Knockout

The concept of "Four Star Playhouse" was great--four of Hollywood's top talents (Dick Powell, David Niven, Charles Boyer and Ida Lupino) would take turns starring in half hour teleplays each week. The stories covered a wide range of topics and the writing was usually stellar. However, and I have no idea why, but the original idea changed as the lineup of starts kept shifting. Soon, other stars began to appear in the show and it never remained a 'four star' show. This would explain, in part, why Broderick Crawford appeared in this particular show. And, like some of the other episodes, the star got to produce the show as well. Fortunately for Crawford and the rest of the cast, they really lucked out as Blake Edwards co- wrote the story and directed "Knockout" and it turns out to be one of the best shows of the series.

Crawford narrates the story and plays the part of a boxing promoter who is honest and is sick of corruption in the fight world. He's thrilled to acquire a hot new middle-weight boxer and the kid seems to have all it takes to be a pro. But, along the way, something unforeseen happens--and it all has to do with a fixed fight and a chance to win the title.

The story is gritty, entertaining and has a great twist. All in all, well worth seeing and a worth addition to the series even if it didn't star any of the original four stars.