Gentleman Jim (1942) User Reviews

If I get lost, I'll send up a rocket.

[hitchcockthelegend · 9/10 · 21 March 2008]

Loosely based on the James J Corbett biography "The Roar Of The Crowd", Gentleman Jim is a wonderfully breezy picture that perfectly encapsulates not only the rise of the pugilistic prancer that was Corbett, but also the wind of change as regards the sport of boxing circa the 1890s.

It was like trying to hit a ghost!

The story follows Corbett (a perfectly cast Errol Flynn) from his humble beginnings as a bank teller in San Fransico, through to a chance fight with an ex boxing champion that eventually leads to him fighting the fearsome heavyweight champion of the world, John L Sullivan (beefcake personified delightfully by Ward Bond). Not all the fights are in the ring though, and it's all the spin off vignettes in Corbett's life that makes this a grand entertaining picture. There are class issues to overcome here (perfectly played out as fellow club members pay to have him knocked down a peg or two), and Corbett has to not only fight to get respect from his so called peers, but he must also overcome his ego as it grows as briskly as his reputation does.

Along with the quite wonderful Corbett family, and all their stoic humorous support, Corbett's journey is as enthralling as it is joyous, yet as brash and as bold as he is, he is a very likable character, and it's a character that befits the tagged moniker he got of Gentleman Jim. The film never sags for one moment, and it's a testament to director Raoul Walsh that although we are eagerly awaiting the final fight, the outer ring goings on are keeping us firmly entertained, not even the love interest sub plot hurts this picture (thank you Alexis Smith). The fight sequences stand up really well, and they perfectly show just how Corbett became the champ he was, his brand of dancing rings round slugger fighters is now firmly placed in boxing history.

As the final reel rolls we all come down to earth as an after fight meeting between Sullivan and Corbett puts all the brutality into context, and it's here where humility and humbleness becomes the outright winner, and as far as this viewer goes, it will do for me to be sure to be sure. 9/10 for a truly wonderful picture.

One of Flynn's best films with those great supporting WB players

[AlsExGal · 8/10 · 24 September 2016]

If you like Flynn, Jack Carson, Alan Hale, Alexis Smith, William Frawley and/or Ward Bond, then this is the film for you. This film is a biopic about the boxer, James "Gentleman Jim" J. Corbett, who was one of the first boxers to fight under the modern boxing rules. This film deals with his ascent to stardom, courtesy of his brash cockiness and natural talent as a boxer. Carson portrays his less attractive friend who enjoys the perks involved in being friends with a star. Hale is his Irish father who is hilarious.

Smith plays a woman whom Flynn courts throughout the entire film. She pretends to loathe him, mostly because of his arrogance, but throughout the film, you can tell that she's got the hots for him (and who wouldn't?) even though she tries to suppress it. Frawley is Flynn's boxing manager who tries to keep him a serious boxer, but struggles at times. Finally Bond plays John Sullivan, the reigning heavyweight boxing champion who Flynn ends up challenging. Their fight is the climax of the film. There's a very touching scene between Flynn and Bond at the end of the film. It's followed by a very funny scene involving Hale and Carson. Highly recommended. Even if you're not a boxing fan, you'll find this film enjoyable. Flynn so effortlessly makes his "cock of the walk" character utterly charming. In lesser hands the part of Jim Corbett could have easily become obnoxious, but Flynn's personality and charisma makes the audience root for his character.

One of Errol's best

[jjnxn-1 · 8/10 · 8 May 2013]

This is one of Errol's best films and performances as Gentleman Jim Corbett. He's loose and lively with his movie star charm and charisma in full evidence. He's also well matched with Alexis Smith one of the most undervalued of golden era actresses. They made four films together with this being the best of the bunch. Well directed by Walsh with a quick pace and a great group of the Warners stock company assembled. Ward Bond in particular stands out in a nice scene as John L. Sullivan passing the torch of championship on to the next generation. An excellent example of the studio system working at peak efficiency where all the components fall into place and turn an average script into something more.

Flynn's Favorite Role, in Boxing Classic!

[cariart · 3 October 2003]

GENTLEMAN JIM, Errol Flynn's last film of 1942, the year that saw his tempestuous personal life become public, was one of his greatest successes, and his personal favorite, as well. In the story of the 'father' of modern boxing, James J. Corbett, loosely based on the boxer's autobiography, the actor a had a chance to display a favorite hobby (Flynn was quite good, and had an off-screen habit of goading bar patrons into fights, just to 'show off' his skills), as well as play a character closer to his own flamboyant personality than the heroic cavaliers he had been 'typed' as, for nearly a decade.

The 'favorite son' in a brawling blue-collar family (Alan Hale, his friend and frequent co-star, portrays his father), Corbett has aspirations far beyond his job as a lowly bank clerk, and 'uses' socialite Victoria Ware (Alexis Smith) to get into the prestigious 'Olympic Club'. The snobbish members of the club, offended by his enormous ego, talk him into a 'little boxing exhibition' with a European champion. Expecting to see the young man flattened, Victoria and the millionaires are stunned when, displaying fancy footwork and natural skills, Corbett knocks out the professional. A drunken brawl at a post-fight social event lands Corbett and friend Walter Lowrie (Jack Carson) in Salt Lake City, penniless. Boxing provides a means to buy train tickets home, and the realization that, through pugilism, he can 'break into' society. A legendary career is thus begun...

Boxing, at the turn of the century, was a far more brutal sport than today, with the fighters seldom wearing gloves, and the fights running 30 rounds, or more, yet Corbett scores victory after victory, without a scar on his handsome face. Becoming a celebrity, he even stars in a popular stage show, dressed in a top hat and tails, and quoting Shakespeare, taking advantage of his nickname, 'Gentleman Jim'. While Victoria professes hating his cockiness, she feels drawn to him, although he has a way of always saying the wrong thing!

Meanwhile, in another stage show, the World Boxing Champion, legendary John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond, in one of his greatest screen roles), jumps rope and displays his prodigious strength to his adoring fans. Corbett goads the older man, constantly, finally forcing the champ to meet him in the ring. In an epic bout that would test both men's endurance, Sullivan 'meets his match', and Corbett learns humility...

Director Raoul Walsh obviously enjoyed working with Flynn (this was their third of eight teamings), and the actor felt far more comfortable with him than Michael Curtiz, whom he despised, despite their star-making work together. GENTLEMAN JIM was the best collaboration between Walsh and Flynn, and the film accurately captures the 'feel' of the era, striking a perfect balance of humor and drama. It, unfortunately, also marked the last major 'peak' in Flynn's Warner Brothers career; despite good reviews and box office, the WB, anticipating a public backlash over Flynn's highly-publicized rape trial, would move him into a series of war films, gradually lowering the quality of his productions.

The halcyon years for Errol Flynn were, sadly, coming to an end, even as he savored his greatest personal triumph...

Raoul Walsh's Light yet Poingant telling of The Jim Corbett Story, With scenes looking like illustrations from THE NATIONAL POLICE GAZETTE.

[redryan64 · 10/10 · 28 July 2007]

Some saying about 'The Play is the Most Important Thing', or something like that, is attributed to that old Bard of Avon, himself, William Shakewspeare. if it wasn't old Will, it may well have been our own, super-veteran film Director, Mr. Raoul Walsh. There are a large number of his films that would support this hypothesis. None are more appropriate than GENTLEMAN JIM(Warner Brothers, 1942).

The Film also racks up another award, being named as Errol Flynn's favourite of his own starring vehicles. It clearly gives on screen evidence that would easily lead viewers sitting in the darkened theatre, or viewing it on their home TV or DVD, to conclude same.

To be sure, the story is a semi-serious Biopic, which takes a portion of factual material and blends it with a liberal dose of the old imagination to bring us a very satisfying, albeit somewhat fictionalized(what Biopic isn't?)occurrences.

The casting is excellent, as it makes good use of the natural athleticism of our lead, Mr. Errol Flynn. Though not a Swashbuckler, a Western or a War Picture, this GENTLEMAN JIM is perhaps the starring role that was the best fit for the rugged Australian.

Errol was a member of the Australian Olympic Boxing Team in either 1928 or 1932. His training and skills in the 'sweet science'are clearly in evidence throughout the film and especially in the "Big Fight" for the World's Heavyweight Boxing Championship with the great John L.Sullivan,Himself.(played in expert fashion by Ward Bond) The cast reads like a duty roster of Warner Brothers' resident supporting players. It features Alan Hale as Jim Corbet's father, a Livery Wagon operator*. His two brothers are Harry and George (Pat Flaherty and James Flavin), the two 'blue collar' men of the family, their occupations being stated as being 'Longshormen'.

The great Jack Carson does his usual masterful serio-comic performance in support as Jim Corbett's friend and fellow bank teller. The rest of those we can both recognize and remember are:John Loder, William Frawley,Madeleine LeBeau, Minor Watson, Rhys Williams,Arthur Shields,Dorothy Vaughn to name but a few.

Director Walsh also used a number of Pro Wrestlers in roles of various Boxers. Hence we have Ed "Strangler" Lewis and an unknown Grappler* are featured as the 2 waterfront pugs in the opening scenes. Others were Sammy Stein, Mike Mazurki(ever hear of him?)and "Wee Willie" Davis. These guys had a powerful,yet unpolished look about them that the old Pier 9 brawlers would have possessed.

We haven't forgotten Leading Lady, Alexis Smith. She is powerful in her characterization of an "independent" woman, yet maintains enough true ability as a comic player in many of the scenes. She displays quite a range in her part as poor little rich girl, Victoria Lodge.

With all these ingredients at hand, the trick is how to mix the elements in proper proportions to give it the 'just right' blend. Well, Director Walsh does so with a reckless abandon. Because he is looking for, above all, a great film. His treatment shows all of the skills he had honed to a fine tuning starting with his days as a player with D.W. Griffith. Mr. Walsh seems to have a special fondness for that period, the 1890's.*** Mr. Walsh's direction moves through the script at a fairly fast clip, breaking up the exposition scenes with a humorous punch-line, "the Corbetts are at it again!" Hence, he is able to maintain a light, even humorous touch to a story which could become too drab and serious.

Furthermore, in an almost unnoticed element, Brother Walsh gives us an authentic look of a San Francisco of the 1890's. And as a further example of his fondness for that period, he creates wide, dynamic images of the historic Prize Fights. There is a vibrant, joyful mood conveyed in those Boxing scenes. As a crowning glory to this great, perhaps underrated film, Director Walsh gave the image a look as if it were an illustration from The Police Gazette, which covered such events in those "Old Days".

But there's just one thing to remember before viewing. If it is for the first time, or if your seeing it once more:

"THE CORBETS ARE AT IT AGAIN!!"

* In my humble opinion as a historian of both Film and Pro Wrestling, it looks like Tor Johnson, who years later was a favourite of Director Ed Wood's.

** A 'Livery' is a somewhat archaic term for a vehicle for hire for local city transportation.

*** It's true. Mr. Raoul Walsh was a Griffith Veteran Player. He was the actor to portray John Wilkes Booth in THE BIRTH OF A NATION(1915).

**** Being born in 1887, Raoul Walsh was old enough to have his own memories of the 1890's and of the Sullivan-Corbett Championship Bout and what it meant to the Sporting Life in the America of those days.

Possibly Flynn's Best Role

[ccthemovieman-1 · 10/10 · 23 February 2006]

Well, I am delighted to hear a rumor that this may finally be issued on DVD. When that will happen, I don't know, but I will grab it when it's released.

In my humble opinion, this is Errol Flynn's most entertaining film, especially when "Gentleman Jim" Corbett's ring career begins in the film. Then it goes from a good film to a great one.

Few people could play arrogant men and still come off as a likable good guy as well as Flynn could and this film is a perfect example of that. Reportedly, this was Flynn's favorite role and I believe that. You can just sense how much fun he was having here. Ward Bond also looks like he was really enjoying his role playing the famous John L. Sullivan. Bond, too, was never better.

There is just the right amount of action boxing scenes in here and they are pretty well done, too. Corbett's family is fun to watch, too, as they carry on in the stands during Jim's matches. Out of the arena, Corbett's family's constant arguments and yelling can get a little too loud and annoying but they set the stage for a fitting conclusion.

And speaking of the conclusion, Sullivan's speech to Corbett after the big fight is very touching and the highlight of the film. Some mean-spirited critics (Variety, for example) didn't like that ending nor the fact that much of the film is fictionalized but - duh - most films are fictionalized, like it or not. And, in this case, it made for a nice story and nice ending. (In real life, Corbett was a very soft-spoken true gentleman, not anything like Flynn's portrayal, but Flynn still make him a good guy.)

This is one of the more entertaining classic films I have ever watched and I eagerly wait for the DVD.

Extremely entertaining boxing film with Errol Flynn

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 4 June 2012]

It appears that, like many biopics of the era, this one has little in common with the true story of Gentleman Jim Corbett. But who cares? This is a wonderfully entertaining flick! And, it's sadly interesting that Errol Flynn had a mild heart attack during the filming.

The movie begins in San Francisco before the turn of the century. Boxing is illegal, but of course, that doesn't stop it from taking place. James J. Corbett (Flynn) plays an irrepressible bank teller who likes attending fights. Through a series of coincidences, following a raid on a boxing match he is invited to join an upper class men's club, though he and his family are decidedly not upper class. His brassy attitude annoys some members of the club, and they arrange a boxing match for him with the former champion of England. He wins. And slowly he boxes more and more leading fighters...all the time having his eye on Alexis Smith, who has the same feelings, although she doesn't yet realize it. William Frawley plays his manager, who eventually gets him a fight with the world champion -- John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond). Corbett beats Sullivan and wins Alexis Smith.

There are solid performances by all the principals in this film. Errol Flynn is...well...Errol Flynn, but he gives a great performance and is particularly well understated in the climax of the film -- the meeting with John L. Sullivan after Corbett has defeated him. Alexis Smith is wonderful as the romantic interest. Ward Bond is superb as John L. Sullivan...always an underrated actor. Alan Hale, Sr. is great as Crobett's father. Jack Carson must have felt cheated; although he got third billing, his role was very minor. And, there are a whole group of character actors you'll recognize...my favorite being Minor Watson (father of the child actor). William Frawley is the usual as the fight manager.

Recommended for great, if not accurate, entertainment, with some great boxing scenes.

"Mommy, why doesn't Daddy look like that in his underwear?"

[utgard14 · 8/10 · 14 August 2014]

Great biopic of boxer James 'Gentleman Jim' Corbett. The movie covers his life from pre-boxing days up to his championship boxing match with John L. Sullivan. Errol Flynn has a field day with the part. He's immensely charming and does most of his own boxing in this. Ward Bond is great as Sullivan, one of his best roles outside of his John Ford films. Alexis Smith is fine as the love interest. Fun support from Alan Hale, Jack Carson, and William Frawley. As with most of the great old Hollywood biographical films, attention is paid more to telling an entertaining story than being historically accurate. That doesn't bother me but your tastes may vary. Nice Warner Bros. production with period sets and costumes. A fun, light movie well-directed by frequent Flynn collaborator Raoul Walsh.

Lively biography of Jim Corbett is stylish entertainment directed by Raoul Walsh...

[Doylenf · 7/10 · 13 May 2007]

ERROL FLYNN had one of his favorite roles as the brash braggart from a fighting Irish family who went on to become the heavyweight champion of the world at a time when John L. Sullivan (WARD BOND) went around claiming that he "could beat any man alive." Both Flynn and Ward Bond give what is probably among the best performances they ever gave on screen.

Raoul Walsh has directed the colorful tale with robust style, capturing the family life as well with scenes that are warm-hearted and full of good humor. All the Warner contract players make up the fine cast--including the always reliable ALAN HALE as Flynn's rambunctious father, proud of his son's fighting abilities, and ALEXIS SMITH who makes the most of her role as a feisty society girl who enjoys taking Flynn down a peg with saucy one-liners dealing with his conceited manners.

All of the 1880s atmosphere is captured in glorious B&W, although it's too bad Warners didn't have more faith in Flynn to do the film in color. He was entering a rocky phase of his film career at the time, engaged in a widely publicized rape trial that had all of the tabloids busy sorting things out.

The fighting scenes are among the best ever choreographed for the screen, with Flynn obviously in fine form and making very little use of doubles for most of the action. And the scene where Bond turns over his award plaque to Flynn at a social gathering is one of Ward's finest moments in a long career as a character actor.

Summing up: Maintains interest all the way through, whether you're a sports fan or not.

Knockout (...sorry)

[shell-26 · 9/10 · 5 March 2000]

Gentleman Jim not really a boxing film. It is a vehicle for Errol Flynn as Jim Corbett. But having said that, the boxing scenes are a real eye-opener to the modern viewer. There are no 12 round, points decisions here.

Errol Flynn plays the Irish bank clerk who gets a shot at the heavyweight world title. Flynn is well suited to the role of suave but unpredictable Corbett. His opponent John Sullivan is still better however, a bruiser of the old school played by Ward Bond.

The theme of the film is a man pushing for his big chance. Corbett leaves his mundane life behind and builds a new persona as Gentleman Jim. Jim is a chancer who can adapt to any social environment. He is a liar and an egotist. Sullivan the heavyweight boxing champion is portrayed as a simple brute but his honesty and sportsmanship gives a certain contrast to the main character.

There is action and excitement aplenty and a wonderful ending with the requisite redemption for all. And Errol Flynn gets the girl.

Packs a punch

[Lejink · 7/10 · 23 November 2018]

A rollicking Raoul Walsh-directed feature starring Errol Flynn in the title role of Gentleman Jim Corbett, the pugilist who at the end of the 19th Century became the heavyweight champion of the world, beating the celebrated John L Sullivan for the title and in the process, modernised the burgeoning sport with his stylish jab and move ring craft.

For once Flynn isn't the leader of a band of marauders or even required to perform agile acts of athleticism, although he is portrayed as the eldest of a battling brood of Irish-descended brothers with Alan Hale as the boozy, presiding father and of course is required to display his boxing prowess in the ring. Naturally being a Flynn flick, there's a girl involved, Alexis Smith, as his upper-class backer, secretly financing Corbett's rise through the ranks, ostensibly hoping to see him fail, but of course whose resistance to Flynn ultimately proves as futile as Sullivan's.

I suspect the events depicted were as true to the actual facts as those in the earlier Walsh / Flynn General Custer actioner "They Died With Their Boots On", i.e. not very, but who cares when it's as entertaining as this. Flynn is as dashing and debonair as ever, Smith is also fine as the prim and proper Victoria Ware, Ward Bond is very good as the uncouth but sporting old champion Sullivan and Jack Carson is the best of the rest as Flynn's partner in crime who gets drunk a lot and also periodically shout "The Corbetts are at it again" as another family feud inevitably breaks out.

With better than expected fight sequences and fine set recreations of the boxing rings of the day, Walsh directs with a sure hand and in the delivers a knockout movie which entertains from the first bell.

One of the Most Enjoyable of Flynn's Films; Intelligent and Lively Fun

[silverscreen888 · 8/10 · 2 August 2005]

James J. Corbett's autobiography "The Roar of the Crowd" was the starting point of this lively and well-remembered fictionalized biography. The author was heavyweight champion of the world, succeeding John L. Sullivan, before the turn of the century. The events of the narrative depict Corbett as a brash but likable and intelligent young man whose conquest of the world of boxing and social prejudice in his time, when he was considered merely the son of Irish immigrants, a lowly bank teller and a nobody surprised everyone. It took him several hours of exciting and often amusing screen-time to prove his compeers were wrong. He is an bank teller when the film opens, but he somehow wangles an invitation to a sporting club for the well-to-do. He falls in love with a beautiful but snobbish girl, with whom he always seems to be quarreling, and he lives at home with a brawling clan of Corbetts who seem to fight with one another as often as with others. When he defeats the club's best and a professional fighter borough in to embarrass him, he finally decides to become famous by fighting. he sets out on the road with his friend, who acts as manager and trainer, and despite a few near setbacks, he wins all his bouts and attracts attention. Coming home to pursue his girl again, he contrives to annoy the Boston Strongboy, mighty John L. Sullivan, who enters bars and claims he can "lick any man in the world". Few believe he can win a bout against Sullivan, but Corbett, dubbed "Gentleman Jim" for his gracious manners and patrician appearance surprises everyone by moving, dancing out of range, and negating the furious Sullivan's power. The film's finest scene perhaps comes when a beaten Sullivan comes to congratulate Corbett. The new champion rises to the moment, tells Sullivan a few years before it might have been different, and shows him nothing but admiration and respect. He gets his girl as a result of his two performances, but by the end of the film, as they visit his s parents, his manager is able to tell the world, "The Corbetts are at it again". The films is attractive and has a consistent style without being flashy. The script was written by veteran Horace McCoy and Vincent Lawrence from the Corbett novel. Sidney Hickox did the cinematography, with period set decorations by Clarence Steensen and art direction by Ted Smith. Heinz Roemheld did the music and Milo Anderson the gowns. The film was ably directed by action-film specialist Raoul Walsh. Flynn also liked working with Walsh but did not care for the other director he worked for most often, Michael Curtiz. Among the cast,were Ward Bond as John L. Sullivan, in one of his best performances lovely Alexis Smith a bit spotty but intelligent as the girl Corbett loves and a very able Errol Flynn as Corbett, a young man he seemed to relish playing--he later said it was his favorite role from the period...Jack Carson was his manager, Alan Hale his charismatic father, John Loder a rich foe, with William Frawley, Minor Watson, Madeleine LeBeau, Rhys Williams, Arthur Shields, Dorothy Vaughn and Mike Mazurki along for the enjoyable proceedings. It is hard to say enough about the logic and light-hearted fun this movie's makers have generated; it is one of the best-liked of all sports biography films, and by my standards one of the most enjoyable as well.

Good boxing movie

[grantss · 7/10 · 30 April 2015]

Good boxing movie, the story of "Gentleman Jim" Corbett, one of the earliest world heavyweight champions under the Marquis of Queensbury rules.

Shows very well how Corbett revolutionised the sport. Before it was pretty much a brawl or slugfest. He used his speed to dodge and wear down opponents, and made it more tactical.

Reasonably accurate, historically. Some of the sub-plots are thrown in for entertainment value and can be a bit silly at times.

Great performance by Errol Flynn in the lead role. Good support from Alexis Smith.

Gentleman Jim-Loud, Boisterous, Obnoxious **

[edwagreen · 4/10 · 14 August 2010]

It's hard viewing Errol Flynn in this black and white stinker. It certainly did nothing to showcase his talents, as we saw in his swashbuckling films of the 1930s. Those were films, not this sissy film of 1942. All the fighters including Flynn fight as if they are fairy dancers.

This is the film of Gentleman Jim Corbett. He could view a play and in the same day be quite effective in the ring.

Jack Carson is effective as his pal in the bank. Through a meeting with the wealthy Alexis Smith, who is rather dull in her role, the two guys are introduced to society and ultimately the fighting gym.

Alan Hale, a fixture in so many of Flynn's films, portrays his father in this one. He is loud, boisterous and obnoxious, but this depicts the entire family.

The one endearing scene is when after he defeats John L. Sullivan for the championship, the two meet at a party and poignant words are shared by the 2 men. Sullivan is portrayed by Ward Bond and this scene may have brought a tear to one's eye. Other than that, the film is worthless. A rather weak script did it in.

Every one, will want to watch this movie again and again.

[Gaterboy111 · 20 March 2003]

The lovable Errol Flynn Plays a young man who wants to become a boxer. Jim, is a charming charter that all the young lady's wish they knew. It's so much fun to watch Errol and Alexis have the love dislike relation ship. Rent or Buy this movie tonight. I give it a nine for the fun lovable characters and the fun story line. You're never a lone with a friend like Jim.

(Spoiler) This Jim, becomes a boxer by introducing himself to Victoria Ware, a daughter of rich man. Jim invites himself to the Olympic Club, where he is so showy every one wants to see him get whooped in boxing. Victoria Likes him, but his showy attitude is almost too much for her to take, and since he gets every thing he wants, she pretends to dislike him. Victoria's father will pay an Austrian boxer money. If he beats Jim in boxing match held at the Olympic club. Jim of course beats him. At the party of Jim's celebration his friend, gets tipsy, and is asked to leave. Being a gentleman he isn't going to ditch his best friend. So he say's good bye, and he and his friend leave. Next thing you know there in Salt Lake Utah! They ended up there because of too much part'n. So Jim meets a boxer coach and together they make money to get back home. Jim becomes a great boxer and he challenges John L. Sullivan the greatest boxer ever! He is challenged a sided bet of a huge some of money. Jim has no money and can't fight him until he gets the money. Lucky, his boss gets some and the fight goes on Will Jim beat John L. Sullivan. If he does he gets a lot of money, if he does not then he's a big joke and Victoria will be there to rub it in. So go see if Jim wins.

IF you like gentleman Jim you will also like caption blood, the adventures of robin hood, the adventures of don won, and other great Errol Flynn movies.

Completely realistic? Nah! But it sure was a lot of fun!

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 31 August 2007]

If you are looking for a definitive biography of the life of boxer James Corbett, then this is probably not the film for you. The famed boxer receives a 1940s "Hollywood-ization" of his life--making the story far more entertaining and engaging than real life. However, because the performances were so good (particularly by Errol Flynn) and the script so likable, the film's embellishments can be forgiven.

Errol Flynn plays Gay Nineties-era boxer James "Gentleman Jim" Corbett--a man who became world boxing champ in 1892. The film goes from his rather humble beginnings and follows his through his career through him winning the title match against John L. Sullivan. However, while it could have focused mostly on the matches, most are rather brief in the film (except for the final title match) and the emphasis is on Corbett's brash personality as well as his relationship with the lady played by Alexis Smith. Throughout the film, there is excellent supporting work done by a cast of wonderful supporting actors (such as the perennial supporting actor in Flynn films, Alan Hale) and the writing really helped bring these people alive.

What is particularly nice about the film is seeing the athleticism of Flynn as a boxer. While a few of the shots are of doubles, almost all the boxing scenes are of Flynn and he did a convincing job as a pugilist. This was a nice departure for Flynn, who generally played "pretty boy" roles or swashbucklers and this shows just how tough a character he was. To find out more about this, try reading a biography of him--he was quite the rough and tumble character before coming to Hollywood.

Now as for the REAL James Corbett, read on if you aren't afraid of finding out how the movie isn't accurate. First, Corbett was NOT a poor guy coming from a poor family, but was college educated and bright. Second, while he DID get Alexis Smith at the end of the film, they also divorced a few years later. Third, the wonderfully touching final scene of the film between Sullivan and Corbett was probably the best part of the film, Sullivan was a jerk and this never could have happened--in reality, Sullivan was more the egomaniac and Corbett was not the fat-headed guy they portrayed in the film--though it made for a lovely film.

A Knockout

[ferbs54 · 8/10 · 13 July 2012]

Based on James J. Corbett's 1894 autobiography "The Roar of the Crowd," the 1942 Warner Bros. film "Gentleman Jim" gives the prizefighter's story a Hollywood gloss but remains top entertainment nevertheless. In it, Errol Flynn stars in what he later called his favorite film role (over "The Adventures of Robin Hood," "Captain Blood," "The Sea Hawk" and "Objective, Burma"? Incredible!), giving a remarkably likable, high-energy and physical performance; practically an Oscar-worthy one. In his own 1959 autobiography "My Wicked, Wicked Ways," Flynn reveals that he was knocked unconscious three times in one day (by pro boxer Jack Loper) and suffered a mild coronary while making the film, but his energy on screen never flags; this is a highly impressive demonstration of Flynn's skills as both an actor and a physical performer.

In the film, we first meet Corbett in 1887, when he was a 21-year-old, brash, conceited, boastful bank teller in San Francisco, toiling away with his buddy Walter (the always amusing Jack Carson). His life changes very quickly, however, when he is admitted as a protégé in the posh Olympic Club, much to the disdain of elegant society girl Vicky Ware (the beautiful Alexis Smith, who had already appeared opposite Flynn in 1941's "Dive Bomber" and would go on to star with him in 1945's "San Antonio"). After knocking out the ex-British heavyweight champion at the club's gym, Corbett, to the delight of his constantly brawling Irish family, begins to climb the rungs of the nascent boxing sport, his fancy footwork and 73-inch reach being two huge assets, while the newly incorporated Marquess of Queensberry rules helped transform what was up until then a rough-and-tumble melee into the more refined sport that we know today. Corbett's career, of course, culminates with his victory over the "Boston Strong Boy" John L. Sullivan in New Orleans, on September 7, 1892. And as depicted on film, with Ward Bond playing John L., what a tremendous bout this 21-round fight is!

Even those who don't like the sport of boxing, I feel, should enjoy "Gentleman Jim." The four fights depicted on screen (the one with the Brit champ; a hungover fight in Salt Lake City; a dockside matchup against Tony Choynski, preceding a police raid and riot; and the big bout in New Orleans) are well done, exciting, tense and marvelously shot by director Raoul Walsh, a man who excelled at both fast-moving action scenes AND period re-creations, both of which talents are utilized here. (This was Flynn's third film out of an eventual seven with the director.) Though hard hitting, the fights are not ugly to watch, unlike, say, those in the 1956 Humphrey Bogart film "The Harder They Fall" and Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull." Rather, the fights in "Gentleman Jim" stress Corbett's remarkable agility and footwork ("That bloke jumps around like a jackrabbit," declares the Brit fighter; "He should've been a dancer," says an Irish priest later on), and Flynn, doing all his own stunts, bobs and weaves and skips and moves like the real deal. Indeed, during the big fight, he makes Sullivan look like a lumbering stumblebum, which, for the first four rounds at least, was how things supposedly really went down. Though the two men had just about the same reach, and though Sullivan outweighed Corbett by a good 34 pounds, Corbett's new "scientific approach" to boxing, so well shown in the film, ultimately won the day. But wait...an even better scene follows, in which Sullivan comes to Corbett's victory party, and the two men touchingly reveal to one another their mutual respect and admiration. It is a wonderful scene, and Bond and Flynn are both superb in it. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fine work turned in by the film's uniformly fine cast (including Alan Hale as Corbett's dad and William Frawley as his bellicose manager) and note what a great-looking picture this is, with impressive sets (especially those in the ritzy Olympic Club) and a screen that is filled (as was Walsh's wont) with constant motion. A huge triumph for everyone concerned, the picture really is (you'll pardon the expression) a knockout!

Where's Olivia when you need her?

[hahnell · 6/10 · 14 September 2007]

Flynn's infamous statutory rape trial took place in the midst of filming Gentleman Jim". Very sadly, things went slowly downhill for his career from here on in. I have to wonder if Warner Brothers weren't already letting go of him, in a way. The production is beautiful, Raoul Walsh is the perfect director for this manly picture, and yet... it's just not the same as the pictures done during Flynn's halcyon days, from Captain Blood through Dodge City.

Perhaps it's partly the unfortunate casting of Alexis Smith as the leading lady. Of course, the love story is very incidental in this picture, and that's probably a good thing because there is zero chemistry between Flynn and Smith. She may be pretty, but she's not much of an actress. Every scene with her made me long for Olivia de Havilland.

On the bright side, there's no denying Flynn's a treat to watch in the ring -- not a waste of time by any means. Just don't expect the love story to amount to much.

A KNOCKOUT BOXING CLASSIC WITH ONE OF FLYNN' FINEST ACTING TURNS

[dannyrovira-38154 · 10/10 · 2 August 2018]

Raoul Walsh's engaging classic which richly deserves to be place among the pantheon of the greatest boxing films, it loosely based on the true-life story of James J. Corbett known as "Gentlemen Jim" the colorful Irish-American boxer who became the first heavyweight champion of the world under the new Marquis of Queensberry rules. It takes place in San Francisco circa 1887 where Corbett, played by sensationally by a game Errol Flynn, is an ambitious bank clerk who goes on an errand to take a large sum of sliver coins to the Olympic Club for a beautiful young lady named Victoria Ware, played wonderfully by Alexis Smith, who is the daughter of a rich sliver miner, he ends up as a member of the club and being sponsored by her. While at the club he will be set-up to be brutally beaten by the ex-boxing champion of England by some of the other wealthy club members who do not like Corbett's cocky and self-centered ways, but to their big surprise he wins the boxing match by knocking out the ex-champion. This will set the wheels in motion and he will soon become a highly skilled and formidable boxer and the top contender to challenge the legendary heavyweight champion of the world, the Great John L. Sullivan, brilliantly played by Ward Bond in unforgettable larger-than-life performance which is one of the finest turns of his distinguished career. The film is also a fascinating look at the early days of boxing as a outlaw sport with some exciting and realistic fight sequences that are superbly choreographed. Flynn was actually an accomplished boxer and you can see it in the film where he does most of all of his stunts. This role was said to be Flynn's favorite, and he trained rigorously to master Corbett's gliding footwork, his deft jabbing and lighting left-hooking that were all his trademarks. Astute direction by Walsh, with magnificent supporting performances by Jack Carson, Alan Hale, William Frawley, Minor Watson, and John Loder. Impressive production values and the period recreation is flawless convincingly recreating San Francisco in the late nineteenth century. A Knockout entertainment. Highly Recommended.

Fast moving, fun, light-weight movie.

[gazzo-2 · 7/10 · 6 March 2009]

I meant that in a GOOD way, believe me. True to life, it ain't. The whole Oirish thing gets kinda thick, but you DO enjoy the cast here-Flynn, Smith, Bond, Watson, Frawley, etc. All good. I also liked seeing Mike Mazurki-of Course he played a boxer, what else? Typical forties flick teeming w/ familiar faces and fast paced scenes, one after the other.

Flynn is fine as Gentleman Jim, you never get past a 1 dimensional look at him or the rest here, I suppose, but it's okay, it's a cartoon and meant to please, that's all. The boxing scenes were pretty good, Ward Bond's vaudeville logging act a riot, and you hadda like seeing all those billyclub wielding bobbies come racing into the scene a couple of times.

Really alotta fun, Flynn was on a roll at that time and it's clear to see why audiences loved him.

*** outta ****

GENTLEMAN, ROGUE, FIGHTER...!

[masonfisk · 10/10 · 5 July 2019]

A wonderful biopic of Jim Corbett, a character brimming over w/braggadocio who becomes the bare knuckle boxing champion in the late 19th century. Reuniting w/his go to director Raoul Walsh, Errol Flynn plays Corbett as a family man, boaster of the highest order & someone who fights anyone at the drop of a hat. We meet him as a bank teller who frequents an illegal public boxing match w/his co-worker only to get pinched by the law in a sweep where he meets the high & mighty of the San Francisco gentry who have no qualms observing or laying a bet on the occasional pugilist match. When one in particular invites him to be a member of a hotel's social club, he takes the opportunity to be a loudmouthed boor (occasionally having himself paged to bring attention to himself or showing up a visiting boxer in a match) garnering the eye of a judge's daughter played by Alexis Smith who's attracted to him but his haughty, supercilious nature keeps him at arm's length. As his stature as a boxer excels, John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond) the world champion, becomes the next logical step to his world domination. Never letting his nature be a turnoff to the audience, Flynn commands the screen even at his most preening (during the climatic fight between he & Sullivan, at every break in between rounds, Flynn gives his corner man hell to make sure his hair looks great). As always when Flynn works w/a director that he gels with, the sparks fly for the film & its audience.

Good-Natured Biographical Cartoon

[rmax304823 · 6/10 · 5 February 2008]

A lot of undemanding fun, this story of Gentleman Jim Corbett delivers Errol Flynn as a member of a brash, Irish, San Francisco family. We don't get the usual montage of the young man discovering his talent, of working out furiously, of battling his way to the top, of being almost undone by inner demons before conquering them, and his redemption. None of that stuff.

Corbett and his ever-combative brothers and his comic friend (Jack Carson) are ordinary workers who happen to enjoy the brawls that, in 1891, passed for prize fights. Invited to get into the ring at the hoity-toity Olympic Club, Flynn dances about, patters his opponent with left jabs, and wins. Voila! He's a natural talent. I'm told that the fight scenes are realistic and I guess I believe it, although it's hard to believe that Corbett's every bout ended in a concussive event.

He acquires a loud-mouthed, cigar-chewing manager (William Frawley), wangles his way into a bout with the robust fanforan John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond) and beats him to become Heavyweight Champion of the world. As ex-champ, Sullivan is involved in the only sentimental scene in the film, when he shows up at Corbett's gala and quietly presents him with the World Champion silver belt, while Auld Lang Syne hums quietly in the musical score.

Oh -- and Flynn wins the girl too, Alexis Smith.

The story is built on the bare bones of Corbett's career. San Francisco was, and is, the kind of city that might produce such a character. The city has never had a population greater than one million and yet is noted for its academic institutions, its history (earthquake and fire), its literariness (Jack London, the Beatniks), and its "culture" in the demotic sense (Enrico Caruso scurrying out of the Palace Hotel during the quake, clutching a picture of Teddy Roosevelt; "Big Eye" paintings). If a community can produce an Emperor Norton who is tolerantly allowed to claim he owns the city, and Joe DiMaggio too, well -- why not a champion boxer? Flynn isn't required to do very much but it doesn't show because neither is anyone else. An unpretentious Warner Brothers' flick.

"The Corbetts Are At It Again!"

[bigverybadtom · 8/10 · 12 September 2013]

First, I admit I cannot comment on how this movie compares with the real story of Jim Corbett. Very likely, it is akin to the 1962 movie "Lawrence Of Arabia", which had little to do with the actual story of Thomas E. Lawrence, but was still acclaimed for its entertainment value. I assume this movie had the same idea-a fictionalized version of the story of the title boxer. Of course I've long expected that from Hollywood.

So how is it as a movie? We begin by seeing an illegal match attended by a crowd, including a respectable judge-oooh! But then the Olympic Club, a local elite establishment, decides to use the new Marquis of Queensbury boxing rules to make boxing into a respectable sport, and Jim Corbett, a bank clerk who had come to make a delivery, is chosen to be a new boxer under the new rules. He does well, but Corbett's aggressiveness and egotism get the club members upset. At home, Jim gets into fights with his brothers, and all the locals come look every time this occurs (hence the phrase).

Corbett earns fame and fortune, and shares his wealth with his family, but he still wants to be a world champion. John L. Sullivan was his childhood idol from the last boxing generation-will he end up in a fight with him, and how would it go?

Great performances by the entire all-star cast and no wasted moments make the film entertaining for everybody.

Neither great nor horrible. Watch if you like Flynn, boxing, or both.

[thespeos · 6/10 · 31 August 2022]

A loose boxer bio that's OK, but eventually becomes redundant.

Here's my breakdown:

STORY: I'm not a huge fan of bio-based film, and this represents why (perhaps).

The story appears cobbled together and doesn't introduce or resolve things as it should have.

It has some endearing qualities, but that may just be the period and geography portrayed here.

Not a bad film, just dry when it's trying hard not to be.

ACTING: The acting here is fine, but the more of Flynn I watch, the more I lean toward him being a tool and icon for others. In other words, while Flynn was a solid actor, his roles invariably seem to fade into one persona, e.g. Cary Grant was an American equivalent (sans the athletic skill).

I strongly prefer actors capable of stretching outside, and even breaking out of a role.

ENTERTAINMENT: Low to moderate value

TEMPO: OK, but it bounces around a lot

CINEMATOGRAPHY: OK, but the sets looked cheap

MUSIC / SOUND: Fine

DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: Walsh was a machine with 140 films directed. Phew! As is often the case in life, quality and volume don't wed well. His work is professional, just rather mechanical.

Writers: Lawrence and McCoy were quite prolific writers, but I recognize only a little of their work, and none I'd recommend.

Is it a good film? It's OK, but just that

Should you watch this once? If you like old school and boxing

Rating: 6.0.

Gentle History

[Waiting2BShocked · 4/10 · 1 January 2011]

You could have given Flynn any director, setting or costume but even at this point in his career, he could still never escape his self-moulded image. To be fair though, he tries his best as 19th century boxer James J Corbett in this 'biopic' - hurr hurr, as the Warner machine does its ineluctable best to see his story told as they see fit.

Hence, some of the studio's finest worked if not on historical accuracy, the splendid period recreation - characterisations and all - and Raoul Walsh sure loves pugnacity, as evidenced in his later Cagney films. It has to be said that Alexis Smith makes a splendid Olivia de Havilland.