Customer Reviews

Dempsey

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When Dempsey was released as a TV movie in 1983, it was presented at 2 hours 24 minutes (minus commercials). Years later, the film was released on VHS with at least ten minutes cut and a sex scene inserted! Well, it's 2005, and finally Dempsey is on DVD the way it was presented in its original cut.

As far as the story, it follows all the major parts of his life pretty accurately. Treat Williams is terrific as the Manassa Mauler. Sam Waterston, in the role in which I always identify him, plays the perfect foxy Jack Kearns.

The fight reinactments are just downright creepy, especially Dempsey's title-winning fight against Jess Willard. If you ever see old films of the actual fight, and then watch this, you will literally be staring open-mouthed at the accuracy director Gus Trikonis applied, not just the settings but the casting as well.

Boxing historians may point out a few glicks here and there. However overall, this film has garnered praise from fight fans and non-fight fans alike. There are no extra features on the DVD except for subtitles, but I can't complain. I'm just happy to finally get it!

I am not a big fan of Treat Williams or of "Made For TV Movies" especially in the 1980s where production values were usually and noticeably quite bad.

HOWEVER, I was pleasantly shocked and surprised at this movie!!! Treat Williams was terrific and the production values were first rate. Instead of a 90 minute cut and condensed to make room for commercials movie, this must have been shown over 2 nights as the movie is nearly 2 1/2 hours long, lovingly made and crafted and attention to detail is clearly shown throughout.

The cast is first rate: Sally Kellerman as Dempsey's first wife, Sam Waterston as "Doc" Kearns, Peter Mark Richman as "Tex" Rickard and Victoria Tennant as Dempsey's second wife Estelle Taylor.

The movie only goes up to the two fights with Gene Tunney (whom someone should make a movie of him too!!!)which is 1926-27.

If you are a boxing fan to any degree, I highly recommend you purchase this DVD. The price is dirt cheap and you won't be disappointed.

I agree with the comments made here about the fight sequences: They are quite good and considering they are in a made for tv movie, actually incredible.

Buy this movie with both hands!!!!!! :)

DEMPSEY WAS A KNOCKOUT FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. IT WAS A VERY INFORMATIVE MOVIE AND I THOUGHT WAS VERY ACCURATE OF HIS LIFE. THE ACTING WAS TOP NOTCH FOR EVERY CHARACTER. I LOVE THE BOXERS OF OLD AND THIS WAS EXACTLY WHAT I THOUGHT AND HOPED IT WOULD BE.

"Dempsey" is a believable look at the life and times of Jack Dempsey, and the fight scenes are well-staged. RPD

This is more of a dragged out love story with Dempsey than a good boxing movie.Good ending.

This is a great movie of a great Boxer Jack Dempsey.It's a must see!!