Someone up there love me

Rocky Graziano is a teenager from a dysfunctional family, often beaten by his own father. He becomes a member of a street gang and is drawn into a series of criminal events. Soon he goes to prison , and after his release he was immediately sent to the army , but deserts from there. In search of money, Rocky begins to participate in boxing fights and discovers a talent for this matter: he scores a number of brilliant victories until army officials discover the fugitive.

The deserter is sent to serve in the disciplinary unit ( United States Disciplinary Barracks ), where he continues to improve his skills. Soon he met his friend’s sister, Norma, whom he would marry.

His career take-off is hindered by defeat in the fight with Tony Zale . Then blackmail , refusal of battle, interrogation , deprivation of the license for battles follow ...

• Paul Newman - Rocky Graziano
• Pierre Angeli - Norma Graziano
• Everett Sloan - Irving Cohen
• Eileen Heckart - Barbella, Rocky's mother
• Sal Mineo - Romolo
• Ray Stricklin - Bryson
• Robert Loggia - Frankie Peppo (uncredited)
• Steve McQueen - Fidel (uncredited)
• Frank Campanella (uncredited)
• Dean Jones (uncredited)

The role of Rocky Graziano was originally intended for James Dean , but he died shortly before the filming began. He was replaced by Paul Newman, for whom this was the second role inherited from Dean. He had previously starred in the television production of Champion. Newman’s previous film, the costume drama Silver Bowl, was a failure, and this time the actor approached his role as responsibly as possible. He insisted on two-week rehearsals before filming began. Newman spent a lot of time in the gym to convincingly look like a boxer, mastered boxing techniques, sparred with professionals, including Tony Zeil, who participated in the filming of the film, and also talked with Rocky Graziano himself ^[1] .

In the film, their debut roles were played by the later famous actors Frank Campanella , Robert Loggia and Dean Jones - all are not indicated in the credits; It is also one of the first Steve McQueen films. Eileen Heckart , playing Rocky's mother, is only 6 years older than Paul Newman .

• In 1957, the film received two Oscars for the best work of the production designer and for best cinematography , was nominated in the category "Best Editing" .
• In 1962, the film received the CEC Award (Italy) in the category "Best Foreign Actor" - Paul Newman .
• In 1957, the film was nominated for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Director, and the Screenwriters Guild of America Award for the Best Screenplay for American Drama.

• Someone up there loves me at tcm.com