The Set-Up – Review

It’s boxing night. Down goes one fighter, out on the mat. Audience members debate the right bets to place and what the best odds are. Tonight's docket features Bill “Stoker” Thompson (Ryan), an aged boxer who is all of 35, but well past his prime. His opponent is a young and fresh kid, Tiger Nelson (Fieberling). Meanwhile, gangster Danny and Stoker’s manager Tiny (Tobias) talk about fight ‘insurance’ against accidents on the wrong results.

Nelson is to carry the round for two heats, and then Stoker is to go down. Tiny assures his compatriot that this is the plan, and pockets some money. Only thing is, Stoker himself does not know about these events. He feels like he can take the kid down that evening… he can feel it. Stoker’s wife Julie (Totter) worries about her husband, as he has been catching a string of fight losses, and doesn’t expect this will be any different. She has a headache and decides to skip this event. She has seen enough of him getting beaten.

As Stoker goes in to the match with a full head of steam, there is a lot riding on his loss. He knows he is just one punch away from getting a real money payout, and rematches for some of his losses. He wants that top spot, and a bigger purse. Julie just wants to keep what they’ve got, but he is ready to get some dough, and maybe even train some younger fighters. So, what will happen with a fighter who’s supposed to take a dive, but doesn’t know it?!

The acting works just fine in this quick moving boxer drama. The criminal and betting elements feel like they fit into most any sports story, and especially the modern world of boxing matches. The script is fine and dialogue fits the late 40s time period without being too hammy or corny. The director kept the flick zipping along, and it holds a short runtime overall. While not an absolute classic, it isn’t bad at all!