Gentleman Jim (Warner Bros.) (1942)

‘Gentleman Jim’ New Strand Film Attraction The days of the bustle, the stiff collar, striped silk shirts, bowler hats—and James J. Corbett, first heavyweight champion of the world under the Marquis of Queensberry rules, are recreated in the Strand Theatre’s coming attraction, “Gentleman Jim.” The Warner Bros. picture starts its engagement on Friday. “Gentleman Jim” tells the story of Corbett’s life. Highlighting the film is a reenactment of the now classic John L. Sullivan-Corbett fight in New Orleans on September 7, 1892. Co-starring Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith, the forthcoming picture includes Jack Carson, Alan Hale, John Loder, William Frawley, Minor Watson and Ward Bond as John L., in its supporting cast. Raoul Walsh, who handled such action hits as “High Sierra,” “They Died With Their Boots On” and “Desperate Journey,” directed from the screen play by Vincent Lawrence and Horace McCoy. The Strand film starts with Corbett a San Francisco bank clerk. Winning an _ exhibition bout, Corbett begins his professional career. After spectacular wins over such leading men of the period as Joe Choynski and Jake Kilrain, Corbett meets the mighty John L. and gains the heavyweight crown. 2 (Lead Story) ‘Gentleman Jim’ Opens Friday At the Strand “Gentleman Jim,” Warner Bros.’ filmization of the life of James J. Corbett, will be the Strand Theatre’s next feature attraction. The picture will start its engagement at the theatre on Friday. Starring Errol Flynn as Corbett and: Alexis Smith, “Gentleman Jim” is the spirited account of the exciting 1880’s and the famous Gay Nineties. Highlighting the picture are the climactic scenes of the James: J. Corbett-John L. Sullivan championship bout, now a classic in the annals of sports history. “Gentleman Jim” starts its story in the San Francisco of the 1880’s where society met the other half as it gathered to watch the legally-banned fighting matches down around Market Street and the Embarcadero. In constant attendance at these bouts were James J. Corbett and his friend from the bank where they both worked, Walter Lowrie (Jack Carson). Meets Vicki Ware The ambitious Corbett meets Vicki Ware, Alexis Smith’s role, at the bank and through her crashes the exclusive Olympia. Club, formed by the millionaires of Comstock Lode fame. At the club, Corbett meets the new, imported from England boxing instructor who has been hired to instruct the members in the Marquis of Queensberry rules. : Jack Burke (Art Foster), former English champion, comes to town and the club members, anxious to see the brash Corbett taken down a peg, arrange an exhibition bout between the two. Corbett wins his first box —ine—mateh with a knockout.in the early rounds. At the dance following the bout, Lowrie offends the aristocratic club members and he and Corbett are ejected. The next morning the two find themselves in Salt Lake City with Corbett under contract to Billy Delaney (William Frawley) as a fighter. Started on his professional career, Corbett rapidly wins fame for himself with a series of spectacular victories over such men as Joe Choynski and Jake Kilrain, top-notch fighters of the period. A now-popular national hero, Corbett is set to meet the master of them all, John L. Sullivan (Ward Bond). Corbett Wins The bout is finally arranged for September 7, 1892, in New Orleans. Vicki secretly provides Corbett with the money for the match, hoping to see Sullivan beat Corbett, whom she still dislikes because he has not lost his Irish conceit. Corbett, fighting a scientific bout against the slow, slugging Sullivan, knocks him out in the 21st round of a scheduled finish fight to become the first heavyweight champion of the world under the Marquis of Queensberry rules. After the fight, Sullivan comes to the celebration party to give Corbett his famous championship belt. In the scene that follows—Sullivan wishing his successor luck and Corbett paying gallant tribute to the vanquished champion — Vicki realizes she loves Corbett. Director Raoul Walsh, Warner Bros.’ ace megger of action films, handled the picture in the same manner that made “High Sierra,” “They Died With Their Boots On” and “Desperate Journey” popular. Jack Carson, Alan Hale as Corbett’s father, John Loder, Minor Watson, William Frawley and Ward Bond head the supporting cast. Vincent Lawrence and Horace McCoy did the screen play.