(1976)

Submitted by Curt Wiederhoeft

POOPER:
Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) loses the fight.


LONG VERSION: (Submitted by Dan)
The movie begins as we meet small-time boxer from Philly named Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). He’s just scraping by, collecting debts for a loan shark and fighting in small local matches. The heavyweight champ, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), decides to give a local fighter a shot at the title when his original opponent can’t fight due to injury. They pick Rocky because of his nickname, “The Italian Stallion,” thinking it’ll be a good publicity stunt for the Bicentennial. Rocky starts dating Adrian (Talia Shire), who’s this shy pet shop worker, and he gets his old trainer, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), to help him prepare for what’s supposed to be a total mismatch. Adrian’s brother Paulie (Burt Young) plays a role too, kind of a rough around the edges guy but loyal to Rocky.

Fight night comes…Rocky actually knocks Apollo down in the first round, something no one expected. They go the distance, all fifteen rounds, and it’s a brutal fight. In the end, Apollo wins by a split decision, but Rocky proves he’s no pushover; he’s literally gone the distance with one of the best. He doesn’t win the title, but he wins something more important – respect, and he does it all for his own self-respect. He confesses to Adrian after the fight that he didn’t think he could win, but going the distance was his goal. They share a heartfelt moment, declaring their love for each other right there in the ring.

ACADEMY AWARDS:

Won:
Best Picture
Best Director (John G. Avildsen)
Best Film Editing (Richard Halsey and Scott Conrad)

Nominated for:
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Sylvester Stallone)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Burgess Meredith)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Talia Shire)
Best Original Screenplay (Sylvester Stallone)
Best Sound (Harry W. Tetrick, William L. McCaughey, Lyle J. Burbridge, Bud Alper)
Best Original Song (“Gonna Fly Now,” music by Bill Conti, lyrics by Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins)