The Champ (1931 film)

The Champ is a 1931 American pre-Code sports drama film directed by King Vidor and starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper. The story centers on a washed-up, alcoholic boxer, Andy "Champ" Purcell (Beery), and his adoring young son, Dink (Cooper).

The film chronicles the Champ's attempts to regain his former glory and be a worthy father to Dink, despite his self-destructive tendencies. He struggles with gambling and alcohol, often leaving Dink to fend for himself. Dink, fiercely loyal and deeply attached to his father, believes in the Champ's potential despite his flaws.

The plot thickens when Champ's estranged wife, Linda (Irene Rich), now remarried into wealth, re-enters their lives. She wants to provide Dink with a better life, which leads to a custody battle and forces Champ to make difficult choices.

The Champ is notable for its emotional impact and the strong performances of Beery and Cooper, particularly the famous tearful scenes. It explores themes of father-son relationships, redemption, poverty, and social class. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning Academy Awards for Best Actor (Wallace Beery) and Best Original Story. It remains a classic example of early Hollywood melodrama.

A remake of The Champ was released in 1979, starring Jon Voight and Ricky Schroder.