The Set-Up (4 stars)

I've shared before that I am a huge Robert Ryan fan.  Although he's typically a cynical, unlikeable, "bad boy" kind of character, I just really like him and think he was a tremendously underknown and underappreciated actor.  So, whenever I have the chance to catch one of his films, I do.  The Set-Up, from 1949, stars Ryan, along with Audrey Totter, under the direction of Robert Wise, in a gritty boxing drama.

Ryan plays Bill "Stoker" Thompson, an aging boxer who has been on a losing streak.  His wife, Julie (Audrey Totter), hates watching him get beat up and really wants him to quit the business.  However, Bill, sure he is just one punch away from the top spot, tells her that "when you're a fighter, you gotta fight."  So, certain he will be successful, he gets set for that night's fight, which will pit him---a 35 year-old---against an up-and-coming 23 year-old.

When Stoker hits the ring, he gives it everything he's got and puts up a fierce fight.  What he doesn't know, though, is that he is supposed to lose.  His manager already guaranteed Stoker's loss...only thing is, he failed to tell Stoker.  And when the powers-that-be are double-crossed, there's a price to pay.

According to Robert Osborne's introductory information, Robert Ryan considered Stoker Thompson to be his favorite role. I think he does a great job here, and it's easily one of my favorite Ryan roles as well. This film is out on DVD and should be quite easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!