Gentleman Jim (1942)

Looking lithe and lean, and more handsome than should be allowed by law, Errol Flynn was never better suited to a role than the legendary boxer James J. Gentleman Jim Corbett. Indeed, this rousing screen biography captures the essence of two colorful personalities - Flynn and Corbett - at the height of their careers. Set primarily against the backdrop of the 1880's San Francisco, the film follows Corbett's rise from bank clerk to world champion. With his lightning quick punches and dance-like footwork, the glib, cocky Irishman revolutionized the heretofore illegal prizefighting game, elevating it from the bare knuckle brawling to the sport of skill it is today. An excellent supporting cast of Warner Bros. Favorites features the lovely Alexis Smith, the always hearty Alan Hale, and the irresistible bluster of Ward Bond, whose unforgettable portrayal of the great John L Sullivan will touch your heart. For Flynn at his best and an arousing, sometimes wistful look back at professional boxing early days, Gentleman Jim ranks as one of the finest of many biographical classics to come out of the golden age at Warner Bros.