The Champ

(King Vidor, US 1931, 86 min., 35mm)

“Boxing” Day. Wallace Beery won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as an alcoholic boxer trying to give it one last try. Andy “Champ” Purcell is idolized by his young son, Dink, even though drinking and gambling have not provided the best atmosphere for the boy’s upbringing. Dink wants Andy to fight again, believing it will give him the motivation to turn his life around, but Andy alienates fight promoters when he shows up drunk. During a lucky night of gambling, Andy wins Dink a racehorse, which leads to a meeting with a wealthy couple who realize Dink is the child they gave up for adoption. The couple wants to take Dink with them, but he is still loyal to the Champ.