One of the most memorable sports dramas because of its strong character development, Requiem for a Heavyweight is carried by Anthony Quinn as the washed-up boxer Mountain Rivera, and Jackie Gleason as his sleazy manager, Maish Rennick. In the opening scenes, Cassius Clay — before he became Muhammad Ali — knocks out Rivera in a stunning fight sequence. Riveras career is over, and although his trainer Army (Mickey Rooney) and a social worker (Julie Harris) encourage him with vain hopes for an alternate career, the boxers courage is stronger than his addled senses, a serious barrier to getting any job. Then Riveras manager Rennick breaks down and tells him he has lost a gambling bet against the fighter and needs him to bail him out — by becoming a wrestler. The question is, will Rivera take this humiliating path just to save his unethical manager, or will he stick to his scruples and reject the idea? ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide