Iron Man (1951)

An ambitious coal miner is talked into becoming a boxer by his gambler brother.

Director:

Joseph Pevney

Writers:

W.R. Burnett (novel), George Zuckerman,

Stars:

Jeff Chandler, Evelyn Keyes, Stephen McNally

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jeff Chandler	...	Coke Mason
Evelyn Keyes	...	Rose Warren Mason
Stephen McNally	...	George Mason
Rock Hudson	...	Tommy 'Speed' O'Keefe aka Kosco
Joyce Holden	...	'Tiny' Ford, Photographer
Jim Backus	...	Max Watkins
James Arness	...	Alex Mallick (as Jim Arness)
Steve Martin	...	Joe Savella
George Baxter	...	Herb Riley

Storyline

In Coaltown, Pennsylvania, miner Coke Mason hopes to better himself, buy a radio store, and marry Rose Warren. His gambler brother George thinks Coke can be more successful as a boxer, knowing that when he fights he's consumed with a murderous rage that makes him an "iron man." Seeing dollar signs in Rose's eyes, Coke reluctantly agrees, though he's fearful of the "killer instinct" that makes him a knockout success in the ring...and brings him the booing hatred of the fans. Will Coke throw off his personal demon before he kills someone?

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Plot Keywords:

boxer | coal miner | pennsylvania | booing | boxing | 

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Taglines:

He's all man in the ring -- or anywhere!

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Genres:

Drama | Sport

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 August 1951 (USA)

Also Known As:

Atsalenios andras

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

81 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jeff Chandler and Rock Hudson had an affair during filming.

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Quotes

Alex Mallick: [to Coke Mason] Let me tell you something, mister. I can still lick you if you fight like a man, but not when you fight like some kind of animal.

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Connections

Version of Iron Man (1931)

User Reviews

JEFF CHANDLER AT HIS BEST

Jeff Chandler as 'Coke' in IRON MAN is the first cousin of Kirk Douglas' 'Midge' in CHAMPION. Both are driven by a need to dominate and destroy, that comes from a deep-seated anger. It is to Chandler's credit that Coke is at all sympathetic. Particularly effective is the almost animalistic boxing style driven by inner turmoil. "When I box I'm fighting for my life" says Coke in one revealing scene. This film contains what may be Chandler's best and least-seen performance. Despite his character's mounting brutality, the actor maintains interest and sympathy for Coke, never going over the top. It's a finely shaded portrayal, requiring more than physicality from Chandler, who excels in the many conflicted close-up shots in the first half of the film.

Evelyn Keyes is dependable here, but the actress is much better only two years later in 99 RIVER STREET. This is a cast of big men. Chandler and Rock Hudson (who looks incredible) tower over Steve McNally (himself not a small man). But then all are in Munchkin Land when James Arness appears in the ring with Chandler: Arness was HUGE--trim and well-proportioned--but BIG. His character is a far cry from 'Matt Dillon', and may surprise his fans. Former lawyer McNally is excellent as always and Jim Backus does plenty with his cynical sports-writer character.

Joseph Pevney was a fine actor and here he shows an assurance directing others. Not only is most of the cast at its best, but there are several very strong, dramatically potent scenes.

IRON MAN is not a great film on the near-poetic level of THE SET-UP, CHAMPION or BODY AND SOUL, but its realistic style and acting performances make it more than worthy company for the classic boxing pictures.