Watch Monkey on My Back

Monkey on My Back is a 1957 drama film starring Cameron Mitchell, Dianne Foster, and Paul Richards. It is based on the true story of boxer Barney Ross, who was a world champion in the 1930s but fell into drug addiction and became a morphine addict during his time in the military during World War II. The movie tells the story of his rise to fame and his eventual downfall.

The film opens with Barney Ross (played by Mitchell) as a young boy growing up in the tough Jewish neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago. We see his love for boxing develop from an early age, and his father, a former boxer himself, encourages him to become a fighter.

As he grows up, Barney becomes an amateur boxer and starts to win fights. However, his career is put on hold when he enlists in the military during World War II. While serving, he is severely injured and becomes addicted to morphine, which he is given to manage his pain.

After the war, Barney returns to boxing and becomes a professional fighter. He rises through the ranks quickly, winning a number of important bouts and eventually becoming a world champion. However, his addiction to morphine becomes increasingly problematic, and he struggles to keep it under control.

The film portrays the toll that Barney's addiction takes on his life, both professionally and personally. His relationships suffer as a result of his drug use, and he becomes increasingly isolated from his family and friends. Meanwhile, his performance in the ring begins to suffer, and he loses a number of important fights.

As his addiction worsens, Barney becomes involved with a criminal element that encourages his drug use and exploits him for their own gain. This eventually leads to his arrest, and he is sentenced to a term in prison.

The film ends with Barney trying to put his life back together after his release from prison. He attempts to rebuild his relationships with his family and friends, and he works hard to overcome his addiction once and for all.

Monkey on My Back is a powerful and emotional film that explores the devastating effects of drug addiction on an individual's life. Mitchell gives a strong performance as Barney Ross, capturing both his incredible talent as a boxer and the tragedy of his downfall. The film also features strong supporting performances, particularly from Foster as Barney's wife and Richards as his brother.

The film is notable for its honest and unflinching portrayal of drug addiction, a subject that was still largely taboo at the time of its release. The filmmakers give a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Barney Ross, and the film's message is ultimately one of hope and redemption.

Overall, Monkey on My Back is a powerful and moving film that still resonates today. It is a must-see for fans of sports films and anyone interested in a compelling drama that explores important social issues.

Monkey on My Back is a 1957 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 6.9.