The Set-Up Movie Review 1949

Excellent, original if somewhat overwrought morality tale about integrity set in the world of boxing. Filmed as a continuous narrative covering only 72 minutes in the life of aging fighter Stoker Thompson (Ryan). His manager (Tobias) takes a gangster's bribe for Thompson to throw the fight (without informing him), never believing the washed-up boxer has a chance to win. Powerful, with fine performances, especially from Ryan in the lead. Inspired by Joseph Moncure March's narrative poem.

Distribution

Warner Home Video, Inc., 5775 Linder Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362, URL: http://whv.warnerbros.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 72 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Boxing, Adapted from a Poem, Growing Older, Gangs, Film Noir

Screenplay

Art Cohn

Cast

Robert Ryan, Audrey Totter, George Tobias, Alan Baxter, James Edwards, Wallace Ford

Cinematography

Milton Krasner

Director

Robert Wise

Producer

Anglo-Amalgamated Film