IMDb > Don King: Only in America (1997) (TV)

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Don King: Only in America (1997) -- A cinematic portrait of the famous fight promoter and boxing manager.
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Overview

User Rating:
7.2/10   730 votes
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Director:
John Herzfeld
Writers (WGA):
Jack Newfield (book)
Kario Salem (teleplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for Don King: Only in America on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
15 November 1997 (USA) more
Genre:
Biography | Drama | Sport more
Plot:
A cinematic portrait of the famous fight promoter and boxing manager. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
Won Golden Globe. Another 8 wins & 15 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Emmy Winners
 (From Studio Briefing - Film News. 14 September 1998)
King Is Champ In Hbo Homes
 (From Studio Briefing - Film News. 19 November 1997)
User Comments:
A compelling, riveting and humourous drama more (18 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Ving Rhames ... Don King
Vondie Curtis-Hall ... Lloyd Price

Jeremy Piven ... Hank Schwartz
Darius McCrary ... Muhammad Ali

Keith David ... Herbert Muhammad
Gabriel Casseus ... Jeremiah Shabazz

Loretta Devine ... Connie Harper
Brent Jennings ... Dick Sadler
Lahmard J. Tate ... Carl King
Danny Johnson ... Larry Holmes

Bernie Mac ... Bendini Brown

Donzaleigh Abernathy ... Henrietta King
Lou Rawls ... Harold Logan
Teddy Atlas ... Richie Giachetti

Jarrod Bunch ... George Foreman
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Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated R for strong language, some violence and nudity.
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents
Runtime:
121 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Stereo
Certification:
Iceland:16 | Australia:MA | Portugal:M/12 (video premiere) | USA:R
Filming Locations:
Los Angeles, California, USA
Company:
Home Box Office (HBO) more

Fun Stuff

Quotes:
Don King: If you didn't have Don King, you'd have to invent him. more
Movie Connections:
Featured in The 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards (1998) (TV) more

FAQ

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User Comments

   (Comment on this title)
A compelling, riveting and humourous drama, 6 March 1999
Author: Stu-5 from Western Australia

Ving Rhames, a largely unknown actor, whom most would remember from Pulp Fiction, gives his role of Don King all he's got, and it really does pay off. It results in one of the decade's best telemovies, leaving the viewer hating yet strangely drawn toward the eccentric King.

It revolves around King's rise to stardom through strongarm tactics. His violent itchy trigger finger deals it's wrath to anyone who gets in the way, and it's his no nonsense approach to boxing which gets him where he is.

The story is revealed through flashbacks, being narrated by an older King. Those are the film's funniest moments. Watching Rhames strut around the ring, whilst smoking a huge cigar and speaking in a near-scream make for extremely humourous moments. Rhames' conviction to the part makes King a character that's both funny and threatening at the same time. He relishes in hyperbole, taking the good with the bad and seeing what you get.

The idiosyncrasies and mannerisms of King are all portrayed masterfully, right down to the wavy Kramer hairstyle. Each of the supporting characters are great, but, watching Jaleel White (that guy from 'Family Matters') play Muhammed Ali just reminds you too much of his sitcom character.

It's a highly satisfying, yet powerful movie. One of the telemovies which can be recommended, which is a rare occasion. This would be a wise choice if Saturday night's viewing is not up to standard.

Nine out of ten.

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