Body and Soul

Director: Robert Rossen
Actors: John Garfield, Lilli Palmer, Hazel Brooks
PlotCharley Davis, an ambitious young man from a poor neighborhood, dreams of making it big in the boxing world. His mother, who wishes for him to pursue a more stable and respectable career, reluctantly supports him after his father's tragic death. Charley's talent in the ring quickly gains attention, and he is soon taken under the wing of the unscrupulous promoter, Roberts. As Charley's career takes off, he falls for Peg Born, an artist who appreciates him for more than just his boxing skills. However, as Charley rises through the ranks, the temptations of wealth and success begin to clash with his ethical upbringing and personal relationships, causing tension with those closest to him.
As Charley's fame grows, he finds himself increasingly entangled with shady figures in the boxing world. The pressure to maintain his status leads him into a darker path filled with corruption and questionable decisions. Despite his initial determination to remain honest to his principles and loved ones, Charley begins struggling with the allure of quick victories and financial gain over the authenticity of clean competition. These personal and professional conflicts culminate during a pivotal fight that will test Charley's innate sense of right and wrong, compelling him to confront the true cost of pursuing glory at any cost. The film delves deeply into themes of ambition, morality, and the internal struggle faced by those who must choose between personal integrity and external success.
Writers: Abraham Polonsky
Release Date: 11 Nov 1947
Runtime: 104 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English
Physical Media Reviews
Body and Soul
Blu-ray Review
Score: 81
Body and Soul, a film noir classic, delivers powerful drama and memorable storytelling through a brilliant 4K restoration on the Kino Lorber Blu-ray.