The world looks at Billy Flynn and sees a has-been who seemingly never was, an ex-boxing champion slammed to the mat years ago by booze and gambling. But Billy's son TJ sees what the world doesn't. He knows his flawed but loving father is, was and always will be The Champ.
The Frances Marion screen story that became 1931's double Academy Award winner The Champ and 1953's The Clown is winningly updated in this heart-tugger directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starring Jon Voight, Faye Dunaway and Ricky Schroder. Voight plays Billy, the big-hearted brawler who returns to the ring to provide for his son after the boy's wealthy, estranged mother (Dunaway) begins to vie for the boys affection. And Schroder makes his feature-film debut a memorable one, winning a Golden Globe Award (Male New Star of the Year) for his honest and moving portrayal of the steadfast and loving son.