Good concept, poorly executed.

Watch something else. There are very few redeeming qualities to this film.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

I am somewhat biased against movies from before the panoramic era, but this movie was terrific. Errol Flynn, who always struck me as a pencil moustached dandy, was simply outstanding as the original dancing boxer, Gentleman Jim Corbett. According to background information, Flynn was a bit of a boxer himself, and it showed in his technique -- lets put it this way, as a boxer he blows away Sylvester Stallone. My one criticism would be of Ward Bond's fighting style -- he acted as though every jab nearly took his head off. Outside of the fighting scenes, Flynn's charisma carries the movie. His acting is subdued and effective. I cannot say the same for his leading lady. She gave a typical overwrought 1940s performance, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this film.

I loved this movie and thought Flynn was outstanding. He obviously worked hard to get in shape for this film. I've noticed that he put on a few pounds after The Prince and the Pauper, and seemed to have kept them on until 1941. He looks heavy to me in several films of the '30's, with man boobs and chubby thighs. Which look embarrassing in those thigh-high boots.So I was so pleased to see how lean he is in this movie. The planes of his face arrested me. I have to ask, though: would it have killed him to have lifted a few weights? He might have had a wicked left hook, but without any muscles in his arms, could he have hurt anybody?

All through cinema history, it seems Boxing makes a great subject for movies. This Bio of Gentlemen Jim Corbett is no exception. Erroll Flynn is in top form in the title role despite health problems. Alexis Smith is solid as the love interest. William Frawley is not given a lot as his manager but does well with what he has.There's plenty of frolic around as Corbett fights his way through many to meet the great John L Sullivan in a fight considered the fight of the century when it happened. Alan Hale Sr. is Corbett's dad. This boxing epic directed by Raoul Walsh is as good as they come in this era.Warner Brothers was gearing up for war movies when they released this one and it is a solid effort all around. Well worth watching.

Those fight crowds are about the last word in boisterous enthusiasm, making this one of the noisiest films of the period. Nonetheless, the production is expertly done by a crew of Warner Bros. veterans. Note how skillfully a humorous touch is blended into the screenplay, and how smoothly Flynn plays the brashly charming Irishman. Also, I really like the romantic angle between Corbett and Victoria (Smith). It's anything but the usual sappy Hollywood romance. They trade barbs throughout, but are still able to convey an underlying affection.The movie's also a good little glimpse of how prize fighting evolved into a sport using the Marquis of Queensbury rules. Corbett is able to best bigger and stronger opponents because of the boxing skills favored by the rules, skills especially evident in his match against the brawling Sullivan (Bond). To his credit, Flynn apparently did all the boxing moves himself without the aid of a double. Of course, the movie highlight is the wonderfully played reconciliation scene between the old champ and the new. There Bond and Flynn prove that if you have a basic level of sensitivity, you don't have to be an Oscar caliber actor to effectively move an audience.Anyway, I could have used a little less mock brawling among the Corbett family. But everything is brought off in such smooth light-hearted fashion, it's hard to complain too strongly. All in all, the movie shows the kind of seamless craftsmanship old Hollywood could occasionally come up with.