The Harder They Fall

(1956)Directed by Mark Robson109 minDrama
No Punches Pulled! If you thought "On The Waterfront" hit hard... wait till you see this one!

Jobless sportswriter Eddie Willis is hired by corrupt fight promoter Nick Benko to promote his current protégé, an unknown Argentinian boxer named Toro Moreno. Although Moreno is a hulking giant, his chances for success are hampered by a powder-puff punch and a glass jaw. Exploiting Willis' reputation for integrity and standing in the boxing community, Benko arranges a series of fixed fights that propel the unsophisticated Moreno to #1 contender for the championship. The reigning champ, the sadistic Buddy Brannen, harbors resentment at the publicity Toro has been receiving and vows to viciously punish him in the ring. Eddie must now decide whether or not to tell the naive Toro the truth.

Humphrey Bogartas Eddie Willis
Rod Steigeras Nick Benko
Jan Sterlingas Beth Willis
Mike Laneas Toro Moreno
Max Baeras Buddy Brannen
Jersey Joe Walcottas George
Edward Andrewsas Jim Weyerhause
Harold J. Stoneas Art Leavitt, TV sportscaster
Carlos Montalbánas Luís Agrandi
Felice Orlandias Vince Fawcett
Rusty Laneas Danny McKeogh
Paul Freesas Priest (uncredited)
William Henryas Fight Arena Locker Room Guard (uncredited)
Frank McLureas Reporter at Hospital (uncredited)
William H. O'Brienas Ringsider (uncredited)
BSBert Stevensas Fight Crowd Spectator (uncredited)
Arthur Toveyas Fight Crowd Spectator (uncredited)
BBBrandon Beachas Party Guest (uncredited)
Joanne Arnoldas Pretty Girl (uncredited)
Val Averyas Frank (uncredited)
Al Baffertas Fighter (uncredited)