The Fighter is a 1952 American film noir directed by Herbert Kline and starring Richard Conte, Vanessa Brown and Lee J. Cobb. The screenplay, written by Kline and Aben Kandel, was adapted from the 1911 short story "The Mexican" by Jack London.
Contents
Plot
A Mexican boxer seeks to avenge the murder of his family by using his winnings to purchase weapons.
Cast
Richard Conte as Felipe Rivera
Vanessa Brown as Kathy
Lee J. Cobb as Durango
Frank Silvera as Paulino
Roberta Haynes as Nevis
Hugh Sanders as Roberts
Claire Carleton as Stella
Martin Garralaga as Luis
Argentina Brunetti as Maria
Rodolfo Hoyos, Jr. as Alvarado
Margaret Padilla as Elba
Paul Fierro as Fierro
Rico Alaniz as Carlos
Paul Marion as Rivas
Robert Wells as Tex
Production
Filming began in late December 1951 and wrapped by mid-January 1952.
Release
The film was first released in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1952. Its world premiere was held in Philadelphia on May 29, 1952.
Reception
In a contemporary review for The New York Times, critic Howard Thompson wrote that The Fighter "is one of those disturbing misfires, an altogether respectable film that seldom realizes its potentialities."
In The Philadelphia Inquirer, critic Mildred Martin called the film "muddled and uncertain in its dramatic drive".