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[[Category:1940s drama films]]
[[Category:1940s drama films]]
[[Category:American drama films]]
[[Category:American drama films]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1880s]]

[[Category:Films set in the 1890s]]
[[Category:1940s historical films]]
[[Category:American historical films]]


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Revision as of 19:47, 14 June 2018

The Great John L.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byFrank Tuttle
Screenplay byJames Edward Grant
Produced byJames Edward Grant
Frank R. Mastroly
StarringLinda Darnell
Barbara Britton
Greg McClure
Otto Kruger
Wallace Ford
George Mathews
CinematographyJames Van Trees
Edited byTed Bellinger
Music byVictor Young
Production
company
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • May 25, 1945 (1945-05-25)
Running time
96 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budgetapprox $900,000[1]

The Great John L. is a 1945 American biographical drama film directed by Frank Tuttle and written by James Edward Grant. The film stars Linda Darnell, Barbara Britton, Greg McClure, Otto Kruger, Wallace Ford and George Mathews. The film was released on May 25, 1945, by United Artists.[2][3]

Plot

In 1880, when bareknuckle fighting is still condoned. John L. Sullivan chooses boxing over baseball and becomes known as "the Boston Strong Boy" after his victory over established prizefighter John Flood.

Sullivan's sweetheart, Kathy Harkness, refuses his marriage proposal, unhappy about how he has chosen to make a living. After he wins the heavyweight championship, Sullivan buys a tavern and begins drinking too much of his own product. He also meets New York singer Anne Livingston, marrying her on the rebound from Kathy and traveling the world, meeting British royalty while fighting abroad.

Sullivan's ego and alcoholism grow out of control. Anne realizes he still loves Kathy and leaves him, but Kathy still disapproves of his life. Sullivan is defeated by "Gentleman" Jim Corbett, loses the heavyweight crown and also loses his saloon, due to growing debts. Anne, too, becomes bankrupt as well as terminally ill. Sullivan vows to turn his life around, speaking on behalf of temperance unions as Kathy sees a glimmer of hope for their future.

Cast

References

  1. ^ "Indies $70,000,000 Pix Output". Variety: 3. 3 November 1944. Retrieved 26 July 2016. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  2. ^ "The Great John L. (1945) - Overview - TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  3. ^ "The Great John L." TV Guide. Retrieved 13 October 2014.