Tuesday's Overlooked Films: Body and Soul

This 1947 film noir/boxing movie stars John Garfield in one of his best roles for my money. He's funny, witty, brooding, and tough. The servioeable plot is similar to many of the boxing movies of the day where Garfield is a champ. He's paid to throw a big fight, and he undergoes a big moral crisis over whether he will or not to take a dive. Good to see William Conrad gets a meaty role as Garfield's shifty manager. I always thought Conrad didn't get enough credit as an actor. Lilli Palmer as Garfield's somewhat naive fiancee does a wonderful job as she slowly realizes what the dirty fighting racket is all about and pressures Garfield to get out before it's too late. Canada Lee is the black boxer Garfield defeats and then befriends to be his trainer. Watch for Roberts, the mobster chieftain who wants to own Garfield's body and his soul, too, if it is possible. IMDb.com rates Body and Soul as an impressive 7.7/10.0, but I go with a 9.0 at least. Recommended for John Garfield and film noir fans.