The Champ

The Champ

121 mins | Drama | July 10, 1979

Billy used to be a great boxer, but he's settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence — his young son, T.J. Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie, left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to his son, Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.

The Champ

121 mins | Drama | July 10, 1979

The Champ
Billy used to be a great boxer, but he's settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence — his young son, T.J. Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie, left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to his son, Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.
IMDb rating 6.8
Producers Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Hialeah Park Studios
Original title The Champ
Directors Doris Grau, David Silver, Franco Zeffirelli
Writers Frances Marion, Walter Newman

Cast

Jon Voight

as Billy

Faye Dunaway

as Annie

Ricky Schroder

as T.J.

Jack Warden

as Jackie

Arthur Hill

as Mike

Strother Martin

as Riley

Joan Blondell

as Dolly Kenyon

Mary Jo Catlett

as Josie

Elisha Cook Jr.

as Georgie

Stefan Gierasch

as Charlie Goodman

Allan Miller

as Whitey

Jeff Blum

as Jeffie

Dana Elcar

as Hoffmaster

Randall 'Tex' Cobb

as Bowers

Gina Gallego

as Cuban Girl

Jody Wilson

as Mrs. Riley

Bob Gordon

as TV Reporter

Gene Picchi

as Dolly's Trainer

Anne Logan

as Horse Owner

Bill Baldwin

as Race Track Announcer

Rita Turner

as Lady at the Rail

Dorothy Streisin

as Dolly's Guest

Lionel Dozier

as Hot Walker

Charles W. Camac

as Head Starter

David Peden

as Ship's Captain

William Fuller

as Steward

Vanna Salviati

as Pitch Lady

Ernesto Molinari

as Bar Patron

Robert Sutton

as Second Gambler

Philip Tuersky

as Bartender

Micki Varro

as Nikki

Geoff Marlowe

as Security Guard

George Stidham

as Exercise Rider

Willie White

as Willie

Curtis Jackson

as Sparring Partner

Wally Rose

as Bowers' Manager

Dick Young

as Referee

Sonny Shields

as Bowers' Handler #1

Larry Duran

as Bowers' Handler #2

Lars Hensen

as Ring Doctor

Jeff Temkin

as Ring Announcer

Joe Tornatore

as Hesh