Watch The Champ

The Champ is a 1931 American pre-Code drama film directed by King Vidor and starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper. The film tells the story of a washed-up boxer who tries to make a comeback for the sake of his young son. Wallace Beery stars as Andy "Champ" Purcell, a former heavyweight boxing champion who now lives in poverty with his young son Dink, played by Jackie Cooper. Champ is a hard-drinking, gambling man who is unable to keep a steady job, leaving Dink to fend for himself much of the time.

Despite his flaws, Champ loves his son deeply and will do anything to provide for him. When Dink's mother, Linda, played by Irene Rich, comes back into their lives, she tries to take Dink away from Champ, believing that he is not fit to be a father.

Champ is devastated by the prospect of losing his son and decides that the only way to prove to Linda that he is a good father is by making a comeback in the boxing ring. He begins to train hard and gets a chance to fight the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.

As the fight approaches, tensions rise between Champ and Dink, who resents his father's obsession with boxing and wants him to give up the sport for good. But Champ is determined to win the fight and prove his worth as a father.

The film features powerful performances from its lead actors. Wallace Beery is compelling as the down-on-his-luck Champ, convincingly portraying both his flaws and his devotion to his son. Jackie Cooper is also excellent as Dink, capturing both the vulnerability and the toughness of the young boy.

The Champ is a deeply emotional film that explores themes of fatherhood, sacrifice, and redemption. It is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for Wallace Beery and garnering nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. It is now regarded as a classic of American cinema and is considered one of the finest boxing films ever made.

The Champ is a 1931 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.