When prize fighter Richard Arlen is suspended indefinitely for an alleged fixed fight, his trainer, Andy Devine, asks how long that is. It's another eye roll for one of the many unfunny over the top antics of this portly character actor, fine in small doses, but annoying in a good majority of the dozen or so Universal B features where he got above the title billing as Arlen's co-star. This film deals with fighter Arlen getting a new manager with reporter Astrid Allwyn who had taking an interest in him while riding articles on him and quitting her job, leaving boss Charles Lane frustrated by her behavior.
I actually enjoyed the scenes with Allwyn and Lane that took place in the first half, showing her holding her own against Mr. Grumpy. As Arlen's manager, she's upset by the accusations of paying to have the fight fixed, and her efforts to clear her name are much better than the comic rantings of Devine. I'll give him credit for one scene however where he has a minute long monologue and gets it out without panting.
The film does going to great detail over the ruthlessness of prize fighting as a sport, although later film noir were much better in expressing the grittiness. At just over an hour, it's easy to get through, but I certainly hope this is the last of the Arlen and Devine films I have to sit through. I doubt that MCA/Universal will ever release these in a box set, but I definitely will not be one of the few to purchase it if it does occur.
I actually enjoyed the scenes with Allwyn and Lane that took place in the first half, showing her holding her own against Mr. Grumpy. As Arlen's manager, she's upset by the accusations of paying to have the fight fixed, and her efforts to clear her name are much better than the comic rantings of Devine. I'll give him credit for one scene however where he has a minute long monologue and gets it out without panting.
The film does going to great detail over the ruthlessness of prize fighting as a sport, although later film noir were much better in expressing the grittiness. At just over an hour, it's easy to get through, but I certainly hope this is the last of the Arlen and Devine films I have to sit through. I doubt that MCA/Universal will ever release these in a box set, but I definitely will not be one of the few to purchase it if it does occur.
