Story :Mountain Rivera is a veteran heavyweight and near-champion who suddenly finds himself washed up in the only trade he knows—prizefighting. Yet, threatened by gangsters for welshing on a gambling debt, Mountain’s opportunistic manager, Maish Rennick, schemes to get the ex-boxer into a phony wrestling match to make some quick money. Although he and his loyal trainer, Army, oppose the degrading proposition, the disillusioned Mountain begins to wonder if he has any options left.
Cast
Anthony QuinnLewis 'Mountain' Rivera
Jackie GleasonMaish Rennick
Mickey RooneyArmy
Julie HarrisGrace Miller
Stanley AdamsPerelli (as Stan Adams)
Madame SpivyMa Greeny
Val AveryYoung fighter's promoter
Herbie FayeCharlie, the Bartender
Jack DempseyHimself
Muhammad AliHimself (as Cassius Clay)
Lou GilbertDr. Gilbert
Michael ConradMa Greeny's Thug
Rory CalhounHimself
Barney Ross
Willie Pep
Steve BelloiseHotel Desk Clerk
Abe Simon
Stan Ross
J.J. Ballargeon
Paolo Rosi
Alex Miteff
Gus Lesnevich
Al BainPolice Officer (uncredited)
William CalhounSelf - Rivera's wrestling opponent (uncredited)
Nancy CushmanWoman on Elevator (uncredited)
Sig FrohlichDiner Patron (uncredited)
John IndrisanoBarfly Watching TV (uncredited)
Arthur M. MercanteReferee (uncredited)
Angelo RossittoMidget Wrestler Outside Wrestling Ring (uncredited)
David SusskindSelf - Trailor Narrator (uncredited)