City for Conquest
Ex-Golden Gloves fighter Danny Kenny has it all worked out. He'll turn pro to bankroll his brother's dream of writing a symphonic paean to the teeming city where they both live: New York. But life pulls the sidewalk out from under Danny when he's blinded during a brutal 15-round welterweight title bout. James Cagney plays Danny in this heart-tugging melodrama co-starring Ann Sheridan, Anthony Quinn, film-debuting Arthur Kennedy and in a rare acting turn before becoming a director, Elia Kazan. Among familiar studio players, there's an unbilled one: a vivid backlot and rear-screen Manhattan. "Sometimes we wonder," The New York Times' Bosley Crowther wrote, "whether it wasn't really the Warner brothers who got New York from the Indians, so diligent and devoted have they been in feeling the great city's pulse."
Ruben Says to Write a Review @big pookie 57
I am the "Old Timer" Ruben speaks of and I am without words to describe how happy I was to hear the impact this film had on this young man. This movie was introduced to me as a youngster by my father whom I am proud to say inherited his love for the movies, especially the classics such as City for Conquest. Ruben is dead on accurate this movie, this tale is timeless. The message in this fine film is believable in any time period. The ganas, the deisire to better yourself for the sake of those you love with the gifts God gave you no matter the sacrifice or the cost of your own well being is played out like the musical symphony that echoes throughout the movie and it is due in most part to the stellar cast whose parts big or small are so dependent to the success of City for Conquest. James Cagney, Ann Sheridan, Frank Mchugh, Donald Crisp, Elias Kazan, Arthur Kennedy and a very young Anthony Quinn make this film one of my all time favorites. As Ruben says, Enjoy!
A beautiful movie @Ruben Campos
This is certainly one of my top ten movies. Funny how boxing movies can be so moving. City for Conquest, Rocky, Cinderella Man, Raging Bull, and even The Hammer. But really to title this as but another great boxing movie is to do it diservice. It is far more. This movie is about ambition, hope, and the strength that people gather to overcome the tough life they were born into. James Cagney, Ann Sheridan and the rest are real actors. The plot is simple but compelling and poetic. Just the score brings me to tears. Carrying on so long about the beauty of this movie seems trite, and certainly far from creative; however, beyond praise, I really don't feel there is anything more to be said. Perhaps though I may need to clarify something for my generation - as I'm only 25 and was only blessed with this movie through the guidance of my own 'Old Timer'. Well kids, this movie is not campy, it is a real movie. It is not old, its timeless. And if you're not in tears by the end I suggest you talk to a counsler and find out exactly where your heart went. I promise you'll love this movie, even if you don't already know Cagney or motion pictures from the 40's. I might even promise if you watch this, you'll soon be watching other classic Cagney movies. Next stop Angels with Dirty Faces. But first City For Conquest. Enjoy