'd quit.

Well i was wrong.

You'll never quit.

You like it too much.

You like to hear them scream for blood

and you like to give it to them.

You like to get in there and beat a man to death.

You like to Kill!

(suspense music)

- Champ.

Champ, I'm sorry.

Champ.

I'm sorry, I...

Wait a minute, Coke.

Wait a minute.

- [Rose] Coke!

Stop it!

- Coke, you'll kill him!

Coke, you'll kill him!

Let him go, Coke!

- [Rose] No!

Stop it!

- Help me get him out of here.

Help me get him out of here!

- [Rose VO] So it had happened.

The thing I was always afraid of.

It was all over.

I never saw Coke, but he was around.

And ll knew who he was around with.

And in spite of everything,

I honestly hoped she could make him happy.

I hadn't been much good at it.

- Coke, why don't you run out

to Long Island for a couple of days?

Montauk Point or somewhere like that.

It's quiet there and you can sort of relax.

- Don't want to relax.

I don't like the word. Forget it.

- Relax? What's wrong with relax?

- I said forget it.

- It's forgot.

- Hi Stanley. We're not eating.

Scotch and water for the lady.

- Coke.

- [Coke] Yeah?

- Today i was offered an assignment in Europe.

I think i oughta take it.

- Suit yourself.

- Coke, you don't want me.

You've got your mind all tied up

with a lot of ancient history.

A lot of other people.

One in particular.

And that's all right.

She's always been best for you anyway.

- You can forget that too.

- That one won't be so easy.

- Hello Coke, remember me?

I'm Mike Durant.

I handled Danny Koslow, "Irish" Patty Dunne,

Tony Jacobs and a few other good boys i bet you punched.

Smartest thing you ever did, splitting with George.

Now you can make yourself some real cabbage.

Take me for instance.

- Suppose i don't want to take you.

(Mike laughs)

- Always a joker huh?

I can book you into the arena for a go with Mickey Foreman

that'd be a sellout at a $50 top.

- You can book him into the arena?

They wouldn't let you through the door.

Hello Coke.

I'm "Big Nose" Cassidy.

I seen you in Chicago when you stopped Savella.

Do you mind shoving over just a little?

- Shove over.

And i says to myself Big Nose,

there's a boy you gotta handle.

Under you he goes far with great quickness.

You make him champ before the year is split.

- You make him champ?

He couldn't make a cup of coffee.

- Oh coffee it is, huh?

- Hello Cole.

- Hello! - Heya, Mr. Watkins.

- How would you gentlemen like to handle me?

- Huh?

- At the bar.

- Oh sure.

- Sure, sure.

- [Cassidy] Go right ahead.

- Sorry i'm late, Coke.

- That's all right. I just got here myself.

- What's so important you want to talk to me about?

- I need a manager.

- Well you might try Joe Gardella.

He's one of the best.

- I want you to manage me.

Set your own percentage.

- Me? I'm a newspaper man. - I wish you'd do it, Max.

You're the only one i can trust.

- Oh it wouldn't work.

But i do owe you something, Coke.

I hold myself responsible for your break

with Rose and with George.

- Why?

Savella took a dive and you knew it.

- You didn't.

- I could have taken him, Max.

And when i meet Mike Shay for the title i'll take him.

Maybe then even you'll believe i can fight.

Maybe they'll believe it too.

That mob in the seats that boo their heads off

every time i get into the ring.

- It hurts doesn't it?

- [Coke] Yeah.

- Strange, I never thought it would get to you.

- Why not?

I bleed a little when i'm cut.

What is it they want from me?

They pay to see a fight and i give it to them.

All right, I know i go a little crazy sometimes

when i'm in there going after a guy, but...

- They've got you pegged as a dirty fighter.

And quite frankly you are.

The crowd doesn't like a man who will do anything to win.

When you're going after a guy, as you say.

You know if getting him meant killing him you'd do it.

Why? I don't know.

Do you?

- No.

Not exactly.

In a way i do, but...

- But what?

- Well when i'm in there, I'm getting hit.

It's as though i were fighting for my life.

- Goon.

- When i was with George in the mining towns

when i was a kid, I was always big for my age.

Much bigger than the other kids.

When i tried to do anything i was clumsy.

They'd laugh.

It bothered me.

Got so i couldn't take it anymore.

George kept telling me to forget about it, but i couldn't.

Finally i made a stand and took on about 10 of them.

Before George could drag me off

I'd almost killed a couple of them.

When he told me about it later i was scared.

'Cause i didn't remember anything about it.

All i know is that i'd been fighting for my life.

That's what happens when i get into the ring.

Guess it doesn't make much sense to you.

- You take Joe Gardella and i'll be in your corner.

And you win the championship.

And i'll tell you something.

You're not a kid anymore, Coke.

One of these days you're gonna grow up and be able

to face humiliation without wanting to Kill.

And i'll tell you something else.

When you do grow up.

It may cost you the title.

(menacing orchestra music)

(crowd booing)

- One!

Two!

- [Announcer] The new heavyweight champion of the world!

Coke Mason!

- [Rose VO] So at last he'd won his title.

I hoped they'd cheer him now that he was champion.

And at last he'd feel that he could quit.

But they didn't.

And so he went on fighting.

And now i knew he'd never quit.

Coke was a fighting champion.

The kind of champion who defended

his title against all comers.

All but one.

- Speed O'Keefe is the best in the heavyweight division.

And the cleanest.

You gotta give Speed a crack at the title, Max.

He's ready for Coke.

- I'm not sure Coke is ready for Speed.

- You're so right.

Speed O'Keefe has forgotten more about fighting

than Coke will ever learn!

- I agree with you.

- So you'll play cozy and won't give us a fight huh?

Is that your idea or Coke's?

- No, Coke's idea is to give you your fight.

- Well then what's been holding it up?

- Oh, just a notion Coke has.

- What, a notion he might lose his title?

- That's for you to figure out.

All right, all right.

You can tell Speed he's got himself a fight.

- Well that's more like it.

(chuckles)

(dramatic orchestra music)

- Rose!

How are you?

Oh, excuse us will you fellas?

Rose, what brings you to New York?

- I just wanted to look at you.

I wanted to see how low a sports writer could get.

- Rose, what are you trying to say?

- You know what. The match with Speed.

- It wasn't my idea.

- Coke would stop it if you'd want him to.

He listens to you.

But no, it's copy.

- Rose, you don't mean that. - You know what can happen.

You know it's got to happen someday.

Coke is gonna kill somebody.

- If you're thinking about Speed -

- Yes, I'm thinking about Speed

and i'm thinking about Coke.

You know what happened to them.

You know what happens to Coke when he gets in the ring.

Suppose it's Speed that he Kills.

What then?

Go on, tell me i'm wasting my breath because

it'll make a swell story and you'll feel just fine.

- Rose, Rose.

(dramatic music)

Unless i'm wrong, Coke is gonna fight a great fight.

For something a lot bigger than the title.

He's got to grow up, Rose.

He's got to face it someday.

And you've got to face it too.

- Looks pretty sharp.

- Yes sir, like a razor.

- Well he better be.

- Well what are you doing around here?

- Still a newspaper man, you remember?

- Well you can quote me as saying

Speed will take the tramp in six.

- Do i use the word tramp?

- And be sure you spell it right.

T-R-A-M-P.

Okay, time!

- Hi, Mr. Watkins.

- Hey you look good, Speed.

Real good.

- Thanks.

How's...

How's tricks?

- Oh fine, fine. I got a quote from George here.

He says you're gonna take the tramp in six.

Anything to add to that, Speed?

- You can say the same for me.

Only the word is champ.

Be sure to spell right, Mr. Watkins.

- I will, Speed.

- Mr. Watkins.

- Yeah?

- Tell Coke...

Well i know how he fights.

And no matter what happens, or what has happened.

I won't ever hold anything against him.

- I think Coke knows that, Speed.

(dramatic sting)

(crowd booing)

(bell rings)

- And the challenger!

His worthy opponent!

From Coaltown, Pennsylvania!

Weighing 198 pounds!

That very popular boy, "Speed" O'Keefe!

(crowd cheering)

- Listen to that ovation!

There's been quite a contrast here tonight

between those cheers for the challenger

and the tremendous booing that the crowd gave the champion.

(bell rings) - Now boys, you know the rules

laid down by the Athletic Commission.

I want a nice clean fight.

And Mason, champ or no champ, this goes for you.

You pull your punches in fair territory.

In case of a knockdown the standing fighter

goes to the farthest neutral corner and stays there

until i tell him come out and resume fighting.

Shake hands now and come out fighting at the bell.

And good luck to both of you.

(timer blares)

(bell rings)

(crowd cheering)

(crowd booing)

- One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Five!

Six!

Seven!

Eight!

(crowd cheering)

(bell rings)

- Smart guy, huh?

I told you to stay outside and chop shoot.

(timer blares)

(bell rings)

(crowd cheering)

(bell rings)

- Hey, what's happened to Coke? He sure changed his style.

- What did he do, Max? Leave his knife in the dressing room?

- No.

Coke had a notion.

Guess he's trying it out.

- Every dime we got in the world is riding on this one!

Do you hear me?

- That all that's riding?

(timer blares)

(bell rings)

(crowd cheering)

- Keep away from him, Speed!

Keep away from him!

(crowd booing)

(crowd cheering)

- One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Five!

Six!

- Stay out of the box!

(bell rings)

- So far it just isn't Coke Mason's kind of a fight.

Either he's running out of gas,

and i don't think anybody at this ringside

believes that for a minute, or you can take

this commentator's opinion for what it's worth.

For the first time in his life

the champion is trying to fight a clean fight.

(timer blares)

(bell rings)

(crowd cheering)

(bell rings)

And that's the bell for the end of the 12th round.

Mason's seconds are in the ring helping him to his corner.

They're working over him frantically.

- I told you to put him away, do you hear?

I told you to put him away.

- I tried, George.

I hit him with everything.

I tried.

- And right now it looks as though

only a miracle can prevent the crowning

of a new heavyweight champion here tonight.

The answer seems to be that Coke Mason

has not only fought a superb fight,

a tremendous fight, but a clean one.

(bell rings)

(crowd cheering)

- One!

Two!

Three!

One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

- Max!

Max, tell Joe to throw the towel.

- [Referee] Seven!

Eight!

(crowd cheering)

(bell rings)

- There's pandemonium here at ringside!

O'Keeffe was sagging against the ropes out on his feet

and it was only the bell that saved him.

There's something strange about this crowd.

When Coke Mason entered this ring tonight

he was booed as i have never heard

a fighter booed before in my life.

But they're not booing him now.

(bell rings)

(dramatic sting) (crowd gasps)

(dramatic music)

- The winner!

And the new heavyweight champion of the world!

"Speed" O'Keefe!

(crowd cheering)

- Come on, kid. Let's go.

(uproarious cheering)

It's you they're cheering, kid.

It's you.

(grand orchestral music)