This Playhouse 90 is one of the best ones. Rod Sterling's script presents an excellent story which is every bit as good as his year earlier Patterns. The only reason this one might be even a bit better than Patterns (though I rate that one a 10 too) is the cast.
Jack Palance as the washed up Boxer "Mountain" lights up the screen. This is no doubt a great performance by Jack. In support, Keenan & Ed Wynn as his Manager & Trainer are both outstanding. Kim Hunter is great as Grace Carney, the lady trying to find a job for Mountain.
The story starts with Mountain's 7 round loss & the doctor telling him his career is over. From there it pulls at the heart strings & has two fairly strong sub-plots. To me Palance & both Keenan & Ed deserve Emmy's for their performances in this, they are that good. The real surprise for me was these performances besides Palance. Such strong support in live drama is rare. Usually just the main star carries the day, but this one has it all.
Jack Palance as the washed up Boxer "Mountain" lights up the screen. This is no doubt a great performance by Jack. In support, Keenan & Ed Wynn as his Manager & Trainer are both outstanding. Kim Hunter is great as Grace Carney, the lady trying to find a job for Mountain.
The story starts with Mountain's 7 round loss & the doctor telling him his career is over. From there it pulls at the heart strings & has two fairly strong sub-plots. To me Palance & both Keenan & Ed deserve Emmy's for their performances in this, they are that good. The real surprise for me was these performances besides Palance. Such strong support in live drama is rare. Usually just the main star carries the day, but this one has it all.