The Harder They Fall

Director: Mark Robson
Year Released: 1956
Rating: 2.0

Humphrey Bogart gets sucked into the underworld of fixed fights in this slightly above-average boxing picture, which is more long winded and protracted than need be, though performed well (considering). There aren't many dramatic high points in this predictable tale of how boxing promoters can buy anything they want to and even manipulate the media (and fans) into believing a muscle-bound giant is a hoax (he can't take a beating or deliver one). Rod Steiger is fiery intense as the devil incarnate ... and pretty much the only one in that emotional register.