MovieChat Forums > The Champ (1931) Discussion > What a moving film...

What a moving film...

posted 15 years ago by bjnevin
4 replies | jump to latest

**POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD**

I'm just after watching "The Champ" and am astonished by how effectively Cooper and Beery convey the father-son bond, not only throughout the film but particularly during the big fight scene. I love King Vidor's ability to direct a simple, moving story and it is now certainly in my list of top 5 weepies- he is truly one of the greatest and most significant directors ever. The final scene where the Champ dies and Cooper is carried away slowly by his mother is etched in my memory...
Overall, I was hoping for the best from this film while expecting to make many allowances given its age. However, I am delighted by it well beyond my expectations- again, it is one of the most emotionally moving films I have ever seen- not only a worthy winner of Best Actor but of Best Original Story.

By the way, I recommend Vidor's autobiography, "A Tree Is A Tree".

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] sockscats 12 years ago

I think your post is boring and a waste of time.

Jackie Cooper was never a great actor but in films like this he was very very effective.

A very touching film that doesn't moralize or preach.

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] Paris55 10 years ago

Your post re The Champ was good and provided a great review for those who have not seen the original film. Beery and Cooper were great in this early 1930s film. I am sure that it hit a sympathetic cord with the depression era movie audience. As far as Jackie Cooper is concerned, he had to play the part over the top - due to Beery's attitude. It is a well known fact (according to Turner Classic Movies, Jackie Cooper himself and Beery's ex-wife Gloria Swanson) that that Beery was sadistic, a bully and hated kids. Although he may have deserved the Oscar over Fredick March's Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, the Academy voters must have known Beery's true character and some voters like they still do today, voted against him. Therefore, he was 1-2 votes behind March for Best Actor and in those days, the Academy would call it a tie if the actors were within 3 votes from the win. Still a good movie.