CLIMAX!: THE CHAMPION (TV)
Summary
One in this dramatic anthology series. In this program, flashbacks depict the rise and fall of boxing champion Midge Kelly. As Kelly spars in preparation for his upcoming title defense against tough Jack Riley, his new manager Harris recounts his fighter's life for a journalist. Although Harris attempts to portray Kelly as a solid citizen, the portrait of the champ's life that emerges is of quite a different figure. Born in the violent slums of Chicago's south side into a motherless home with a drunken, abusive father, young Midge earns his meager subsistence by throwing fights. Fortunately, he is discovered by a manager named Haley. Although Haley guides him to the championship, the boxer betrays his manager and his loving wife Emma as soon as he earns the title. As he begins to lead a dissolute life, Midge appears to be perched for a precipitous fall. Includes promos.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: March 31, 1955 8:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:51:57
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: T:16193
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; Boxers
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1954-1958
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Promos - "Climax!: Private Worlds"
CREDITS
- Martin Manulis … Producer
- Edgar Peterson … Associate Producer
- Allen Reisner … Director
- Ring Lardner … Writer, Based on the story by
- Rod Serling … Adapted by
- Bill Lundigan … Host
- Art Gilmore … Announcer
- Rory Calhoun … Cast, Midge Kelly
- Geraldine Brooks … Cast, Emma Hersch
- Ray Collins … Cast, Harris
- Wallace Ford … Cast, Bunko Kelly
- Wally Brown … Cast, Haley
- Tommy Cook … Cast, Connie
- Lewis Charles … Cast, Hersch
- Peggy Maley … Cast, Grace
- Charlott Knight … Cast, Mrs. McPherson
- John Craven … Cast, the Reporter
- Tommy Garland … Cast, the Fighter
- Richard Monda … Cast, Midge (as a boy)
- Steve Roberts … Cast, Connie (as a boy)