The Set-Up backdrop
The Set-Up logo
1949·Drama·1h 13m
7.1
Expecting the usual loss, a boxing manager takes bribes from a betting gangster without telling his fighter.
Directed by Robert Wise
transporter
sports
gambling
boxer
film noir
boxing

Cast

Robert Ryan
Robert Ryan
Stoker
Audrey Totter
Audrey Totter
Julie
George Tobias
George Tobias
Tiny
Alan Baxter
Alan Baxter
Little Boy
Wallace Ford
Wallace Ford
Gus
Percy Helton
Percy Helton
Red
Hal Baylor
Hal Baylor
Tiger Nelson
Darryl Hickman
Darryl Hickman
Shanley
Kevin O'Morrison
Kevin O'Morrison
Moore
James Edwards
James Edwards
Luther Hawkins
David Clarke
David Clarke
Gunboat Johnson
Phillip Pine
Phillip Pine
Souza

Crew

Robert Wise
Robert Wise
Director
Robert Wise
Robert Wise
Screenplay
Milton Krasner
Milton Krasner
Director of Photography
Dore Schary
Dore Schary
Producer
Albert S. D'Agostino
Albert S. D'Agostino
Art Direction

Popular Reviews

59 reviews
Luca Trumfio
Luca Trumfio
The Set-Up
boxing films are probably my favorite films but i just don’t understand why this is so highly praised
boxing films are probably my favorite films but i just don’t understand why this is so highly praised
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narraps
narraps
The Set-Up
The Set-Up directed by Robert Wise has quickly become one of my favorite films from the 1940s. Its plot and storyline felt incredibly fresh and unique, especially for its time, and it delivered an intensity that kept me completely invested from beginning to end. The way the film builds tension throughout the boxing match is outstanding. Every moment feels stressful, raw, and unpredictable, making it impossible not to get hyped up about who would come out on top.

What impressed me most was how realistic and emotional the movie felt. Instead of focusing only on the action, the film also dives into the struggles, pressure, and exhaustion behind the sport, which made the story even more engaging. Robert Ryan gave a spectacular performance as Stoker, bringing so much emotion and authenticity to the role that I genuinely felt connected to his character and situation. His performance made the tension of every scene hit even harder.

Overall, The Set-Up is a beautifully crafted film that combines suspense, emotion, and strong performances in a way that still feels powerful decades later. It is definitely one of the most memorable and unique films I have seen from the 40s.
The Set-Up directed by Robert Wise has quickly become one of my favorite films from the 1940s. Its plot and storyline felt incredibly fresh and unique, especially for its time, and it delivered an intensity that kept me completely invested from beginning to end. The way the film builds tension throughout the boxing match is outstanding. Every moment feels stressful, raw, and unpredictable, making it impossible not to get hyped up about who would come out on top.

What impressed me most was how realistic and emotional the movie felt. Instead of focusing only on the action, the film also dives into the struggles, pressure, and exhaustion behind the sport, which made the story even more engaging. Robert Ryan gave a spectacular performance as Stoker, bringing so much emotion and authenticity to the role that I genuinely felt connected to his character and situation. His performance made the tension of every scene hit even harder.

Overall, The Set-Up is a beautifully crafted film that combines suspense, emotion, and strong performances in a way that still feels powerful decades later. It is definitely one of the most memorable and unique films I have seen from the 40s.
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Jacob Paddison
Jacob Paddison
The Set-Up
Lean mean noir about the oldest boxer in Paradise City who's still got something to prove, blissfully unaware that his manager is in cahoots with some gangsters to fix his next match. This is 72 minutes of blood, sweat, tears, and spit flying across the ring every time a punch lands, and brother, the punches land.
Lean mean noir about the oldest boxer in Paradise City who's still got something to prove, blissfully unaware that his manager is in cahoots with some gangsters to fix his next match. This is 72 minutes of blood, sweat, tears, and spit flying across the ring every time a punch lands, and brother, the punches land.
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Jonathan
Jonathan
The Set-Up
“i can’t fight no more.”

this is so stripped down it almost feels modern. one night, one fight, and this heavy sense that time has already passed the main character by. the real-time structure makes everything feel immediate, like you’re stuck waiting for something bad to happen. it’s tough, fatalistic, and surprisingly emotional. just sharp, no wasted movement.
“i can’t fight no more.”

this is so stripped down it almost feels modern. one night, one fight, and this heavy sense that time has already passed the main character by. the real-time structure makes everything feel immediate, like you’re stuck waiting for something bad to happen. it’s tough, fatalistic, and surprisingly emotional. just sharp, no wasted movement.
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JakeR8
JakeR8
The Set-Up
Took me by surprise how good this was. A fantastic boxing film with sharp dialogue, a tight story, and fight scenes that are really fun to watch. But my favourite part was the crowd, the audience was packed with so many colourful, unique characters that add so much life to the film
Took me by surprise how good this was. A fantastic boxing film with sharp dialogue, a tight story, and fight scenes that are really fun to watch. But my favourite part was the crowd, the audience was packed with so many colourful, unique characters that add so much life to the film
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