| | | The more you love, the harder you fight.
Features: DVD
The world looks at Billy Flynn and sees a has-been who seemingly never was, an ex-boxing champion slammed to the mat years ago by booze and gambling. But Billy's son TJ sees what the world doesn't. He knows his flawed but loving father is, was and always will be The Champ. The Frances Marion screen story that became 1931's double Academy Award-winner The Champ and 1953's The Clown is stunningly updated in this heart-tugger directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starring Jon Voight, Ricky Schroder and Faye Dunaway. Voight plays Billy, the big-hearted brawler who returns to the ring to provide for his son after the boy's wealthy, estranged mother (Dunaway) begins to vie for the child's affection. And Schroder makes his feature film debut a memorable one, winning a Golden Globe Award (Male New Star of the Year) for his honest and moving portrayal of the steadfast and loving son.
Editor's Note
This solid tearjerker fits into the pantheon of 1970s cinema as sort of a ROCKY meets KRAMER VS. KRAMER. John Voight plays Billy, an ex-champ boxer who now works at the Hialeah racetrack in Florida with his idolizing son, T.J. (Ricky Schroder). Billy has drinking and gambling problems, but still manages to be a loving single father until the boy's long lost mother (Faye Dunaway) shows up wanting her son back, and the emotional showdown begins. It all leads up to a thrilling comeback fight, and lots of tears for all concerned. This was director Franco Zeffirelli's first feature filmed in America, and he put his Florida locations to inspired use. The supporting cast is filled with lots of familiar faces, including Elija Cook, Jack Warden and Joan Blondell. Still, this is basically a three-character piece, and they are each amazing: Voight is fearlessly raw and vulnerable as Billy; Schroder--only nine at the time--projects incredible emotion and charm, and Dunaway brings a great blend of glamour and insecurity to her role as the deadbeat mother who, just like Billy, wants a second chance at redemption.
Plot Summary
John Voight plays Billy, a former champion boxer who walks horses at a Miami racetrack. His son T.J. (Ricky Schroeder) calls him "Champ" and dreams of a big comeback, but Billy's too fond of drinking and gambling to get back into shape--that is until T.J.'s mom (Faye Dunaway) reappears, now successful, married, and wanting her son back. Italian director Franco Zeffirelli brings a wide palette of colors and emotions to this film, and gets strong performances from his leads, especially nine year old Ricky Schroeder.
| Features | Scene Access | | Audio: English Dolby Digital Stereo; French Dolby Digital Mono | | Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese | | Interactive Menus | | Trailer | | Cast Film Highlights | | Behind-The-Scenes Featurette | | Widescreen Version Enhanced For 16x9 TVs | | All-New Digital Transfer | | Audio Commentary By Jon Voight And Rick Schroder |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Warner |
| Release Date: 7/9/2002 |
| Running Time: 121 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1979 | | Catalog ID: 65233 | | UPC: 00012569523326 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English, French Dubbed | | Available Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Oscar (1980) | | | Dave Grusin, Nominee, Best Music, Original Score | |
Golden Globe (1980) |  | Ricky Schroder, Winner, New Star Of The Year In A Motion Picture (Male) | | | Jon Voight, Nominee, Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture-Drama |
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| | Professional Reviews | Variety
"...With Ricky Schroder, THE CHAMP has the most irresistible moppet seen on the screen in decades..." 03/28/1979 |
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