Winner Take All is an early talkie, and it shows. It has an extremely simple story, not much character development, and a short running time. James Cagney certainly tries to make his character different and the ones he usually plays, but it's not enough to save this very basic movie. He plays a boxer who's been hit in the head too many times and needs to rest. While in on a health retreat in Tijuana, he meets the poor simpering female (Marian Nixon) who has a heart of gold and desperately needs his help. But while she loves him as a nobody, the blonde chiseler (Virginia Bruce) only loves him when he is on the up-and-up.
Both women are pretty much stereotypes, so there's not much suspense as to who Jimmy will eventually choose and how he will choose her. If you love James Cagney, you can watch it; it's only an hour long. But I would much rather watch Requiem for a Heavyweight (either version) instead.
Both women are pretty much stereotypes, so there's not much suspense as to who Jimmy will eventually choose and how he will choose her. If you love James Cagney, you can watch it; it's only an hour long. But I would much rather watch Requiem for a Heavyweight (either version) instead.
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