Gentleman Jim Blu-ray Review
Errol Flynn and Ward Bond shine in “Gentleman Jim.”
Based on the autobiography “The Roar Of The Crowd,” 1942’s “Gentleman Jim” is a sports biopic about boxing legend James J. Corbett. The story begins in 1887 in San Francisco at a time in which boxing is illegal. The story, of course, revolves around James J. Corbett who started out as a bank clerk that comes from a lower class Irish family that loves to tussle. Through a series of circumstances, Corbett winds up becoming a member of the Olympic Club due to his skills as a fighter. Corbett’s antics annoy the upper class members of this elite club, but try as they might to knock him down a few pegs, Corbett proves himself as a worthy fighter. His skills are so apparent that he goes on to become a pro fighter who is on his way to becoming a heavyweight champion. Standing in his way, however, is the renowned John L. Sullivan. Elsewhere in the story is a key subplot involving a complicated dynamic between Corbett and socialite Victoria Ware who has conflicted feelings about Corbett.
Upon watching director Raoul Walsh’s “Gentleman Jim,” it’s clear that biopics have come a long way since the 40’s. Although they all adhere to a certain formula, ‘Jim’ suffers from being a bit too dopey. When the story focuses on fast footed, cocky, egotistical, yet charming Corbett and his career and fights, the movie is a knockout. The fight scenes are particularly well shot and choreographed with the dock fight and the final fight being visual triumphs. When the story focuses on the goofy family drama (and family barn fights), the feud between Corbett and the wealthy, and the over-the-top romance with Corbett and Ware, it feels like another movie entirely. It’s almost like a screwball comedy at points for some odd reason.
Thankfully, the movie is redeemed by its cast which features Errol Flynn, Alexis Smith, Alan Hale, Ward Bond, and William Frawley. Flynn is in peak form here. You remember he was such a mega star. He has charisma for days and his scenes in the ring are convincing. Ward Bond was often a supporting actor with small roles, but the cherished character actor gets a major role here as the loudmouth fighting star John L. Sullivan. This is among his finest performances and his scenes with Flynn are nothing short of electric. Alexis Smith isn’t a household name in this day and age, but the underrated actress is delightful here. She really holds her own against Flynn and their scenes are fun to watch even when it’s absurdly cartoony.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? Warner Archive has done it again. This B&W print is supremely crisp.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A perfectly satisfactory 2.0 track.
Extras:
* Original theatrical trailer
* Screen Guild Radio Broadcast radio drama adaptation with Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith.
* 2 “Merrie Melodies” cartoons titled “The Dover Boys,” “Foney Fables,” and a “Looney Tunes” toon titled “Hobby Horse-Laffs.”
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