F.I.S.T. (1978) User Reviews

Rise and fall of a Trade Union leader well performed by Stallone and professionally directed by Norman Jewison

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 10 November 2011]

One of the best Stallone films set in the 1930s in which gives a good performance as a worker who joins the Teamsters trade-union in a local factory and being accompanied by a fine supporting cast . It deals with a love between a man, a country, the people he led and the woman he loved . Johnny Kovak (Sylvester Stallone) is an employee who works his way up as organizer and leader of Federation Interstate Truckers . Meanwhile he falls in love and marries a worker (Melinda Dillon) . As he climbs higher and higher thanks his connection with the Mob (Tony LoBianco). As his methods become more corrupt and ultimately senator Madison (Rod Steiger ) begins a campaign to discover the truth about his allegedly greedy practices .

This poignant film packs emotion , thrills , a love story political events and being quite entertaining though contains some ,predictable moments and cliché-ridden . The picture details biographic events about an Union leader , Jimmy Hoffa-lookalike, from his starts until his fall . Jewison cast some largely known actors as Sylvester Stallone , Melinda Dillon , Peter Boyle and a remarkable support cast as Richard Herd , Tony LoBianco , Peter Donat , Kevin Conway, Cassie Yates , Richard Herd and the veteran Henry Wilcoxon and several others . Stallone , also screenwriter along with Eszterhas creates an even more interesting character than Rocky Balboa . Atmospheric musical score including moving sounds by Bill Conti and appropriate cinematography by excellent cameraman Laszlo Kovacs.

The motion picture is well produced and directed by Norman Jewison . He is a prestigious and veteran filmmaker, his greatest film is of course Jesus Christ Superstar . He directed successful movies as Fiddler on the roof , Agnes of God , Moonstruck , Thomas Crown and Cinncinati Kid . However , he also got some flops as Bogus, In country , Only you and Other's people money and his last picture titled The statement . He considers The Hurricane (1999) the last in a trilogy of racial bigotry movies he's realized, the first two being In the Heat of the Night (1967) and A Soldier's Story (1984). Rating : Good, worthwhile seeing for its epic moments and thought-provoking issues .

Well-made.

[gridoon · 7/10 · 31 March 2001]

For the most part, this is a good, solid (pseudo)biography of a charismatic labor leader, but towards the end it runs out of steam and loses the clarity and effectiveness of the early sequences. Still, it's worth seeing, with Stallone getting one of his most atypical roles and handling it satisfyingly. (**1/2)

Reality

[bobnmer · 7/10 · 10 September 2015]

Don't sell this film short! There are more inaccuracies in this film then I care to mention, but the need for the unions of the day to enlist the underworld (mob) for their protection was real. Law enforcement was on the side of whoever could pay the most back in those days and the big business anti-Union folks had all the money. If you work for a living, you have to pay homage to the unions. If not for them we would all still be working for fifty cents a day!!

This movie does do a great job of showing the good that the unions did and how they succumbed to the corruption that power and greed visit on any entity no mater the good intentions. Everyone who sells their labor to a business should watch this film.

Very nice!

[Knox_King · 11 February 2000]

This is one of Stallone's best performances as an actor! In all the following movies in the 80's and 90's he is more appreciated for his 'presence' and strength as a person, but in this one he portrays a lifestory of a union worker that rose to greatest fame. Don't lose heart if you feel bored in the beginning of the movie, it gets better and in the second half, when many years have past, it gets really good. It is a grand movie-story and definitely a recommendation for anyone who likes movies about the fate of others.

Entertaining film with good performances, and directed well, but falls short in a few ways

[wrongboyo · 7/10 · 22 November 2010]

F.I.S.T. is one of the few films out there that illustrate Sly Stallone's great acting talents. Stallone really brings his character, Johnny Kovak, to life and gives one of his most memorable performances. This film shows that, having gone a different route, Stallone could have become a much better actor. After this film, Stallone had a few other good films but the majority were crumby sequels, cliché action films, and poor attempts at comedy. It's really a shame he didn't put his talents to better use like he did in his earlier work like Rocky, and Nighthawks.

The film begins in the Great Depression of the 30's and follows the life of Johnny Kovak, a labourer who works at unloading trucks. Who, with his coworkers after being severely mistreated, and underpaid fights back against the company. This leads to Kovak becoming a member of the Union F.I.S.T, the Federation of Innner-State Truckers. At first idealistic, Kovak's morals and values are challenged when he has to get organized crime groups involved to get what's fair.

My only complaint with the film is, in the later scenes were Stallone plays an older Kovak, his portrayal is a bit weak given his limited acting abilities at the time. This, however is only a minor complaint, he still gives a great performance.

The script is good, all the characters are realistic and well fleshed out,and the great director, Norman Jewison puts his talents to good use in F.I.S.T. Also, filled with a fantastic supporting cast (including, Peter Boyle, and Rod Steiger) all these elements come together to make F.I.S.T. a film that is definitely worth seeing.

fist a start of union revolution one man fight for the cause

[lark40 · 6/10 · 11 October 2017]

action superstar Sylvester Stallone is nothing short of sensational as he takes on mobsters, corrupt union officials and a us senator in his bold action packed tale of greed and deadly rivalries johnny kovack is an honest hard working factory employees who gives his all for the Aemrican dream. But after years of harsh injustices and dehumanizing conditions, he takes it upon himself to lead a massive campaign to unionize the company's workers. And when the firm responds with threats, intimidation and murder, Johnny is forced to compromise his principles and join with organized crime figures just so he can utilize their muscle and influence ! but as he sacrifices more and more of his ideals for the cause, Johnny realizes that in order to win, he may have to surrender much more than his honor - he may have to surrender his life. Charged with hard hitting action and magnificent performance by Stallone, Rod Steiger, Peter Boyle, and Brian Dennehy this searing drama, is superb and powerful movie from the seventies that really pack a punch it's just under two hours I Give it 7/10. enjoy and old style movie.

Stallone the left wing!!!

[DukeEman · 7/10 · 16 February 2003]

Before Stallone met Ronald Reagan he made movies about down and out's who cared about the people. In this movie, Stallone plays a Union Leader(!) who fights a losing battle with the big money boys. It's Norman Jewison's direction that hits homes.

A glimpse of what Sly could have been

[robert-turner-1 · 10/10 · 18 November 2004]

This is a real hidden gem of a film. Thought provoking, intelligent and times indignant, without resorting to sentimentality.

Contrast this,with the commercially lucrative but artistically meaningless "Crash, Bang, Wallop" movies that Stallone became synonymous with in the 1980s.

Stallone can act when he wants to, and FIST amply demonstrates this wasted potential.

Based (very loosely) on the life of the Teamsters boss, Jimmy Hoffa, FIST charts the rise and fall of a Trade Union leader. A cautionary tale of how noble causes can be sullied by ambition and hubris.

I highly recommend it, if only to convince others that Stallone occasionally turned in a credible performance without the promise of a big pay day.

Nice little forgotten drama with Sylvester Stallone

[Maziun · 6/10 · 10 October 2015]

This is Stallone's first movie after "Rocky" . Obviously a tough act to follow. Sadly , this and "Paradise alley" didn't even came close to match the quality of John G. Avildsen sport drama. It doesn't mean however , that they are not worth watching , just for the fact to see Stallone in a dramatic role.

FIST is a fictional biopic of a fictional organized labor leader very loosely based on the life of Jimmy Hoffa. F.I.S.T stands for the "Federation of Inter State Truckers". It tells a story about a struggling blue collar worker back in the 1930s of USA. Soon he becomes an organizer for Labour Unions. "FIST" shows his rise to power and fall from grace.

"FIST" ignores the communists part in creating the formation of the unions, which is mistake on the movie part. On the plus side it shows well how corruption infected big unions. It's sad story about working class betraying itself.

Good performance by Stallone , however the rest of the cast is rather mediocre and doesn't leave impression. Watch out for Brian Dennehy (sheriff from "Rambo first blood").The screenplay written by Stallone and Joe Eszterhas ("Basic instinct") is not bad , if not slightly cliché and predictable . Bill Conti's music is nice , so is the photography by Laszlo Kovacs. The direction by Norman Jewison is solid.

Good pseudo biography that towards the end runs out of steam and loses the clarity and effectiveness of the early sequences. It is still a nice little drama how noble causes can be sullied by ambition and hubris. It's sad that it was unappreciated back then and seems forgotten now. I give it 6/10.

Unions, Dumbed Down

[nafps · 5/10 · 5 September 2022]

So many reviews give this film high marks simply for being pro union, or Stallone not in a right wing role. But either as drama, action drama, or a history film it fails.

This is incredibly oversimplified. One union, one leader, and apparently no one in the over 100 years that labor unions have been around before this time ever ever thought of doing anything like Stallone's character.

No one ever fought back against hired thugs? Really? No one even thought about not bowing and scraping during negotiations? Seriously?

The film also reduces a strike to done by one local at one factory with a single bad boss who apparently watches in fascination and is shocked, shocked, when union men fight back. None of this is believable.

Perhaps a middle school class might need to be talked down to this much, but for most of us it stretches belief. A shame, given the subject's importance.

Stallone's Sleeper Best Performance

[enviro · 8/10 · 5 February 1999]

You cannot judge Stallone's acting career without seeing this movie. The movie was made during the height of Rocky-mania, and I don't recall it getting much attention on its first run.

Sly plays a blue-collar grunt at the pre-dawn of the organized labor movement in the US. I think the film does a commendable job showing the audience what conditions were like before the work force was unionized. Indeed it depicts what what drove workers to form the original labor unions. Federated Inter-State Truckers or FIST is the union that Stallone's character reluctantly helps organize and lead through the early dark years of violent strikes and lockouts to the later years of labor successes breading union corruption.

I am not a fan of the Rocky series, but did enjoy First Blood 1. I found FIST to be the best film of his career.

Stallones hidden gem

[unclet-30169 · 6/10 · 21 June 2020]

A great little drama of early unionization. I remember when this was in theatres, it came out between a couple of Rocky's and was reviewed well but did poor box office. It is a worthy watch (much like Copland) and a decent addition to Stallone's canon.

Movie starts out okay but isn't much good after the hero makes it big.

[lightninboy · 5/10 · 7 May 2005]

F.I.S.T. is typically belittled when it is mentioned at all. But is it worth watching? It starts out okay as a nobody becomes a successful somebody, but it isn't much good after the hero makes it big. If they wanted to do Jimmy Hoffa's life, they should have done Jimmy Hoffa's life! I can't complain about the acting. It's probably one of Sylvester Stallone's better movies. It does give you a feel for unions and strikes. It was filmed in Dubuque, Iowa, among other places. Antique truck enthusiasts might want to watch it once. I remember seeing a White. Might be other makes in it. I remember a scene where a bunch of trucks pull out of a yard one after another. Could have been they had only one truck and showed it over and over again. There was a TV movie called Power with Joe Don Baker and Brian Kerwin which was also loosely based on Jimmy Hoffa's life.

Good, epic story

[Russell Dodd · 11 September 2000]

This is an unappreciated film, mostly because it's star doesn't exactly have a good reputation as an 'actor'. This film is definately worth catching and it is worthy of repeated viewings. The music too is perfect for the film. It charts the rise of a Union leader from his humble beginnings to his fame. The story sustains the attention of the viewer throughout the picture. Stallone is better in the earlier scenes as a young Johny Kovak. His acting limitations come about as we see him as an older man. All he does his makes his voice a little husky and the make up on him (and other members of the cast) is ineffective. Early in his career, kovak has the dilema of bringing in the mob for help after an unsuccessful strike which results in one of his best men being killed. If he brings them in, he can enforce his will on the big companies and make the union very strong. Without them, he has little chance of the union growing. To the dismay of his best friend, he takes them in. His decision comes back to haunt him. Stallone tailored the script so he can play the good guy, originally Kovak wasn't a nice man. There is a nice scene with him and Brian Dehenny who later would turn up as Rambo's nemesis in first blood. I would certainly recommend fans and non fans of Stallone to catch this movie.

The Irishman in reverse

[ernestsavesxmas · 6/10 · 25 February 2020]

F.I.S.T. is a perfectly fine, totally hamfisted, occasionally boring, sometimes charming, overly long faux-biopic. There is a really strong 90-minute movie in here focusing on the late 1930s, pro-union scuffles in Cleveland, but when it attempts to flush out the story of "definitely not Jimmy Hoffa" and gray hair dye substitutes deaging CGI, the film gets bogged down. In the beginning, Sly Stallone, in his first post-Rocky role, is as charming as he's ever been on screen. Coupled with Bill Conti's terrific score and some great supporting performances, it's a masterfully painted if not paint-by-numbers work of art.

a tale of a union leader searching for the boundaries of power

[eabakkum · 6/10 · 17 November 2010]

F.I.S.T. is a film with two distinguished actors, Sylvester Stallone and Rod Steiger. Stallone is highly convincing in his role as a working man, Johnny Kovak, who becomes infuriated by the exploitation of truck-drivers, and makes a career in their union F.I.S.T. However the theme of the film may be even more interesting than the artistic achievement itself. In 1992 DeVito brought out a remake named "Hoffa", which was really vicious and an attempt to incriminate unionism. In fact Jimmy Hoffa actually existed, and was a highly successful and popular organizer and leader. Let me first summarize the story pictured by F.I.S.T. (I become dizzy with realism, and am inaccessible for hidden messages or psychological analyses). Kovak is asked to lead the local section of F.I.S.T., since he knows how to appeal to the truck-drivers. It is the roaring thirties, and the after-effects of the robber barons are still simmering. During his activities the tires of his car are punctured, and even worse, he is beaten up. However a real crisis evolves during a demonstration of the truck-drivers of the company Consolidated Trucking. The company has hired a private "security firm", whose thugs attack the workers using guns, iron rods and incendiaries. The police stands aloof, and several of the truck-drivers are murdered. This brings Novak to the conclusion that he needs a similar "push", and he starts to employ the services of his own admittedly not very respectable security firm. this includes the intimidation of scabs and the destruction of their trucks. Is this organized crime or derailed activism? I don't know. Kovak keeps pushing, against the orders of his national union board. Anyway, finally Consolidated Trucking caves in and signs the contract. Soon Kovak becomes the national leader of F.I.S.T. and a national celebrity as well. But he has to pay a price to his "securiy firm", among others granting loans from the F.I.S.T. pension fund to the people that previously supported his actions with their push. The loans are controversial, but illegal? He has to appear before a senatorial committee, that investigates the relations between trade unions and organized crime. One of the witnesses a charge is murdered, and Novak is urged by his former allies to step down. Being a fighter, Novak refuses and is eventually murdered himself and his body is somehow disposed of. It is a tale of a union leader searching for the boundaries of power, and IMHO surpassing them. Still the film justly leaves plenty of room for empathy with the man. And the makers had the tact not to slander the real Hoffa. Still, in view of the vicious remake "Hoffa" let us consider the true events. The real Jimmy Hoffa had an enormous success in organizing the American truck-drivers (with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters). During these endeavors he made a lot of enemies. For instance, the Teamsters were expelled by the CIO. Subsequently he also tried to organize the railways and airlines. It is said that this made him the target for the political elite, among others the Kennedy family, who feared that the organization of these branches would give Hoffa control over the whole USA. He was indeed brought under investigation by a Senatoiral committee, and also on trial. The first trial resulted in a hung jury voting 7-5 for acquittal. The judge declared a mistrial, believing that Hoffa was guilty and had bought the jury. The second trial resulted in a verdict of guilty and Hoffa was given eight years in federal prison. Hoffa was released on parole in 1971. In 1975 he mysteriously disappeared. There are several explanations circulating. One is that he had resisted the mafia and was subsequently liquidated. Another says that he had skipped off to Brazil with a "black go-go dancer". So it may be wise to reconsider before you believe the story of either "F.I.S.T." or "Hoffa". It is worth noting that in the union Hoffa was popular to such a degree, that his son has later been elected for president (which IMHO is rather unhealthy). If you are interested in collective bargaining or even sympathizer with unionism, there are definitely more informative and realistic accounts. Try Salt of the Earth, Norma Rae, Bread and Roses, Harlan County War, Matewan, Man of Iron. Or take a look at the other films about social action, that I have reviewed here on IMDb.

Stallone's finest acting is seen here...

[qkill007 · 10/10 · 3 May 2006]

Stallone, known for physique, bulging biceps, droopy eyes and slurred speech has proved audiences that he is one of the finest actors. Personally, he is one of my favourite actors since I was a kid and movies like Rocky, Copland, First-Blood (rambo), Lock-Up, Nighthawks, Oscar and Asassins have also proved the same. F.I.S.T begins with the story of a struggling blue collar worker back in the 1930s of USA. He tries to live the American dream, but is only betrayed, kicked and disgusted with life around him. His character Johnny Kovak moves to become an organiser for Labour Unions in the first half of the movie. The second half shows him becoming older as president of the Trucking Labour Unions and the dirty deals he is forced to undertake to ensure welfare of the workers. The film is based on the lines of Rocky as a struggling man trying to cope, added with a realistic ending. A must see for Stallone fans and people who like Drama movies. Bill Conti's score is moving and Norman Jewison's direction is amazing. A satisfactory story line combined with some powerful performances will impress you. I am quite surprised as to why this film is so underrated !

A SLY STALLONE SLEEPER STELLAR PERFORMANCE

[Danni2009 · 5/10 · 12 October 2003]

This film is not in same league like OSCAR WORTHY NORMA RAE labor union movie, but its Sylvester Stallone STELLAR ACTING ROLE trucker driver eventually joins in labor union fighting for workers BUT.. At same time trying to score romantic points with Melinda Dillon BUT...Its a sleeper of a film, its the great acting of Sylvester Stallone in this one MAKES A WORTHY WATCH! overall 5/10 S.S. ROLE 9

One of my personal all-time favorites.

[Hup234! · 10/10 · 1 December 1999]

The Federation of InterState Truckers, or F.I.S.T., is a struggling little labor union in the depths of the Depression. Johnny Kovak signs on as an organizer, and the Cleveland local begins to grow, as Johnny moves up the leadership ladder. But Johnny early on reluctantly makes shady alliances, to get "the push" (his term for influence) for his union, and it returns to haunt him and his men. Unforgettable scenes abound in this masterpiece. The interplay between Johnny and nemesis Babe Milano - Kovak's stumbling efforts at courtship, contrasting with his stony demands at early opponent Consolidated Trucking, and the owners' icy reticence - a violence-torn strike - and then we see Kovak's rise to national union leadership, his growing list of powerful enemies, and his inevitable demise, shrouded in mystery and legend. It's a film to see again and again. The sweeping, epic score by Bill Conti accentuates the ever-unfolding saga, but keeps the audience reminded of the early roots of Johnny Kovak and his colleagues and those he has grown to love and hate. Despite Sylvester Stallone's riveting virtuoso performances in "F.I.S.T." and the following "Paradise Alley", the lukewarm box-office response to this multi-shaded side of his acting abilities soon led to the more commercial, and less-dimensional, roles that he is best known for now. I think his finest work ever is seen in this wonderful film. Highly recommended to all.

Dense Epic

[skullislandsurferdotcom · 4/10 · 15 February 2011]

During the depression, unions were important, being that there weren't many and workers were exploited. And that's what this movie shows from the first minute to the last, all within a two-and-a-half hour epic that needed more humanity than plot: that is, the moments between the strikes and hardships were too few and far between, never really getting to know the characters as actual people.

Sylvester Stallone, fresh from his breakthrough in ROCKY, is hit-or-miss. His sometimes mumbling, other times voracious character moves up the ladder, from put-upon factory worker to spokesman for a trucker's union, way too fast. And the side-characters, including Peter Boyle and Rod Steiger, serve only as fuel to entice or enrage Stallone: who's fighting for a real cause... but it's all too heavy, and goes on way too long, to be genuinely effective.

One of Stallone's best

[mm-39 · 8/10 · 28 October 2001]

This film is done on a very low budget, and its a great film. Some times, low budget film compensate with good acting. The script, probably has some real life experiences in it, with a few of the scenes, especialy with the apple boxes, and the double cross part in the film. After watching this film, I thought this film is great, and I am happy I spent my time watching a true gem.

Federation of Inter-State Truckers

[hrkepler · 1 June 2018]

Sylvester Stallone was my childhood idol, mostly thanks to 'Rocky' and 'Cliffhanger' and his other action movies. It was later when I learned that the man had penned the screenplay of 'Rocky' (and some other movies) himself, and he also directed, and I thought, that is cool. Some time along the way I started to notice that Stallone is much more than a action hero - he is very good actor (and also writer). So, now I had the opportunity to see 'F.I.S.T.' - which was Stallone's first film after Rocky fame, and he also co-wrote the screenplay. The film might be a little boring to those who are used to see Stallone kicking ass, as it is serious drama about simple man's rise to the leader of labor union. The film is little slow and flawed at times, but Stallone gives one helluva performance as Johnny Kovak. Especially the first part of the film. In the later half, when Johnny Kovak is already an older man Stallone's limits as an actor start to shine through, as he occasionally goes pretty hammy. Nonetheless, still thoroughly enjoyable performance, and totally different than Rocky.

'F.I.S.T.' is definitely recommended to those who are more interested in different sides of legendary action hero who has some real artist hidden under those muscles.

Stallone is great but this film is rubbish!

[Imay_37 · 1/10 · 11 March 2006]

I think stallone is a great actor and all actors have there crap films.... but i ain't going to get into that.........

This film is rubbish..... nearly 3 hours....... and as slow as godfather 3 they both are crap......

No matter what people say you still want to and end up watching the film.... just try to avoid if you can......... Watch it when it comes on TV don't pay to watch it or buy it......

We all have different opinions so watch it......... and then judge.... from now on i am only going to comment and vote on the films i enjoy..... so you are going to lose the opinion and vote of an unbiased, honest critic.

Goodbye people and enjoy......

The one where Stallone PROVED that he's an ACTOR

[Gavno · 8/10 · 12 January 2011]

I was never impressed with Sylvester Stallone, or his movies.

The Italian Stallion may have made a splash by showing off his pectorals and oversize guns in the ROCKY and RAMBO flicks... and he got some underground success in a few youthful, starving actor porno flicks. But the ability to impress teenage boys by making war, or the movie house Trenchcoat Brigade by making love, doesn't equal acting ability. ANY young Hollywood wannabe can do it.

F*I*S*T was a sleeper out there... a film that was released without the big promotion treatment that Hollywood specializes in for turning loser films into box office winners. I'd never heard of it until a friend showed me a VHS tape of the film.

He showed it to me because he knows that I'm a fan of Norman Jewison's work.

Norman is a piece of the OLD Hollywood... he'd have been right at home in the old Warner Brothers stable. He's a man who makes movies that have a social conscience; films that are ABOUT SOMETHING.

In my estimation, if you're a young actor you can't miss when Jewison is directing. He has a gift for getting the VERY BEST out of any actor who works for him. So it was with Stallone.

Sylvester Stallone emerged as an actor with PRODIGIOUS acting chops in the first 30 minutes of F*I*S*T... Labor organizer Johnny Kovak came through the door of a Union meeting, pushing the wheelchair of Joe Harper, a disabled trucker.

In a simple, emotional speech, Kovak laid it all on the line in no uncertain terms. Since he couldn't drive, the trucking company didn't care about Joe Harper anymore, but that's OK... Joe is a member of the Federation of Inter State Truckers, and FIST takes care of it's own. The Union will take care of his medical bills, and provide for the family Joe had worked so hard to support.

The pure, gut wrenching emotion, outrage and sincerity that Stallone poured into that scene announced to the world that Sylvester Stallone had ARRIVED as an actor to be taken seriously.

The part of rough cut, crude Johnny Kovak was a part that was made for Stallone; it fit him like a glove. He could project incredible strength by the soft, laid back delivery of a single line.

In his first labor negotiations... "We're gonna cut 'em off, Pal. You know that?".

The startled management negotiator laughingly responded "What did you say?".

"Your BALLS, Pal. We're gonna cut 'em off and shut you DOWN!" Kovak replied. "You're suffering from small minds and fat asses!".

Johnny Kovak was a smoldering volcano, ready to explode.

Backed up by a powerful supporting cast, Stallone charged through the film like a bull.

A Jewison project always seems to attract the best acting talent around... in this case, Peter Boyle and Rod Steiger. Stallone's talent stood side by side with them; he showed that he was able to match them, taking as well as giving. The scenes where they're together, especially the Congressional hearings where he clashed head to head with Steiger, are titanic.

F*I*S*T is a film that's DEFINITELY worth the time.

How Do You Follow A Movie Like Rocky??

[slightlymad22 · 8/10 · 2 December 2015]

Continuing my plan to watch every Sly Stallone movie in order, I come to F.I.S.T.

How do you follow up a movie like 'Rocky'?? A worldwide smash and winner of Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Stallone chose this Norman Jewsion produced and directed drama.

Plot In A Paragraph: plays Johnny Kovak (Stallone) a Cleveland warehouse worker who becomes involved in the labor union leadership of the "Federation of Inter-State Truckers". He finds that he must sacrifice his principles and ideals as he moves up through the union and attempts to expand its influence.

Stallone gives possibly one of the most under rated performances of his career, and is brilliant here. It's often forgotten that long before he became the action hero legend that people know today, Stallone was a very talented young actor. This movie gives a glimpse of what he could have been had he not gone down the path that he did!! It's a real hidden gem in his filmography, and I recommend everyone to check it out.

Whilst Stallone carries most of the movie on his broad shoulders, he is ably backed up by Rod Steiger, David Huffman, Melinda Dillon, Peter Boyle, Kevin Conway, Cassie Yates, Richard Herd and Tony Lo Bianco.

It could use a bit of trimming here and there to tighten it up, as it drags here and there and feels like it runs a bit longer than its two hours running time. But for me, this is in Sly's Top 10 non franchise movies/performances.

This movie would be the first time Stallone meddled with things behind the scenes. He rewrote Joe Eszterhas' script, saying "Joe Eszterhas wrote a script that was nearly 400 pages and was more of a novel than a shootable screenplay. A great deal of work was done by myself, along with Norman Jewison, to hammer it into shape, but Joe had conceived a great concept."