The Great John L.

Greg McClure stars in this boxing biopic as the brash "Boston Strong Boy," John L. Sullivan, the bare-knuckle heavyweight champion of the world from 1882 to 1892. One victory follows another, and Sullivan's head and pockets swell, but, as he gets used to being the champ, Sullivan takes to drinking and carousing and abandons his training discipline. When the dapper James J. Corbett (Rory Calhoun) wins the title from the flabby champ (see GENTLEMAN JIM), the not-so-great John L. loses his girl and his self-respect, sinking into the gutter. Don't bet that he'll stay there for too long though. A strong film on almost every level, THE GREAT JOHN L. boasts excellent peri...