Watch Big Fella

Big Fella is a 1937 musical film directed by J. Elder Wills and starring the inimitable Paul Robeson, Elisabeth Welch, and Roy Emerton. The story is set in South Africa, where a young man named Jim (played by Robeson) works as a laborer on a ranch. He dreams of one day becoming a professional boxer, but his employer, Mr. Hilton (played by Emerton), forbids him from pursuing it.

Despite the obstacles in his path, Jim's determination is unwavering, and he continues to train in secret. Along the way, he meets a talented singer named Ruth (played by Welch) and the two develop a close friendship. Ruth encourages Jim to pursue his dreams and even begins to teach him to sing.

As Jim's boxing skills improve, he catches the attention of a local promoter who offers him a chance to fight professionally. But with Mr. Hilton still firmly against the idea, Jim must make a difficult decision between his passion and his job. As Jim seeks to overcome the forces that are holding him back, he draws on his strength, courage, and musical talent to achieve his goals.

The film touches on important issues such as discrimination, the exploitation of workers, and the struggle for equality. It also highlights the power of music and the enduring spirit of hope, as embodied in the performances of Robeson and Welch. Robeson delivers a powerful performance as Jim, bringing both physicality and emotional depth to the role. His singing voice is in top form, as he performs several songs such as "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" and "The House I Live In".

Welch is equally impressive as Ruth, showcasing her stunning vocal range and effortless charm. Her performances of "Old Folks at Home" and "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" are memorable highlights of the film. Emerton rounds out the cast with a well-crafted portrayal of the conflicted and ultimately sympathetic Mr. Hilton.

Overall, Big Fella is an uplifting and inspiring tale of perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams. It features outstanding performances from its talented cast, memorable songs, and a powerful message that remains relevant today.

Big Fella is a 1937 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.