Written by Rod(Twilight Zone)Serling and directed by Ralph Nelson. REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT is a genuine classic. Mountain Rivera(Anthony Quinn)is a tired and worn out heavyweight that was once ranked Number 5. He's come to the end of his career after being knocked out by Cassius Clay. His manager Maish Rennick(Jackie Gleason) is waist deep in debt to the mob and tries his best to use Mountain to garner fast money. Julie Harris befriends the not exactly handsome fighter and tries to help with a career change. Mickey Rooney is his 'corner man' and just wants to see the fighter survive with dignity.
This heartfelt flick has an interesting supporting cast that features: Stanley Adams, Madame Spivy, Rory Calhoun, and two champs Jack Dempsey and Muhammad Ali.
This heartfelt flick has an interesting supporting cast that features: Stanley Adams, Madame Spivy, Rory Calhoun, and two champs Jack Dempsey and Muhammad Ali.