Hey I’m not making this blog The History Channel or Discovery. And I’m not trying to promote an American movie either. But the reason I picked this old black and white American film to write about is, most of the people and I agree that this is the actual first serious boxing film in the history.
The film is the collection of Library of Congress Digitized Historical Collections: LC Early Motion Pictures. To me, it’s more like a documentary of a real boxing match, not a movie. The making was a real prize fight shot on June 14 1984 at the Edison Black Maria studio in West Orange, New Jersey. Six rounds of a cut 10-round fight.
Picture from American Memory: Early Motion Picture (1897-1920) http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/h?ammem/papr:@field(NUMBER+@band(edmp+4026))
Here’s the synopsis:
An actual six-round competition between Mike Leonard, commonly called the “Beau Brummel” of pugilism, and Jack Cushing. Full of toughly hard fighting, clever hits, aggressive punches, leads, dodges, body blows and some slugging. Sold by rounds. Each round contains 150 feet. Price each round, 22.50.
The film was directed by Enoch Rector. It got Michael Leonard and Jack Cushing star themselves.
I believe this was one of the first inspirations for some groups of people to see and learn more about boxing. It would be such a great opportunity if you have a chance to see this boxing documentary film.