IMDb > The Champ (1931/I)
The Champ
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The Champ (1931/I) More at IMDbPro »

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The Champ (1931) -- Trailer for this drama directed by King Vidor

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Overview

User Rating:
7.2/10   893 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Writers:
Frances Marion (story)
Leonard Praskins (dialogue continuity)
more
Contact:
View company contact information for The Champ on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
21 November 1931 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Don't fail to get a ringside seat! more
Plot:
Dink Purcell loves his alcoholic father, ex-heavyweight champion Andy "Champ" Purcell, despite his frequent binges... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Won 2 Oscars. Another 2 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Blood, Bats and Future Shock - Chosen Survivors
 (From Fangoria. 24 June 2009, 1:45 PM, PDT)

7 Tacky Horrors That Deserved Oscars
 (From TotalFilm. 25 February 2009, 6:29 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Only someone with ice water in their veins could fail to be moved more (15 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)

Wallace Beery ... Champ
Jackie Cooper ... Dink
Irene Rich ... Linda
Roscoe Ates ... Sponge (as Rosco Ates)
Edward Brophy ... Tim
Hale Hamilton ... Tony
Jesse Scott ... Jonah
Marcia Mae Jones ... Mary Lou
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
86 min (Turner library print)
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Certification:
USA:Approved (PCA #4248-R: 13 April 1938 for re-release) | USA:Passed (National Board of Review) | USA:TV-G (TV rating)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Although the AFI Catalogue specifies the world premiere was in Hollywood (at Grauman's Chinese Theater) on 13 November 1931, the New York Times review of 10 November 1931 says "last night [it] succeeded in stirring the emotions of an audience in the Astor..." Since the review concludes that the film is AT THE ASTOR, it seems likely that it was ready for public viewing immediately. The AFI Catalogue world premiere statement is probably wrong, and that it was just a Hollywood premiere. more
Goofs:
Continuity: During the fight, The Champ sustains a cut above his left eye, but when he goes back to his corner it is gone. The cut comes back when the fighting resumes and stays for the duration of the film. more
Quotes:
[Dink compares the swanky home to his own]
Dink Purcell: The Champ and I ain't fixed up swell as this, but our joint's more lively.
more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
I Surrender Dear more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
10 out of 13 people found the following comment useful.
Only someone with ice water in their veins could fail to be moved, 8 August 2000
Author: LGREY from Somerville, MA

The central relationship of the adoring street-wise kid (Cooper) and his devoted, boozing, gambling ex-champ Dad (Beery) is astonishing. We are observing behavior here, not acting. Cooper gives the best child performance I've ever seen and Beery is utterly human, flawed and unforgettable.

This film is full of terrific moments - comedy and heartbreak. The friendship between Cooper and his black pal is beautifully color-blind. When Cooper states, "He's colored," it's with a child's open, untainted honesty. I find King Vidor's films to always resonate with humanity and compassion. He was one of our greatest filmmakers as Frances Marion was one of our greatest screenwriters.

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