This is a review of the film The Harder They Fall, which was shown at The Theater in Huntington, New York, on March 12, 2025. 

“The Harder They Fall” is a 1956 American boxing film directed by Mark Robson. The screenplay was written by Philip Yordan, based on Budd Schulberg’s 1947 novel of the same name. The film stars Humphrey Bogart alongside Rod Steiger and Jan Sterling in his final film role.

The plot follows Eddie Willis (Humphrey Bogart), a down-and-out sportswriter who is hired by a shady boxing promoter, Nick Benko (Rod Steiger), to promote a new heavyweight fighter, Toro Moreno (Mike Lane). Despite Toro’s lack of fighting ability, Benko plans to use his size as a gimmick to draw fans to his fights. Eddie spins Toro as a legitimate up-and-comer, even though all of Toro’s fights are fixed. Eddie becomes increasingly conflicted about the scheme and its impact on Toro as the story unfolds.

“The Harder They Fall” delves deep into the internal conflicts of its characters, especially Eddie Willis and Toro Moreno.

Eddie Willis (Humphrey Bogart): Eddie grapples with his conscience and moral integrity throughout the film. Initially, he is drawn into the scheme to promote Toro because he is financially desperate. However, seeing the toll the deceit and exploitation take on Toro, he becomes increasingly guilt-ridden. Eddie’s internal conflict is the struggle between his need for financial stability and his growing realization of the ethical implications of his actions. His journey is a classic portrayal of a man torn between self-preservation and doing the right thing.

Toro Moreno (Mike Lane): Toro is a kind-hearted, naive boxer who genuinely believes he can become a champion. His internal conflict centers around his self-worth and realizing his success is a sham. As he starts to understand the extent of manipulation and dishonesty in boxing, he struggles with betrayal and humiliation. Toro’s journey is disillusioned as he grapples with the harsh truths about the sport he loves and his place within it.

These conflicts drive the narrative and add depth to the characters, making “The Harder They Fall” a compelling examination of the darker side of the boxing world and the human cost of corruption and deceit. “The Harder They Fall” features several characters involved in the criminal and corrupt aspects of the boxing world. Here are two of the notable hoodlum characters:

Nick Benko (Rod Steiger): Nick Benko is the unscrupulous boxing promoter who masterminds the scheme to exploit Toro Moreno. He represents the darker side of the boxing industry, where money and power overshadow ethics and integrity. Benko’s manipulative and ruthless nature makes him a central figure in the film’s exploration of corruption.

Jim Weyerhause (Edward Andrews): Jim Weyerhause is another of Benko’s associates involved in the financial and promotional aspects of the scheme. His role emphasizes the pervasive corruption that extends beyond the physical fights to the business side of boxing.

The Good Guy

Character Art Leavitt ( Harold J. Stone) is Eddie Willis’ friend and a fellow writer who shares Eddie’s disdain for boxing corruption. He provides a voice of reason and morality in the film, contrasting with the more unscrupulous characters involved in the boxing scam.

Cast Of the Film

Prominent cast members of “The Harder They Fall” (1956) have passed away. Humphrey Bogart, who played Eddie Willis, passed away in 1957. Rod Steiger, who portrayed Nick Benko, died in 2002. Jan Sterling, who played Beth Willis, passed away in 2004. Mike Lane, who played Toro Moreno, died in 2015.

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The historic impact of  The Harder They Fall

The Harder They Fall stands out among boxing films due to its intense focus on the corruption and exploitation behind the sport, which sets it apart from many other boxing movies that celebrate the grit, determination, and personal triumphs of their protagonists. Here’s a quick comparison:

1. Grit and Glory: Movies like Rocky (1976) and Creed (2015) emphasize the underdog story, focusing on personal determination and the physical and emotional toll of fighting. They often inspire viewers with the protagonist’s perseverance.

2. Dark Themes: Raging Bull (1980) and The Harder They Fall take a different approach, examining the darker sides of boxing. While Raging Bull explores Jake LaMotta’s personal struggles, including his violence and jealousy, The Harder They Fall delves into the exploitation of boxers and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the industry.

3. Social Commentary: Unlike boxing movies focusing on individual stories, The Harder They Fall critiques systemic injustice, making its message feel weightier. It’s more about the machine behind the sport than about a single boxer’s journey.

4. Morality Over Action: While films like Million Dollar Baby (2004) balance poignant storytelling with engaging in-ring action, The Harder They Fall minimizes the boxing scenes and centers on the characters’ morality, especially Humphrey Bogart’s journalist and internal conflict.

Next showing at the Cinema Arts Theater, Huntington, NY 730pm — April 14, 2025 — “The Setup” (1949) starring Robert Ryan, Audrey Totter. Wally Matthews presents . . .