Watch Gentleman Jim

Set in the late 1800s, Gentleman Jim tells the story of James J. Corbett (Errol Flynn), a talented Irish-American bare-knuckle boxer, who works as a bank clerk but dreams of becoming a professional fighter. He catches the eye of a vaudeville troupe owner named Walter Lowrie (Jack Carson) who sees Corbett's potential and offers him a chance at a new career. Lowrie hires Corbett as his performer and relentlessly trains him to become a skilled pugilist.

Corbett rises through the ranks of the boxing world, his quick wit and charming personality captivating audiences, promoters, and opponents alike. He soon sets his sights on the ultimate prize: the heavyweight championship of the world. But before he can fight for the title, he must defeat the reigning champion, the brutish John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond), who has never been defeated in the ring before.

Along the way, Corbett meets and falls in love with Victoria Ware (Alexis Smith), a wealthy socialite who is initially repelled by his rough and tumble profession but eventually becomes his biggest supporter. Their romance is complicated by Victoria's father, who disapproves of their relationship and wants her to marry a more respectable gentleman.

As Corbett prepares for his epic battle with Sullivan, he must not only overcome his opponent's brute strength but also the societal pressures and class barriers that threaten to keep him from achieving his dreams.

Gentleman Jim is a classic Hollywood boxing movie, full of melodrama, romance, and thrilling fight scenes. Errol Flynn shines in the lead role, bringing his signature blend of charm and athleticism to the character of Corbett. He is supported by a talented cast, including Alexis Smith as his love interest, Jack Carson as his trainer, and Ward Bond as his formidable opponent. The film also features some memorable supporting performances, including Alan Hale as Corbett's loyal friend and William Frawley as an enthusiastic promoter.

Directed by Raoul Walsh, Gentleman Jim is a masterclass in classical Hollywood storytelling, with its lush cinematography, sweeping musical score, and larger-than-life characters. The film captures the excitement and spectacle of boxing in its early days, when the sport was still illegal and fought without gloves. This raw, brutal form of boxing is contrasted with the elegance and refinement of Victorian society, which Corbett must navigate both in and out of the ring.

At its core, Gentleman Jim is a rags-to-riches story about a working-class hero who defies the odds and achieves his dreams through hard work, determination, and a bit of luck. It is also a love story, showing how Corbett's relationship with Victoria gives him the strength and inspiration to rise above his humble beginnings and achieve greatness. The film is a celebration of the American Dream and a tribute to the power of perseverance and passion.

Overall, Gentleman Jim is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema, boxing movies, and Errol Flynn. Its blend of action, romance, and drama make it an enduring favorite, almost 80 years after its initial release. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of boxing films, this movie is sure to pack a punch.

Gentleman Jim is a 1942 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.