Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)

My Review

“Somebody Up There Likes Me” is a sports drama film about the life story of middleweight boxing legend Rocky Graziano (1919-1990). This excellent film has quality production values, great writing, and memorable performances, tightly directed by Robert Wise (“The Sound of Music” 1965). It covers his entire life from a difficult childhood in New York City, gang affiliation, a stint in prison, being drafted into the Army, his family life, and involvement with boxing which gave him a measure of stability. The screenplay was penned by Ernest Lehman, adapted from Graziano’s 1955 autobiography of the same name.

Paul Newman heads the cast as Rocky Graziano, his first major film which made him a big star. The role was intended for James Dean, who passed away before production began. Co-stars include Pier Angeli as wife Norma, Eileen Heckart and Harold J. Stone as his parents, Everett Sloan, Sal Mineo, with small uncredited roles for Angela Cartwright, Dean Jones, George C. Scott, Steve McQueen, and Robert Loggia.

The watchable “Somebody Up There Likes Me” was popular at the box office for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning two for Best Cinematography – Black-and-White (Joseph Ruttenberg) and Best Film Editing. The non-winner was Best Art Direction. It was filmed at the venerable MGM Studios in Culver City.