The Champ (1931)

In the heart of Tijuana, lives the rough-cut, former world heavyweight boxing champion, Andy "Champ" Purcell. His aura is a cocktail of raw strength and self-destruction, his boxing career derailed by an insatiable thirst for alcohol. Despite the odds, he dreams of comeback glory, a dream threatened by his penchant for the bottle. But in this gritty world, Andy isn't alone. His adolescent son, Dink, stands as his steadfast defender, displaying an unwavering devotion to his father, untouched by the filth of their circumstances. Their meager existence takes a hopeful turn when a gambling windfall lands Andy a racehorse. Inspired by Dink's dream, they christen the horse 'Little Champ' and step into the world of racetracks, a stark contrast to their humble life. At the racetrack, Dink's life intertwines with the sophisticated racehorse owner, Linda Carleton. Unbeknownst to him, she is his biological mother, a secret that unravels, leaving him torn between two worlds. Linda, accompanied by her affluent husband Tony, doesn't bear any ill-will towards her ex-husband, Andy. However, she believes Dink deserves a life far from the squalor and unpredictability that Andy's world presents. The Carletons desire custody of Dink, a proposition that sends shockwaves through the fragile fabric of Andy and Dink's life. As Andy spirals further into his vices, landing him in jail after a drunken spree, he is pushed to acknowledge that Dink's rightful place might be with his mother. Dink, torn by his love for his father and the allure of a better life, is caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Yet, his unwavering loyalty pulls him back to Andy's side, sparking a newfound determination in the fallen boxer. With Dink's return, Andy is compelled to step back into the boxing ring, fuelled by a desire to create a better life for his son. As he trains for a grueling match with the Mexican champion, Andy must confront his demons, his past, and his potential future. 'The Champ' is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a world where dreams are as fragile as the men who dare to dream them.

The Champ is a drama movie featuring Wallace Beery and directed by King Vidor.

It is possible to buy The Champ on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.