Watched the original TV theatrical release on video recently of "Requiem
For A Heavyweight"; starring Jack Palance, Keenan & Ed Wynn and Kim
Hunter; shown on U.S. Steel Hour in 1956. The video featured interviews with Palance and Keenan Wynn, hosted by Jack Klugh (in color);
rest in B&W. Teleplay by Rod Serling; won 5 awards, including Emmy for
Serling. Directed by Ralph Nelson.
And what a heavyweight performance by all! The main casting problem was
with Ed Wynn, who had never played a serious role, only comedic. However, after false starts, conflicts, consternation and doubt, the decision was made to let Ed go
ahead, even though it was live, with no retakes. Fortunately, Ed came
through with flying colors. Highly recommended viewing.
Made into big screen version in 1961 or 62, with Anthony Quinn, Jackie
Gleason, Mickey Rooney and Muhammed Ali as the fighter who beats up
Quinn. Saw this film long ago and don't remember it well, so don't want
to make a comparsion of the two. Again directed by Nelson and scripted by
Serling with added footage. - AH
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Topic - "Requiem For A Heavyweight": The TV Theatrical Release - AudioHead 12:43:31 12/05/99 (2)
- Re: "Requiem For A Heavyweight": The TV Theatrical Release - TAFKA Steve 13:52:50 12/05/99 (1)
- Re: "Requiem For A Heavyweight": The TV Theatrical Release - AudioHead 10:04:28 12/07/99 (0)