Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)

SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME (1956)

Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956) is a compelling biographical drama directed by Robert Wise, based on the life of middleweight boxing champion Rocky Graziano. It stars Paul Newman in one of his breakout roles, stepping in after James Dean’s tragic death—Dean was initially slated to play Graziano.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Plot: The film follows Graziano’s journey from a troubled youth—marked by crime, prison, and a dishonorable discharge from the Army—to redemption through boxing. His rise culminates in a title fight against Tony Zale, which he wins after overcoming personal and professional setbacks.
Cast Highlights:
- Paul Newman as Rocky Graziano
- Pier Angeli as Norma, Rocky’s wife
- Sal Mineo and Everett Sloane in supporting roles.
- Howard J Stone as Nick Barbella
Awards: Won two Academy Awards—for Best Cinematography (Black and White) and Best Art Direction.
Legacy: The film helped launch Newman’s career and is praised for its gritty realism and emotional depth. It’s also notable for early appearances by actors like Steve McQueen and Robert Loggia.

This film introduced famous actor Paul Newman to the masses as he went on to a stellar career. Also in the film were some rising actors and actresses who went on to be household names years later — George C. Scott, Steve McQueen, Robert Loggia, were young actors who had a role in the film.

Also som of the scenic realism of New York City in it’s day, such as the lower East Side and a glimpse of Stillman’s Gym . .

Here are some of the comparisons to other well known fight films . . .

Tone & Style

Somebody Up There Likes Me: Gritty but ultimately uplifting. It’s a redemption arc wrapped in mid-century Hollywood gloss, with Paul Newman’s charm softening Rocky Graziano’s rough edges.
Raging Bull (1980): Stark, brutal, and psychologically intense. Scorsese’s black-and-white cinematography and De Niro’s raw portrayal of Jake LaMotta make it more of a character study than a sports film.
The Set-Up (1949): Also directed by Robert Wise, but far more noir. It’s a tight, real-time descent into the corruption of boxing, with a washed-up fighter refusing to take a dive.
Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962): Melancholic and poignant. Focuses on the aftermath of a fighter’s career, exploring dignity and obsolescence.

Boxing Realism

Somebody Up There Likes Me: Solid for its time. Newman trained rigorously, and the fight scenes are well-staged, though stylized.
Raging Bull: Unmatched in authenticity. De Niro’s physical transformation and the visceral fight choreography set a new standard.
The Set-Up: Surprisingly realistic for 1949. It captures the seedy underbelly of boxing with minimal glamor.
Cinderella Man (2005): Modern polish with emotional depth. Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Jim Braddock is both technically sound and emotionally resonant.

Themes

Somebody Up There Likes Me: Redemption, identity, and the power of love to transform a life.
Raging Bull: Self-destruction, jealousy, and the inability to escape one’s demons.
The Set-Up: Integrity vs. exploitation.
Rocky (1976): Underdog perseverance and personal triumph, with a warm, affirming tone.