Archie Mayo directed The Life of Jimmy Dolan (released in the UK as The Kid’s Last Fight), is pre-Code film starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Loretta Young.
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Theatrical release poster
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John Wayne has a small supporting role as a frightened boxer in The Life of Jimmy Dolan.
The story was based on Bertram Millhauser’s 1933 play, “Sucker.”
The film was remade in 1939 as They Made Me a Criminal, a better film starring Joh Garfield and the Dead End Kids.
Southpaw boxer Jimmy Dolan claims that he believes in clean living outside the ring, but he is a cynic when no one’s looking.
Blonde vixen Goldie West gets him drunk after a fight. Then when reporter Magee plans to write about Jimmy’s behavior, a punch in the face accidentally kills Magee.
With the fighter certain to face charges and incarceration, his manager Doc Woods makes off with Jimmy’s money and watch.
Driving away with Goldie, they end up in fiery car crash and are killed. Doc’s face is unrecognizable, and because he’s wearing Jimmy’s watch, it is believed the boxer is dead.
Detective Phlaxer is unconvinced. The watch is on the wrong wrist for a left-hander. Jimmy, trying to take advantage of the situation and begin a new life, disappears.
On the verge of starvation, he comes across a farm run for crippled children by Peggy and her aunt. He helps them with the kids as thanks for their hospitality.
A charity match against boxer King Cobra is arranged to raise needed money for the farm’s mortgage.
A photograph of Daugherty makes it obvious to Phlaxer that fugitive Jimmy Dolan is alive. He intends to take him into custody, but upon seeing how Jimmy’s life has changed for the better, the detective lets him remain free.
Cast
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as Jimmy Dolan
Loretta Young as Peggy
Aline MacMahon as Auntie (Mrs. Moore)
Guy Kibbee as Phlaxer
Lyle Talbot as Doc Woods
Fifi D’Orsay as Budgie
Harold Huber as Reggie Newman
Shirley Grey as Goldie West (uncredited)
George Meeker as Charles Magee (uncredited)
John Wayne as Boxer
Arthur Hohl as Herman Malvin (uncredited)
Mickey Rooney as Freckles (uncredited)
George Chandler as Boxing Handler
Credits:
Directed by Archie Mayo
Screenplay by David Boehm, Erwin S. Gelsey, based on “Sucker” (1933 play) by Bertram Millhauser and Beulah Marie Dix
Cinematography Arthur Edeson
Edited by Herbert I. Leeds
Production and distribution: Warner Bros.
Release date: June 3, 1933
Running time 88 minutes
