 Noirvember.
The Harder They Fall (1956)
An excellent Noir drama in which Humphrey Bogart plays an unemployed sports journalist and writer who is hired by Rod Steiger's fight promoter to make a name in the boxing world of his latest find. An unknown giant of a man from Argentina whom Steiger intends to exploit all the way to the top. The only problem is the guy, although huge, can't fight.
Mark Robson's film exudes pessimism. It's as dark as they come when going in fists flailing exposing the shady mob fueled world of corruption in boxing equaled only by the bloody fighting scenes in the ring.
The mood isn't lightened by the fact star Humphrey Bogart was dying by this point and although his health was failing he still gives a riveting performance in what would be his last role. His many exchanges with Steiger are effortless and casual and a stark difference to the younger man's Brando like intense method acting.
The Harder They Fall is uncompromising, cynical and gritty and a great swan song for an acting legend.
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