Watch Hard Times

In the 1975 film "Hard Times," Charles Bronson stars as Chaney, a drifter who arrives in Depression-era New Orleans and makes a living as a bare-knuckle boxer. Although he's an outsider in the close-knit world of street fighting, Chaney quickly proves himself to be a skilled and ruthless competitor. He attracts the attention of a shifty promoter named Speed (James Coburn), who sees an opportunity to make some money off of Chaney's talent.

With Speed as his manager, Chaney begins to rise through the ranks of the underground boxing scene. He's tough and resilient, and he's willing to take on any opponent who gets in his way. But as Chaney becomes more successful, he also becomes aware of the darker side of the sport. He sees how the violence and brutality of the fights take a toll on the fighters, both physically and psychologically. He also begins to suspect that Speed isn't entirely honest with him, and that he's playing both sides of the game in order to make as much money as possible.

As Chaney's fame grows, he also becomes involved with a woman named Lucy Simpson (Jill Ireland). Lucy is a beautiful and mysterious woman who catches Chaney's eye early on. At first, their relationship seems like it might have the potential to be something more; Chaney is entranced by Lucy's grace and elegance, and she seems to be genuinely interested in him. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Lucy is hiding something, and that her motives for being with Chaney may not be entirely pure.

Throughout the film, Bronson gives a powerful performance as Chaney. He's a tough guy with a heart of gold, and viewers can't help but root for him as he fights his opponents and battles the corrupt forces that try to take advantage of him. Coburn is also excellent as Speed, a charming and manipulative figure who's always looking for an angle. Together, the two actors create a dynamic and engaging on-screen partnership.

Overall, "Hard Times" is a gritty and compelling drama that explores the world of bare-knuckle boxing in Depression-era New Orleans. It's a film that showcases the talents of its lead actors while also delving into complex themes of violence, corruption, and the human spirit. Whether you're a fan of boxing movies or simply enjoy well-crafted drama, "Hard Times" is definitely worth a watch.

Hard Times is a 1975 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 69.