The Champ - 1931

Wallace Beery actually got one less vote than Fredric March in the 1931/1932 Academy Awards voting for best actor, but the rules at the time considered anyone with one or two votes less than the leader as being in a tie. So both got Academy Awards.

This film ranked second as best picture in the 1932 Film Daily poll of national critics, being beaten only by Grand Hotel (1932).

Although the AFI Catalogue specifies the world premiere was in Hollywood (at Grauman's Chinese Theater) on 13 November 1931, the New York Times review of 10 November 1931 says "last night [it] succeeded in stirring the emotions of an audience in the Astor..." Since the review concludes that the film is AT THE ASTOR, it seems likely that it was ready for public viewing immediately. The AFI Catalogue world premiere statement is probably wrong, and that it was just a Hollywood premiere.

Continuity: During the fight, The Champ sustains a cut above his left eye, but when he goes back to his corner it is gone. The cut comes back when the fighting resumes and stays for the duration of the film.

Cast of The Champ

Wallace Beery Champ

Jackie Cooper Dink

Irene Rich Linda

Roscoe Ates Sponge (as Rosco Ates)

Edward Brophy Tim

Hale Hamilton Tony

Jesse Scott Jonah

Marcia Mae Jones Mary Lou