Watch The Underdog

The Underdog is a 1940s boxing drama film that stars Barton MacLane, Bobby Larson, and Jan Wiley. The story revolves around a young fighter named Tommy Nelson, played by Bobby Larson, who aspires to become a successful boxer despite his small physical stature. Tommy’s father was a former boxer, who ended up in jail while serving for his involvement in a fight. He advises his son to stay away from boxing and instead concentrate on his studies. However, Tommy is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursues his dream of becoming a formidable fighter.

Tommy's determination leads him to ‘One-Round’ Davis, a seasoned boxing trainer played by Barton MacLane. Davis initially doubts Tommy’s abilities, observing his small stature and lack of experience in the ring. Nonetheless, Davis sees potential in Tommy’s fighting spirit and decides to take him under his wing, training him intensively.

As Tommy trains, he develops a romance with Alice, played by Jan Wiley in the film. Alice is a spunky reporter who initially dislikes boxing but soon becomes enamored with Tommy's enthusiasm for the sport. She starts writing a series of articles about his journey, and eventually, the two fall in love.

However, their happiness is short-lived as Tommy finds himself tangled in a web of corruption and deceit within the boxing industry. He discovers that Davis has been rigging his fights to ensure that Tommy remains undefeated, to exploit his talent for personal gain. Disillusioned by this revelation, Tommy confronts Davis, who retaliates by revealing that he was responsible for putting Tommy’s father in jail. Tommy is shaken to his core and feels betrayed, as the man he admired and trusted had lied to him.

The climax of the film follows Tommy’s final fight, in which he faces an experienced and brutal opponent. The boxing match is a grueling battle that tests Tommy’s endurance and skill, as he fights to prove himself to the audience and regain his pride. Without Davis’s interference, Tommy relies on his own abilities, displaying his strength and speed as he fights his way to victory.

The Underdog is a classic sports drama film that captures the spirit and fervor of the boxing world. Its compelling storyline explores themes related to ambition, betrayal, and redemption, making it relatable to audiences of all generations. The film's performances are excellent, with Barton MacLane delivering a memorable portrayal of the charismatic yet flawed Davis. Meanwhile, Jan Wiley shines as Alice, the feisty journalist who supports and encourages Tommy throughout his journey.

The film's boxing sequences are dynamic and skillfully choreographed, creating an intense and emotional experience for viewers. The Underdog's message is timeless and enduring, emphasizing the importance of chasing one's dreams, no matter how high the odds may seem. Ultimately, the film is a poignant homage to the power of perseverance and the human desire for greatness, making it a classic in the genre of sports films.

The Underdog is a 1943 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.