

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

IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch



Cast

Robert Ryan
Stoker

Audrey Totter
Julie

George Tobias
Tiny

Alan Baxter
Little Boy

Wallace Ford
Gus

Percy Helton
Red

Hal Baylor
Tiger Nelson

Darryl Hickman
Shanley

Kevin O'Morrison
Moore

James Edwards
Luther Hawkins

David Clarke
Gunboat Johnson

Phillip Pine
Souza
Crew

Robert Wise
Director

Robert Wise
Screenplay

Milton Krasner
Director of Photography

Dore Schary
Producer

Albert S. D'Agostino
Art Direction
Popular Reviews
59 reviews
Luca Trumfio
5.0★ · 06/02/26

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
narraps
10.0★ · 05/16/26

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.
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.
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.
Jacob Paddison
7.0★ · 03/20/26

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.
Jonathan
8.0★ · 02/16/26

“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.
JakeR8
7.0★ · 01/26/26

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