Killer McCoy (1947)

A kid (Mickey Rooney) from the slums slowly rises to the top of the boxing ranks with the assistance of a big time gambler (Brian Donlevy). Complications arise when the boxer and the gambler's daughter (Ann Blyth) fall in love against his wishes. Directed by Roy Rowland (5000 FINGERS OF DR. T.), this is a remake of the 1938 THE CROWD ROARS. It's a straight forward uncomplicated piece with a solid performance from Rooney, quite different from the Andy Hardy or Judy Garland musicals that MGM kept putting him in. He and Blyth make an attractive and appealing romantic pair. The final boxing match has genuine tension. James Dunn as Rooney's deadbeat alcoholic father milks the part for all its worth (and even beyond). Co-starring Tom Tully, Sam Levene, Gloria Holden and in a touching performance as a washed up fighter trying for a comeback, Mickey Knox.