Expecting the usual loss, a boxing manager takes bribes from a betting gangster without telling his fighter.Expecting the usual loss, a boxing manager takes bribes from a betting gangster without telling his fighter.Expecting the usual loss, a boxing manager takes bribes from a betting gangster without telling his fighter.
- Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 2 wins & 2 nominations total
Hal Baylor
- Tiger Nelson
- (as Hal Fieberling)
Kevin O'Morrison
- Moore
- (as Kenny O'Morrison)
Herbert Anderson
- Husband
- (uncredited)
Larry Anzalone
- Mexican Fighter
- (uncredited)
Arthur Berkeley
- Cafe Patron
- (uncredited)
Phil Bloom
- Minor Role
- (uncredited)
Burman Bodel
- Man
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe clock on the square at the beginning shows 9:05 PM, and the same clock at the end shows 10:16 PM. The movie takes place in real time.
- GoofsAfter the big fight, when Stoker is in the locker room, he opens his locker and takes out his clothes and shoes. In two subsequent shots his shoes are back in the locker, and then in a fourth shot he removes his shoes from the locker a second time.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Film Review: Robert Wise (1967)
Featured review
Inside a gritty world of boxing, and inside one boxer's head. Amazing!
The Set-Up (1949)
This might be the best boxing movie ever made. It's kind of the opposite of "Rocky," of course (this one is about the small points, and not about becoming champion). But it's also the opposite of the two other classics that come to mind: "Raging Bull" and "Body and Soul."
Director Robert Wise made sure that everything here felt authentic and gritty--almost too authentic and gritty. You marvel at all the types in the crowds, inside and outside the ring. You notice the small rooms, the ordinary props, the lack of glamour. If you aren't afraid of the word mise-en-scene, this has created it perfectly. It's transporting.
And moving. Robert Ryan in the lead pulls out some of his best, subtle reactions. He's sometimes prone to strained expressions that may not always fit his character, but here he is thoughtful and determined and showing signs of being the old wise man in the crowd as the younger boxers act cocky or scared.
Then there's the plot drawn out of the title. It's a good thing this doesn't dominate the movie, at least not until the end, because the real plot has to do with a man coming to grips with the end of his career. And with a woman who loves him truly. It's great stuff.
This might be the best boxing movie ever made. It's kind of the opposite of "Rocky," of course (this one is about the small points, and not about becoming champion). But it's also the opposite of the two other classics that come to mind: "Raging Bull" and "Body and Soul."
Director Robert Wise made sure that everything here felt authentic and gritty--almost too authentic and gritty. You marvel at all the types in the crowds, inside and outside the ring. You notice the small rooms, the ordinary props, the lack of glamour. If you aren't afraid of the word mise-en-scene, this has created it perfectly. It's transporting.
And moving. Robert Ryan in the lead pulls out some of his best, subtle reactions. He's sometimes prone to strained expressions that may not always fit his character, but here he is thoughtful and determined and showing signs of being the old wise man in the crowd as the younger boxers act cocky or scared.
Then there's the plot drawn out of the title. It's a good thing this doesn't dominate the movie, at least not until the end, because the real plot has to do with a man coming to grips with the end of his career. And with a woman who loves him truly. It's great stuff.
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- Sep 29, 2010
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Laziranje
- Filming locations
- The Hill Street Tunnels at 1st, Bunker Hill, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA(Staircase over tunnel scenes, the overlook where Julie contemplates suicide as train passes. Location was the Hill Street Tunnels, including the pedestrian staircase leading to overlook. Location was just north on Hill Street from 1st Street. Erected in 1913 and demolished in 1954 to make way for Los Angeles County Courthouse and Hall of Administration.)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 13 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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