The Set-Up
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Movie Reviews of The Set-Up
Movie Review: Real time boxing film
Summary: 3 Stars
The Set Up has a great cast, especially the supporting players, and is directed by Robert Wise, a man who went on to win the Oscar two times.
The Wise connection is particularly interesting, as this film deals with betrayal and Wise himself had been involved in one of the biggest betrayals in film history - the editing (some would say "butchering") of "The Magnificent Ambersons" (1942). Orson Welles was stuck in Rio making a film for Rockefeller and the government and left explicit instructions to his editor Wise as to how to cut the film. RKO was upset and asked Wise to re-cut the film and also to shoot some additional scenes. Wise agreed, advanced his career and became a director ("Curse of the Cat People" in 1944 was his first directing job), and what may have been the equal to "Citizen Kane" was lost forever. Welles never forgave Wise.
His real life betrayal of Welles parallels the story in "The Set Up" where a boxer's Manager and Corner man betray the boxer to a bunch of gamblers (translated to producers) and the gamblers eventually punish the boxer (translate to refuse to bankroll his films).
Leaving aside the Wise connection, the film is one of the first "real time" dramas, made all the more obvious by Wise's constant use of watches and clocks. Wise is pretty heavy handed with his symbolism, and more would have been less.
Robert Ryan stars as the ill fated boxer. He made nearly 100 films between 1940 and 1973. In his early years he often played a villain especially in film noir dramas ("Crossfire", "Act of Violence") then transitioned into the tough guy with a good heart role ("On Dangerous Ground"). My personal favorite Ryan role is Deke Thornton in "The Wild Bunch" (1969).
Audrey Trotter plays his long suffering wife. Trotter was a staple of 40s film noir with appearances in "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946), "Lady in the Lake" (1947), and "Alias Nick Beal" (1949). She transitioned to TV in the 50s and appeared in several series ("Medical Center", "Our Man Higgins"). Although she was usually the rough talking type, in this film she shows a much sweeter side.
The supporting cast is excellent and there are a plethora of first rate actors on display, even if only briefly - George Tobias, Percy Helton, Wallace Ford, James Edwards. Darryl Hickman, Alan Baxter.
- George Tobias (1901-80) plays Ryan's manager. We know him best as Samantha's neighbor in "Bewitched". He appeared in more than 50 films including "The Strawberry Blonde" (1941), "Sergeant York" (1941), "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942), "Passage to Marseille" (1944), and "The Seven Foys" (1955).
- Percy Helton (1894-1971) plays the corner man. You won't recognize his name, but his small stature and his weasel like appearance and voice will be all too familiar to you. He appeared in more than 200 film and TV shows, usually in a scene or too, with a small talking part. He's best remembered for his role as the drunken Santa Claus in "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947) but I remember him best for his role as the shop keeper in "The Sons of Katie Elder" (1965). He had a full career playing mostly in TV westerns like Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Wild Wild West, etc. He had a recurring role as Homer Cratchit in "The Beverly Hillbillies" (1968-9).
- Wallace Ford (1989-1966) plays a trainer. Ford appeared in over 200 films from 1930 to 1965, often as a comic foil. He did 5 films for John Ford including "They Were Expendable" (1945) and "The Last Hurrah" (1958). He was nominated for a Golden Laurel in 1965 for "A Patch of Blue", his last film.
- James Edwards (1918-70) plays a fighter. This was his screen debut. Edwards is best remembered for his outstanding performance as the shell shocked soldier in "Home of the Brave" (1949). He made nearly 50 films from 1949 to 1972, and was active on TV with recurring roles on "Dr Kildare" (1965) and "Burke's Law" (1966).
- Darryl Hickman (1931) plays a young fighter. We know him best from "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" (1959-63) that starred his younger brother, Dwayne. He was a child actor in films like "Grapes of Wrath" (1940) and "Men of Boys Town" (1941) and made 100 films before he turned 21. As with many child actors, he found the transition to adult roles difficult and went into coaching.
- Baby faced Alan Baxter (1908-76) plays the gambler. He specialized in playing villains in films like "Parole" (1936), "Each Dawn I Die" (1939), and "Escape to Glory" (1940). I remember him best in Hitchcock's "Saboteur" (1942) as the Nazi spy Freeman.
- Tiny Bernard Gorcey (1886-1955) has a brief appearance as a newsstand owner. He's best known as the father of Leo Gorcey of "Bowery Boys" fame. Bernie made 55 films, most of them with his son Leo, playing Louis Dumbrowsky.
The fighting scenes are reasonably long for a fight movie. If I'm not mistaken, Ryan appears to be pulling his punches. This is most notable when you see shots of his back as he punches. In the pantheon of boxing movies, "Champion" (1949) was made the same year and is clearly superior. Even "Body and Soul" (1947) has to get the nod. Any mention of boxing films would be negligent if it didn't list the classics, such as "Rocky" (1976), "Cinderella Man" (2005), "Raging Bull" (1980), and "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (1962).
What I like about this film, in contrast to most of the other boxing films, is that this film focuses on an aging boxer in the back streets of boxing. Most boxing films feature world class boxing and championship matches. Here we have the fourth card in a small town with boxers who are far from Broadway lights.
The film is also notable for the use of brief shots of various participants, a technique that Wise copied from his mentor Welles who used it in "Magnificent Ambersons" and "Lady from Shanghai", to mention a few.
The film has many film noir elements, but is not truly a film noir as many reviewers state.
This film was part of RKO's "poverty row" productions - films made quickly and on a low budget. As such the production values are comical.
All things considered the film is OK. Its biggest virtue is the cast of supporting actors, a good performance from Robert Ryan, and the chance to see Audrey Trotter as a supportive and caring wife. It's also interesting to view the seedy side of small time boxing which is rarely glimpsed.
Movie Review: The store-front and behind the scenes action of boxing events
Summary: 3 Stars
The Set-Up (1949) is a work that shows the "store-front" side of
boxing, as a Friday night main-attraction. The sport competes
alongside every imaginable other commercial attraction, such as
tattoos, greasy spoons, candy, memorabilia stores, photo snapshots,
saloons, for example. It has a carnival atmosphere (in some cases,
romantic) not unlike Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls or any other
amusement park areas.
In particular, the work presents itself as a brave and ground -
breaking picture for the simple reason that it also exposes the
"behind the scenes" action of boxing events, and of boxing as a
livelihood and a commercial enterprise. It shows that often reality
is often 180 degrees different from the glamorous, hip and
wholesome family entertainment image of sales and promotions pro's.
As with any business, it's critical that quality be balanced with
quantity and productivity, in order to keep prices down for
customers, allowing a high profit margin for those owning,
operating and hired in that business venture.
It comes as no surprise that the movie introduce viewers to the
gambling aspect of boxing, which is as important, if not more, than
the live event itself. This is the case for the revenue generated,
the publicity and excitement brought about in the public.
The fixing of fights at a cost, allows some to gain a massive edge
in relation to the odds-of-winning and the payout for a given
event. Terms such as making book, scratch sheet, are used.
Robert Ryan plays Stoker. Audrey Totter is Julie (spouse), who is
worried of the health of the boxer from 20 years of injuries
sustained in the ring (notably, brain trauma from knock-outs), as
well as the looming retirement from boxing for someone 40 years of
age, side by side with colleagues 10 to 20 years younger.
The seedy downtown area of a city is underlined, where booze,
excitement, and fun gather, with men and women excstatic and
euphoric, juxtaposed with a dark alley where the boxer is assured
he will be met by the underworld, should fail to adhere to his side
of the fix, imposed by the sponsors.
The film is notable for accurately depicting the suspense, thrill
and entire spectrum of emotions that can be felt by many in the
audience at such an event, here "Paradise City".
The passion of fans is visible as they yell "Kill 'em! " in between
live radio broadcasts and their gambling bets at stake... "it takes
only 1 win" to reap a giant windfall, is their creed.
The upshot, is that a great boxer, will not exist simply from there
existing a talented, focused, determined and physically fit
athlete. The person has to realize that it's a business, and the
boxer has various bosses to report to, who will issue orders that
must be adhered to. His skill in dealing with their greed,
selfishness and exploitation - often hiding profits and not
sharing the payoff for the fix - is another critical component,
made more difficult with the looming poverty and a bleak future on
the horizon when his involvement comes to a halt.
Movie Review: GET SET-UP FOR A CLASSIC FILM NOIR
Summary: 3 Stars
Robert Wise's "The Set-Up" is a taut and exciting 71 minute masterpiece that pulls no punches when it comes to exposing the seedy underworld racket of professional boxing. All the essentials are present for one of the undisputed champions of film noir. A travesty that in recent years this film has not gotten the press or accolades that it so rightfully deserves. The sadly forgotten Robert Ryan stars as Stoker, a once optimistic, once handsome pugilist who falls prey to two unscrupulous fight promoters who make a deal with an underworld kingpin to throw the fight. The wrinkle: nobody tells Ryan that he's got to lose, hence he's driven to win. Ryan, still lean and muscled, was himself a boxer before he became an actor and the intensity in his performance is certainly delving on prior experience in the ring. The film unfolds in `real time' meaning that the action takes place in approximately the same amount of time it would take for the real event to take place. This tough, gritty little masterpiece offers a superb performance by Robert Ryan as the doublecrossed fighter. The stellar supporting cast includes Audrey Totter, George Tobias and Alan Baxter; names that unfortunately mean little to anyone outside of the die-hard film buff. All give compelling performances, genuinely fraught with a sense of immediacy, excitement but ultimate disillusionment. Rarely do boxing movies derive such riveting, gut-punching exhilaration from any action taking place beyond ringside.Unfortunately, "The Set-Up" is the poorest looking transfer of the bunch in Warner's box set. It's not awful but it is below average. The gray scale is balanced with but blacks are neither as deep or as solid as they should be. Neither are whites very clean. There's a considerable amount of film grain and a lot of age related artifacts for a visual presentation that is below par for DVD and in desperate need of some digital wizardry. The audio is mono but nicely balanced. The more intent listener will notice slight pops and some hiss but nothing that will distract. Robert Wise and Martin Scorsese tag team on the audio commentary which is very compelling. This disc is recommended for film only, not quality of transfer.
Movie Review: The "Set-up" takes a dive
Summary: 3 Stars
**This review may contain spoilers**
When I was younger (I'm 56 now), I actually enjoyed watching a boxing match. But now when I think about what happens to many boxers after they retire, it's hard for me to admire the sport. Some young people (particularly some urban youth) believe that it can be a get rich ticket--a path out of the ghetto. What these young people don't understand is that boxing takes its toll physically and when you get older, your body will bear the effects of the earlier abuse. Case in point: Muhammed Ali and countless others who are unable to enjoy their old age.
In a sense, The Set-Up is a cautionary tale: it shows you exactly what the effect of boxing has on the body. It does not romanticize boxing and for that it should be commended. Nonetheless, as drama the Set-up is a dud. The main reason to watch it is the fantastic choreographed boxing scene (if you like boxing!) and the cinematography (the 'cameos' of the spectators are priceless). Otherwise, the main characters have little meat.
Robert Ryan (Stoker) plays a boxer who believes he has one fight left in him. He valiantly decides not to throw a fight and pays the price when gangsters beat him up after the fight is over and make sure he'll never fight again. Audrey Totter is his long-suffering girlfriend who has a wasted part, simply walking around the street, tearing up a ticket to her guy's last fight and basically not part of the main action of the film.
While all the peripheral characters (including the gangster, "Little Boy"), are very colorful, none of them are developed into characters with any depth. The denouement is decidedly quite disappointing. Stoker gets his hand broken by the gangsters, realizes he'll never fight again, his girlfriend is happy and presumably they'll walk into the sunset, arm in arm, facing a new, optimistic tomorrow.
Unfortunately, this is not the type of film you'll probably want to view a second time. Watch it once, but that's it!!!