Joe and Max (2002) - full transcript

(crowd cheering)

(bell ringing)

Radio: We're just moments away
from the bell

to begin the fourth round
here at Madison Square Garden.

The first three rounds
belong to The Brown Bomber,

Joe Louis.

He punished the Spaniard,
Paolino Uzcudun

with every conceivable
combination of punches.

Referee: One...

Crowd: Two, three, four, five,

six, seven,



eight, nine, ten.

Out!

Thank god almighty
for Joe Louis!

And the brown bomber,
Joe Louis,

moves one step closer
to meeting Jimmy Braddock

for the heavyweight crown.

You sent him, Joe,
you sent him.

he all right?

He'll be fine.

Announcer: fans and reporters
at ringside stunned

at Louis 's
awesome display of...

I tell you, I seen it all.

I never seen nothing
like that before.

You get what
we came for?



Hiya, Maxie.

Jim Farley!

Well, if it isn't
Mr. Joe Jacobs,

my favorite
pain in the ass.

I'll take that
as a compliment.

Listen, you tell your
boxing commissioner

that Louis is ready
for a test.

He don't need
no more patsies.

That was Paolino's
first time on the canvas

in his entire career.

Didn't he fight your boy
to a draw last year?

Who remembers
that far back?

Listen, listen,
listen closely.

Maxie has the key to dropping
Louis locked between his ears.

Good, most fighters have got
plenty of room in there.

Listen, you sanction us
against him, you'll see.

We'll take it
under advisement.

Commodore hotel,
we'll be waiting.

Yeah, hiya, Maxie.

Mr. Farley.

So, what do you
think of Louis?

Well, he has
a locomotive right.

With all his talent,

he could be
the greatest one day.

But not this day,
eh, Max?

I'll see you, Max.

I don't think it's
impossible to beat Joe Louis.

Right, you got what,
nine long years on him?

You two are here scouting,
aren't you?

No, we just crossed the pond
to get some comfort food

at Katz's Deli.

Hitler know you're
feeding him Jewish food?

I see something.

What? What do you see, Max?

A way to undo Louis?

I see something.

(knocking on door)

it's open.

Breakfast in 15 minutes?

What the hell
are you doing

drinking at eight
in the morning?

Celebrating, and it ain't easy
being the life of the party

with no party around.

What are you celebrating?

You and Louis.

Winner to meet
Braddock for the title.

You did it.

I did.

Hey.

You know, my father always said
a good salesman doesn't push,

he pulls.

And boy, was he wrong.

Radio announcer:
beautiful Pompton Lakes
is no vacation getaway

for young Joe Louis.

The Brown Bomber is blasting
his way towards becoming

the first negro
heavyweight champion

since Jack Johnson
23 years ago.

The dark dynamiter's
sparring partners

are the highest paid
in the business,

and boy, do they
earn every penny of it.

"send in another one"
says Jack Blackburn,

Joe's trainer.

After every victory,

Joltin' Joe is
the toast of Harlem,

yet he's always welcome
at Jack Dempsey's

swank Manhattan restaurant.

Joe's brought along his
beautiful wife Marva,

the first lady
of colored America.

Well, there's Jack now,

giving him some pointers on
the upcoming Schemling fight.

Joe's the friendliest guy
you'd ever want to meet,

outside the ring,
of course.

Ah, Marva 's fried chicken,
Joe's favorite.

It takes a lot of ammo
to fuel those fists.

Boys, this is a
new day for boxing.

And Joe Louis is the dawn.

You really think that a
colored fighter has a shot?

This son of a sharecropper
spent his youth

hauling blocks of ice
up Detroit tenements

and laboring in
the ford plant,

all to feed his family.

Joe Louis will be as honest
and generous a champion

as America could dare hope for.

You'll have to
excuse my Uncle Mike.

He's biased.

How about a shot of Joe digging
into a piece of watermelon?

Yeah, how about it, Joe?

Yeah , come on!

Oh, I don't really
care much for watermelon.

You love watermelon.

Today I don't.

Reporter:
Ah, come on, why not?

What do we say we let the man
eat so he can get back to work?

Okay, gentlemen,
this way.

Let's tour the camp.

Next thing, you'll
have him tap dancing.

What was that all about?

Uncle Mike gets carried away,
but he sure is making us rich.

Well, I can't
argue with that.

I wish you could stay, baby,
but you know how Chappie is.

Yes, I know
how Chappie is.

Well, where is Henry
with the car?

He's supposed
to be here.

I don't know.

I guess you'll be
needing a lift.

Why don't you take
that one over there?

For me?

It's all yours,
doll baby.

Oh! Look at this.

Oh, it's so beautiful.

Just like you baby.

Are you sure?

A classy woman should
be driving her own car.

You know what I love?

The looks I get
when we walk in a joint,

and all those people
turn in their seats.

"Who's that fine looking woman
with punchy over there?"

You are the sweetest
man, Joe Louis.

Thank you.

Look who's here.

I was about to
say the same.

How are you, David?

Fine, the entire
salon is here.

I'll be right back.

Hello, everyone!

Max.

I missed you, sweetheart.

Congratulations, Max,
you deserve this fight.

Max, how was your trip?

A little rough,
I still feel a little dizzy.

Don't knock it.

I pay good money
for that feeling.

Ladies and gentlemen...

It's wonderful.

Thank you, it's my only work
they'll never ban.

[ door closing ]

Herr Schemling,
your presence is requested.

By whom?

The Minister of Propaganda.

Right now?

Yes, Herr Goebbels
is waiting for you.

But he's only
just arrived home.

Retired captain David Levin,
third batallion, 92nd infantry.

Please, we leave at once.

Excuse my frankness, Madame,

but I must say that
I have seen all of your films.

You are as lovely in
person as in the movies.

Sorry I have to
rush out like this.

Where are we meeting next week?

Next week?

Paris.

Extraordinary,
don't you think?

Herr Goebbels.
Herr Schemling.

Titian displayed such clarity of
purpose with each brush stroke.

I've read of
your interest in art.

So, you are an avid reader?

Please.

Do you recall
the section of "Mein Kampf"

Where the Fuhrer
deals with boxing?

I'm afraid I don't.

He views the sport
as a battle not of body,

but of will.

A determined will
is essential.

That must explain your setting
a fight with a negro

without our permission.

I'll earn a title fight
by beating Joe Louis.

I admire your confidence,

but the negro is
a ten to one favorite

in the American newspapers.

I suggest you
take that wager.

I project myself
to the day you have fought,

and possibly been beaten by,
a negro.

The Fuhrer will be
disappointed on that day.

I will win,
for Germany.

To victory, then.

Remembering:
What do you see, Maxie?

A way to undo Louis?

I see something.

Louis drops his guard!

Counter!

Look out!

When he drops his left,
What do you do?

You counter.

Counter!

He drops his left!
Counter! Counter!

Yeah, that's it!

Hook, hook, hook!
Hook, hook, hook!

okay, good, good.

That's enough for today.

Very good work.

See you tomorrow.

Woman: How much are you
going to miss me?

You have no idea.

Well, at least--

at least training
keeps you distracted.

Meanwhile, I'm forced
to suffer though love scenes

with handsome young actors
who never quite get it right.

We have to do endless takes.

Maybe you should
come with me to America, then.

I like that
idea much better.

I could learn to box.

I bet I could knock you out
if I put my mind to it.

What is it?

I'm just tired.

Max, what's wrong?

If I lose at my age,

I might never
get another chance.

On June 19, you are going
to surprise everyone,

except for me.

Radio announcer:
The Brown bomber looks
fit as a fiddle.

Joe Louis weighs
in exactly 198 pounds.

At six foot one
and three quarter inches

and with 14-inch biceps,
it's hard to imagine...

different radio announcer:
Louis, the magnificent animal.

He eats, he sleeps,
he fights.

Joltin' Joe is nine years
younger than Schemling

and possesses greater
reach and power.

Experts believe 31-year-old
Schemling's best years

are behind him.

Max Schemling weighs
in exactly 192 pounds.

Joe Louis retains the calm
and coolness of a gunslinger,

paralyzing his opponents
before the first round gong.

Hi, Joe.
How are you?

Blood pressure for Joe Louis
is 165 over 110,

slightly elevated.

Good luck to you tonight, Joe.

He sure is a cool bird.

Max Schemling's blood pressure
is 140 over 90, normal.

Looks like you got a fight
on your hands this time.

Announcer:
Ladies and gentlemen,
on hand for tonight's bout,

the current heavyweight
champion of the world,

Jimmy Braddock!

Fighting out of Germany,

weighing in at 192 pounds,

the European champion
Max Schemling!

His very capable opponent,

weighing in at 198 pounds,

one of the best
heavyweights in fistiana,

Joe Louis!

Radio announcer:
45,000 fans rise to cheer
Joe Louis as he's introduced

on what should be
his final tune-up

before he fights Jimmy Braddock
for the heavyweight crown.

This is it, Max.

Give him your
calling card right away.

Now feel him
out some first, huh?

See what he's bringing.

Here.

I'm going to mark this guy.

(bell rings)

Radio announcer:
The undefeated Louis is going
for his 24th straight knockout

and his 28th straight victory.

Louis and Schemling
look each other over,

very cautious
here in the early going.

Louis starts working that jab.

Schmeling takes it,

too old and too slow
to defend against it.

Louis, with a left to the body,
another left,

a right and back
with a left hook!

Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe!

Round two.

Louis picks up
where he left off.

Another jab, jab, jab,
and a right to the head!

Oh! Repeated lefts
and rights to the head!

Schmeling is little more
than a punching bag

for the young slugger.

I should've stayed in bed.

(bell ringing)

He can punch.

What? You can't?

Keep that jab up.

Keep working that
left eye, got it?

Stick and move,
stick and move,

keep moving, okay?

(bell ringing)

Radio announcer:
Louis is hurting Schemling
and this crowd is loving it!

Schemling missing
on a big right,

nearly falling down.

Get your hands up!
Get your hands up!

Finally a brief flurry
from Schemling.

Louis comes right back,
staggering the German.

(bell ringing)

You're looking real good,
that jab is really working.

You're hitting him at will.

Just make sure that you
snap that hand back, got it?

Snap it back to
your chin, got it?

Why don't I just
knock him out?

God damn it,
listen to me!

Don't throw
that left again

if you really hurt him with
the right, you got it?

Yes, sir.

Let's go!

What are you
doing out there?

Five jabs in a row without
a single counter punch.

What are you waiting on,
Maxie? Come on!

Shut up, both of you!

(bell ringing)

Fourth round, Louis is
looking to close things out.

Louis jabs.

Max remembering:
when Louis drops
his guard, counter.

Counter.

What do you see, Max?

I see something.

When Louis drops his guard,
you counter!

Jab, jab, jab...

Get that hand up,
get that hand up!

Counter!

Radio announcer:
A big break stuns Louis!

Louis goes down!
Louis is down!

Take an eight count.

Joe Louis is on the canvas!

Holy smokes!

For the first time
in his career,

Louis has been decked.

Take an eight count!

The once invincible
brown bomber

has been knocked down!

(crowd chanting)
Maxie, Maxie, Maxie, Maxie!

Radio announcer:
the crowd is more than stunned!

They've begun cheering for
the German Schemling!

(bell ringing)

Chants of
"Maxie, Maxie, Maxie"

boom out through
the entire stadium!

What are they
doing that for?

Fuck 'em, fuck 'em
fuck 'em!

Doesn't mean
a damn thing!

You shook him up, Max!

Now listen to me carefully.

Go hard at him from the bell!

Listen, you got to
knock his ass out, you got it?

Knock his ass out!

Let's go.

(bell ringing)

Referee:
Whoa, whoa, whoa,
back off, back off.

Get him, come on.

Radio announcer:
Schemling wants to end
this fight right here,

but here comes Joe Louis.

No one expected the fight
to go this long,

or the German warhorse
Schemling to prove so game.

round six was clearly
won by Schemling,

but round seven
belongs to Joe Louis.

Schemling has taken everything
Louis has in his arsenal,

and given it
right back to him.

Neither fighter
is backing down.

Neither fighter is able
to put the other down!

Maxie! Maxie! Maxie!

(bell ringing)

He's kicking
your black boy's ass!

You bring it on!

Police are fanning out
in the stadium.

There's a lot of commotion
in the stands.

Louis looks tired.

Schmeling goes
on the offensive.

Come on, Joe!

The right combination drives
Louis back to the ropes.

Joe grabs on for dear life!

One, two...

Louis is down again
here in the 12th!

I don't know if
he'll get back up.

The crowd roars
for the German Schemling,

as Louis lies battered
and beaten on the canvas!

No!

He's not getting back up!

You're out!

Schmeling has won this fight!

Max, great fight,
you deserve it!

You deserve the shot!

(crowd chanting)
Maxie! Maxie! Maxie!

Chappie?

What happened to me?

Ah, it's nothing tragic, son.

You just got knocked out.

Come on.

Radio announcer:
The once invincible
Joe Louis falls,

and the quake is heard
around the world.

(crowd yelling)

Up in Harlem,
an angry mob is rioting

over what many
residents there believe

must have been
a fixed fight.

Ringside experts now believe
Louis has a glass jaw,

and may even be a dumb fighter.

They're wondering
not just whether Louis

has the guts to come back,
but whether there will ever be

another colored
heavyweight champion.

Mr. Louis?

It'd mean a lot
for my boy to meet you.

Sure.

Introduce yourself, son.

Hi, I'm Joe.

Joe?

You got a fighter's name.

Yeah.

Is that what
you want to be, son?

Yes.

All right,
let's see what you got.

You best keep
that left up real high,

or you're going
to get walloped.

Take it from me.

Now you got it.

God bless you,
brother.

Here he is.

Come on, come on.
Let's go.

Joe, you heard about
the reaction in Harlem?

Reaction to what?

The biggest upset
in the history of boxing.

A devastated race of people
left in your wake.

I'm the one that
took the beating in there,

I don't see how
I hurt my people none.

There's word of
a Harlem girl who drank poison

when she heard
that you lost.

Yep, that's what
they're saying.

All right, that's it,
step aside.

Announcement:
Attention, all passengers
on the 8:15 bound for Detroit

should begin boarding now
on track 11.

Everybody's staring.

You're not a movie star,
you're a fighter.

Oh, baby.

Kid better
be all right.

I ain't going back
to running numbers.

Just flip your cards
and count your pennies.

I'll take care of him.

It ain't right the way
you and Uncle Mike talk to me.

I'm the one
who discovered Joe.

You just riding my
coattails, old man.

Settle back, John,

or this old man
will kick your ass.

You know, Joe,

the first time
they told me about you,

the first time
I seen you,

I wanted no part
of Joe Louis.

Why not?

I knew you were
too nice to be a champ.

Couldn't see you finding
that killer instinct.

Now, in order
for you to go...

Chappie, I can't
hear this right now.

I just can't.

(applause and cheering)

Thank you.

I couldn't wait
to come home to you.

You've come home
to much more than me.

Thank you.

Crowd: Sieg Heil!

Sieg Heil!

(doorbell buzzing)

Good evening, Fraulein.

Herr Schemling.

Before we leave, I 'll need
your signature on
this manuscript.

"Boxing as a race problem?"

Yes.

Please sign at the bottom
of the forward.

Why would I do that?

Because you wrote it.

We don't want to be late.

I'll read it over
and sign it another time.

Woman: You have so
many fans here.

When I win.

How many people do you think
were there when you landed?

I don't know,
ten, twenty thousand, maybe.

They all came
because of her.

You look quite banged up,
Herr Schemling.

Oh, you should
see the other guy.

He only needs
one good eye for hunting,

which is all he
really wants to do anyway.

It is an honor to meet you.

There are precious few
actresses with your talent,

and none as pretty.

You must be very
proud of your husband.

I am.

I am very proud of her.

Isn't it interesting,
Herr Schemling,

You won
the European Championship

just as I came to power,

and now it seems we're both
destined for greater things.

Yes.

Herr Schemling,
at what point were you certain

you had him beaten?

To be honest, not before
Donovan counted him out.

You perceived a flaw
in the negro's nature,

a weakness.

The last time
I looked at my face,

if there was any weakness,

it certainly wasn't
in his right hand.

He was not the same
after round four.

True.

And why not?

I stung him
with a counter right.

Herr Schemling found a flaw
in the negro's constitution,

and exploited this weakness
until he was vanquished.

The negro is inferior.

He will always
be afraid of you.

This fight will not be
part of the weekly newsreel.

It will be shown as a main
feature throughout The Reich!

Oh, hello, David.

I hope I'm not coming
inappropriately.
Oh, no.

Is Max at home?

Max, David's
here for you.

David, how are you?

I brought
something for you.

It just came in
and I thought of you.

That will be
perfect for hunting.

Oh, no, this is
too nice for hunting.

This is beautiful.

Thank you, David.

Max, would you
do something for me

the next time
you're in the store?

Of course, what is it?

A matter of
professional exactitude.

You purchased this suit
from me a year ago.

I'm uncomfortable
with the way

the Jacket pulls
at the shoulder.

If you bring it in, we'll be
happy to make the adjustment,

free of charge.

This Jacket
fits me flawlessly.

David, occasionally
photographs tell half-truths.

Half-truths?

David, with all those
people at the airfield,

the streamers and the pageantry,
Max just did what he had to.

I'll show myself
to the door.

You didn't have
to say that.

He had no right
to accuse you.

He was upset,
I can handle that.

Max, I'm afraid
of our exposure.

How many other national figures
openly have Jewish friends

and business partners?

Some of them do.

Not anymore.

We are different.

How?

You are a movie star,

and I am the most popular
athlete in Germany.

Look, once I'm champion,
what can they do?

Let me spell it out for you,
Jimmy, plain and simple.

You give Schemling
a crack at the title,

America turns on you.

Schmeling beat your boy,
he deserves it.

Jimmy, no offense,
I like you,

but we both know your next fight
will be your last as champ.

You can go to hell,
we're out of here.

Sit down.

So America turns on me
if I fight the Nazi,

and all the promoters in town
turn on me if I give the shot

to a negro.

I lose either way.

Would ten percent
of Joe's winnings

for the rest of his career
make you feel like a winner?

For the rest
of his career?

Why do you want
this so bad?

The belt goes to Germany,

ain't no telling when
it's coming back.

Fifteen percent.

You know what?
Go fight the Nazi.

And when you lose,

my grandkids will read about
it in their history books.

Now that's ten percent
of everything?

After my cut.
Which is?

Thirty-seven percent.

You deserve every penny.

Good.

Thanks.
Good.

If you can bring
us that title,

I can take another
nip of the sauce.

You sure that's
a good idea?

Oh, the sweet science is going
to get real bitter for a while.

Oh, careful, son,
careful, son.

It's going to be me and you,
and mostly me.

Come on!

Plant, pivot, rotate!

Why don't you just stop?

Stop lying to yourself!
You don't want to fight!

Why don't you just go home?

It's okay,
it's okay to give up.

Maybe you can get your old job
back on the assembly line.

Show me something.

Rotate, come on!

Why don't you just
quit and go home?

A real fighter wouldn't
throw that soft shit,

or stand there
feeling sorry for himself.

Joe: Now, that's
a beautiful ring.

I have to say,
I've got pretty good taste.

Surprised you, didn't I?

Yes, you did.

I've always been
partial to diamonds.

Marva.

I'm going to close my eyes,

and when they open,
you best be in a taxi

back to whichever
whorehouse you came from.

Hello, Thomas.

Mrs. Louis?

Excuse me.

I won't be
embarrassed by you.

I refuse to be humiliated.

I didn't mean to embarrass you
or humiliate you.

It's just that...

Women are like this menu.

Can't expect you
to eat steak every night?

Baby, what are you doing?

What am I doing?

What's happened to you?

If I'm going to
go on being Mrs. Joe Louis,

here's how things will be.

You will not take
any of your lady friends

to any of our places,

and you will always
park in clear view

so I'll have
no more surprises.

And if you're out late,
don't you dare come home.

Do we understand
each other?

Excuse me.

Remembering:
Joe Louis will be as honest
and generous a champion

as America could dare hope for.

There were so many people
counting on me.

Six a.m. Finds
the sepia slugger

out for his daily run,

knocking off miles as naturally
as he knocks out opponents.

Chappie, folks used to say
I was a natural,

but there wasn't a damn thing
natural about it.

Running six miles at dawn,
training all day long,

climbing into a ring with
somebody who means to hurt you.

That's what
a crazy man does.

You got to decide just
how crazy you're going to be.

I can't decide for you.

Chappie?

Good afternoon, sir.

Would you please
ring Joe Jacobs?

Excuse me.

Joe Jacobs, please.

Herr Jacobs is
not a guest here.

The law forbids me from
honoring his reservation.

Why? Herr Jacobs is American.

Herr Jacobs is a Jew.

His stay will be short.

Can an exception be made?

Sorry, no.

Modesty aside, are you
aware of my public stature?

I'm well aware,
Herr Schemling.

Your victory was
a golden moment for us all.

I would consider it an honor
to receive you and your family

at my training facilities.

Please contact
The Ministry of Sports

at your convenience.

He's in the bar.

Thank you.

Excuse me,
can I get a drink here?

Welcome to
the continental hotel.

Seig Heil.

You're all set now.

Last woman treated me as bad
as her, I married the bitch.

Hey, let's have
some champagne.

Maxie, you won't be
getting the title shot.

Who are they
giving it to?

Louis.

Louis!

What can I say,
we was robbed.

This is impossible.

We didn't get the votes.

Farley was the only one
who stood up for us.

You've been branded,
you're Hitler's boy.

I'm just an athlete,
I'm not a politician.

The anti-Nazi league
sees it different.

What are they
calling you?

A traitor
to my country.

Doesn't matter.

I'm a businessman and nothing
but no one's going to stop me

from plying my trade.

What's more
American than that?

Maxie, you just be ready,
because when I'm done,

those bastards will give you
a shot just to shut me up.

Remember, Braddock's going to
come at you from the bell.

He's going to want
an Irish brawl,

that's the only
chance he's got.

What are you going to do?

Stick and counter,
stick and counter.

And then?

Nothing,
until you say shoot.

What's that gun?
You expecting trouble?

Uh-huh.

You know, there was another
reason why I didn't take you on

the first time I saw you.

Why is that?

You're the wrong color.

I didn't think another
colored man would contend

after Jack Johnson rubbed
white folks' noses in it.

Chappie, you can't win
by a decision tonight.

I got to
knock him out.

Let these be
the referee here.

So why did you?

Why did I what?

Take me on.

I needed the money.

(laughing)

D.O.A.,
dead on your ass.

Radio announcer:
Here in the 7th round,
Joe Louis is trying to become

the first negro champion
since 1908.

Braddock throwing Louis
into the ropes.

The ring here at Comiskey Park
is surrounded by police.

Get off the ropes!

Come on, Joe, come on!

Braddock, manhandling Louis,
puts him into the ropes again.

Come on, come on.

The champ is taunting
the young challenger

like a playground bully!

He's out, he's out.

This fight is over!

A new world champion!

23-year-old Joe Louis
makes history tonight!

Ringside announcer:
The winner by knockout,

and new heavyweight
champion of the world,

Joe Louis!

Hold it up
a little higher, Joe.

How about a smile?

Hey, you really
got him with a left.

I got him
with my right, too.

So, Joe, how does it
feel to be champ?

I'm no champ until
I beat Max Schemling.

Well, Herr Schemling.
This is unexpected.

Herr Goebbels,
what can I do for you?

We would be encouraged
to see you join the party.

Many months have passed
waiting for you to do so.

Well, my life is about boxing,
that's my priority.

You would do well to shift
priorities from yourself

to the fatherland.

Won't the heavyweight
championship bring glory

to the fatherland?

Your professional
relationship with Joe Jacobs

must be terminated
immediately.

I've accommodated
your wishes.

I've been photographed
at your request.

I've given interviews.

I've lent my name
for various purposes.

But this is out of bounds.

The way I conduct my
corner is my own business.

Not when a Jew
is involved.

On whose orders am
I being told to break ties?

On whose orders?

Mine.

I wish to speak
to the Fuhrer.

Good day.

Madame.

Thank you.

Mein Fuhrer, I appreciate
you seeing us on short notice.

Please.

Which sort of cake
do you prefer?

Guglhupf, please.

Does the lady
mean the napfkuchen?

I haven't heard
it called guglhupf

since I was last
in Czechoslovakia.

I was raised in Prague.

Ah, beautiful
old German Prague.

The time is fast approaching
when your homeland

will be reunited
with Germany.

I understand you wish me

to split from
my manager, Joe Jacobs.

In name, he is Jewish,
but his real religion is boxing.

More tea?

No, thank you.

A German manager
got me nowhere.

Jacobs is my only chance
to fight in America.

In that case,
you will fight here.

The title will
never come here.

I have to win it in America.

Allow me
to understand you fully.

A German's only possibility
of becoming the world champion

hinges on a Jew's influence?

The man is greatly
respected in New York.

Answer my question.

Yes.

Yes, what?

Yes, I need his influence
to get the title.

Make sure your husband
wins a lot

so we can see
each other more often.

Max!

Hey, Max!

Your manager calling.

Jacobs.

So?

Maxie, what's
the weather doing there?

Forget about the weather,
what happened?

Berlin, sunny one minute,
it's snowing the next.

I haven't set my foot
outside the gym for a week.

So why don't
you take a break?

Come over, we'll go
sunbathing at Coney Island,

and while you're at it,

you might as well fight
Joe Louis for the belt.

I love you!

Max, Max...

All right,
I got the fight!

He's going to
be in top form.

That's good.

Then we're agreed.

If Maxie wins,
you're our promoter.

Hey, what would Joe do if
he found out you were playing

both sides of the fence?

Don't get any smart ideas.

Look, Joe protects his chin
so he won't get hurt.

I'm just doing the same.

Wish me luck.

Take me with you.

You know they would
never allow that.

Things would
be different there.

Anny, I could not
live anywhere else.

This is our home.

Good luck, Max.

I love you.

Reporter:
Max Schemling is aiming
for the world heavyweight title

in the most important
sporting event of our time.

2nd reporter:
Joe Louis was summoned
to the oval office

by President Roosevelt

and told that America
was counting on him

against the Nazis,

while protesters gathered in
major cities across the country

to condemn the German
propaganda campaign

leading up to this fight.

(crowd outside chanting)
No more Nazis!
No more Nazis!

You should get
something to eat.

I'm not hungry.

Can you believe what those
idiots are doing down there?

Help me get this shit
out of here, huh?

Burn it all!

Well, this is a hell of a time
you pick to lay down.

I spend years breaking my ass
to get us here,

you're going to let
a sea of strangers

talk you out of taking
that bastard's belt?

Those people down there,

nothing you say or do is
going to change their minds.

Roosevelt and Louis have got
them convinced you're a Nazi!

I'm not a goddamn Nazi!

I'm just a fighter.

So, your fire
ain't dead after all.

Just watch what
you call me, Joe.

Then show everyone
who you really are, Maxie,

the best fucking
fighter in the world.

I put him down once,
I'll do it again.

Reporter:
The Nazi superman Schemling

says he's ready to
lay claim to the title.

Joe: every time
I get in the ring...

every punch I throw...

gets me closer
to Max Schemling.

Max: You know,
people said I was lucky

to beat Joe Louis
the first time around.

But on the night of June 22nd,

I'll show them luck had
nothing to do with it.

Reporter:
Are you gun-shy
about facing Max again?

Joe:
Why would I be?

Schmeling's two years older,
and I'm two years smarter.

Max:
well, I didn't come
over here for fun.

Reporter:
When Joe Louis steps
into the ring tonight,

he carries the flag of
America and democracy.

Man:
Tonight in Yankee Stadium,

with god's help
and your prayers,

Joe Louis will do
more for our race

than any man
since Abraham Lincoln.

Joe Louis don't smoke.

Joe Louis don't pour no red-hot
liquor down his throat!

Joe Louis,
the family man.

Joe Louis,
the avenging angel!

Max remembering:
Isn't it interesting,
Herr Schemling?

We are both destined
for greater things.

I'm just an athlete,
not a politician.

Man:
Joe Louis,
the answer to our prayers!

Good luck
to you tonight, Joe.

Man:
Joe Louis fights
clean and true,

and he shall
stand before kings!

Same to you.

Where you going?

Chappie, with
this damn arthritis,

I don't know how many
times I can climb

up in that ring tonight.

Don't worry.

If he's still standing
by the 4th, come get me

because I'll be
out of gas.

(various languages being spoken)

70,000 strong
here in Yankee Stadium,

all cheering for Joe Louis.

[ all talking at once ]

Welcome.

Get him, Joe!

He's gonna kill you.

(crowd booing)

Man in crowd: You stink,
you lousy Nazi!

Radio announcer:
Louis starts
pounding Schemling

with left and right
combinations!

My god, he almost tore
his head off with that one!

A left hook.

A straight right!
Hitting Schemling at will!

Move, Max!

Get out of there!

News announcer:
Louis has hit Schemling
with more punches

in the first minute
than he did in any five rounds

of their last fight!

The Nazi goes down!

Louis doesn't go
to the neutral corner.

He wants Schemling
to get back up!

The American is ready
to hand him his head!

I've heard enough.

Cut the broadcast!

Please stop the fight.

(radio switching
from fight to music)

Stop the fight, Donovan!

Maxie!

The winner at two minutes and
four seconds in round one,

and still The Heavyweight
Champion of the World,

Joe Louis!

I'm keeping this,
I've earned it.

They will always remember
you after tonight, champ,

because tonight,
skin color disappeared.

America was behind you.

And to keep
that feeling alive,

you need to
act like a gentleman.

Joe Louis,
the gentleman fighter.

Don't you worry.

Spotlight's shining now, Joe.

If you slip up,
even a little bit...

once they knock you down,
they never let you forget it.

White man hasn't forgotten that
fool nigger Jack Johnson

strutting around with
this white women like king shit.

Roxie, what you
trying to say?

No soft fights,
no fixed fights.

Never stand over
a fallen opponent.

Don't ever gloat
in front of the camera.

Never smile like
some blackface.

I never done that,
I never would.

You just stay deadpan.

Never go into a club alone
looking for trouble.

Never have your picture taken
with a white woman.

All right, all right,
he's got it.

Most important
thing is to win.

Count on it.

We will, Joe, we all will.

All right, boys,

give him some room,
give him some room.

Woman singing:
Now, in this land,
there is a new sensation.

All the critics praise him
right up to the sky.

Why, even up in Harlem,

they call him
their pride and joy.

♪ But to mom
he's just a silly boy ♪

Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe!

[ song continues ]

Joe, we love you!

Over here, Joe.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Mr. Joe Louis.

I am so proud of you, Joe.

Champ!
Can I get a shot?

Just a photograph.

I wore your fur tonight.

Yeah.

♪ that's Joe the bomber!

What can
I make you, Joe?

Give me something.

Bourbon.
Yeah.

I was listening on the radio.

You did a great thing.

All right, bro.

Put that Nazi
where he belongs,

in the hospital.

What's the biggest tip
you ever got?

We see lots of
big bills here.

Not we,
I mean you.

Oh, I 've held a dollar bill
a couple of times.

Thank you.

One more, one more.

(door opening)

Who's there?

It's me, Joe Louis.

I figured I 'd see
how you were doing.

Come closer.

You all right?

They say my vertebra
cracked in two places.

I didn't mean
to hurt you like this.

Of course you did,
that's what we do.

Yeah, I guess you're right.

The first time I knocked
somebody unconscious,

I almost quit boxing forever.

Tonight I wish you had.

I keep replaying
this fight in my mind,

trying to make it
turn out different.

Well, now we've both
stood over each other.

I guess it's going to take one
more fight to settle things.

The world won't allow that.

I don't know when I'm
going to be back here,

and Europe is no place
to visit these days.

So we'll wait.

First chance either of us gets,
we'll come find the other.

You have a deal.

You take care.

Joe, I want you to know...

what the papers said about
me being a Nazi,

claiming to be a superman,

all the quotes they had
me saying about you...

none of it was true.

People been telling me
who I am all my life.

There's no end in sight.

I can't live up to all
of my press clippings,

but they don't
want to hear that.

The only time they let me be
is when I fight.

That's when I feel free,

between the bells.

You get some rest.

Hey, Maxie.

The city looks harmless
from up here, don't it?

I love this country, even if it
no longer loves me back.

Hey, who needs
the rest of America

when you got yours truly?

You're not coming
back with me, are you?

Well, I got to stay close

to weasel a rubber match
with Louis.

Hey, Maxie,
I'm 560 percent Jewish.

What business
do I got over there?

Thanks for having faith in me.

That wasn't hard.

You never let me down, never.

Hey, do me a favor when you
get over there, will you?

Anything.

Give Hitler one of
these for me, will you?

Consider it done.

I don't need
an ambulance.

Okay, gentlemen,
this way.

You're never out for the count
with a Joe Louis clock.

It's quality craftsmanship.

Hey, hey, Joe.
You want to have a look at this?

You see the hands?
They're boxing gloves.

Next, show me
something else.

Joe Louis punch.

It packs a real wallop.

Oh, no, sir.
Joe doesn't endorse booze.

Oh, no problem.

Then we have
Joe Louis mustard.

When you finish
with the mustard,

you cut a line here

and presto,
hey, Joe, a piggybank.

Mr. Louis?

Very cute,
what else you got?

Well, how about
Joe Louis milk?

So it's all here.

Where do you want me to put it?

Can we make
money in milk?

What are you talking about?

I just need you
to sign here at the bottom.

Easy now,
don't get ahead of yourself.

We'll have every kid in America
drinking Joe Louis milk

while mom and dad relax
with a refreshing bottle

of Joe Louis punch.

Marva!

This is all your shit.

Marva!

Stop!

Marva baby, please.

Marva, come back to camp.

I'm going to take
the rest of the week off,

the rest of the month off.

Please, baby.

I'm going to kick
everybody out,

and you and me,
we can just talk things through.

Marva, don't leave me, please.

Marva, now is our time.

Our time?

When was it ever our time, Joe?

All the gifts,
the good life,

it was just guilt money
for all your whoring.

I've tried, Joe,
I can't anymore.

I was raised with
so much of nothing.

I had all these wants inside.

I wanted this,
I wanted that,

I wanted everything.

I always loved you.

I know you love me.

People change.

Yes...

Yes they do.

Goodbye.

(piano music)

(shouting in distance)

(knocking on door)

Help us!
Help us!

Follow her.

Now, Anny!

Open the door!

(banging on door)

Open the door!

Where are they?

There's no one here.

You know who
we're here for.

You and you,
check this room.

You two check the balcony.

And the rest with me.

My wife is trying to sleep.

Your head will roll if
the Fuhrer learns about this!

This is an empty threat.

You no longer exist for
Herr Goebbels and the Fuhrer.

Get out of my house now!

Max, what is going on?

Check the other apartments.

Say goodbye to Anny.

I will.

Thank you.

We'll see you again.

You had no right
to do that.

Do you know how close we were
to going to prison?

To losing everything,
being split apart?

What choice was there?

Leave the Levins
to The Gestapo?

You think that
you're untouchable,

but you're not.

We're just as vulnerable as
all the enemies of the Reich.

Anny...

Why didn't you
watch out for us, Max?

It would have been so easy
just to distance yourself

from a few people and
join the party quietly.

I couldn't do those things.

No, I suppose not.

That would have been
for our benefit.

What are you saying?

You played along
when it suited you.

You did whatever was best
for your boxing career.

If that was true,

I would have divorced you and
married a pure-blood German.

Maybe you should have.

Yeah, maybe I should have!

For you, being a Nazi
is just another part,

just another role to play!

That's right.

I would put on
any mask to survive.

And don't you think
for one second

you're any better than me.

The whole world
thinks you're a Nazi.

This is enough!

what is happening to us?

I know that
I'm not untouchable.

I'm just as scared
as you are.

Anny, I know I 've done
some things wrong.

Can't you see that hiding
the Levins was right?

The problem is what is right
can't help us now.

Maximillian Schemling
weighs in at 188 pounds.

such prominence here today.

You must really have
some connections, huh?

(gunshots)

Chappie would never
tell me his age.

He always said he was just
old enough to be my daddy.

I keep losing the people
I need most.

Announcer:
It is my distinct honor
to introduce to you all

a very special man in uniform.

Here he is, The Heavyweight
Champion of the World,

the Brown Bomber himself,
sergeant Joe Louis!

Joe, you have long been an
inspiration to the negro race.

Your decision to fight
exhibition bouts

and to contribute your purses

to the army and navy
relief societies

is a generous bet on patriotism
and love of our entire country.

I'm only doing what any other
red-blooded American would do.

Our soldiers are fighting
the real fight overseas.

And we'll do our part
and we will win,

because we're on God's side.

On God's side!

How about that?

(baby crying)

That's perfect.

(announcement from truck)
Stand back!
Clear the street!

Anny: Max, what do you
think they want?

I don't know.

Hello, officers.

Would you show us
your building permit?

I applied for a permit
three months ago.

We're still waiting.

I'm sure ours
will be here soon.

Allied command does not grant
permits to famous Nazis.

Every G.I. In Europe was after
your god damn dog tags.

Now move away
from the structure.

Move away? Why?

Move away from the structure!

This place is coming down!

You can't do this.

You need to step aside.

No!

Max!

Stop!

News announcer:
Louis sends Wolcott
face first to the canvas,

the latest member
of Joltin' Joe's

bum of the month club.

The proud champion
is bloody, but not bowed.

Joe: after 25 title defenses,

I hereby am retiring
from professional boxing.

I figure after 11 years and what
is it, Uncle Mike,

three days, four days,
I'm needing a little rest.

I hereby relinquish my title
to be held in trust

for the man to follow me

as Heavyweight
Champion of the World.

I want to go out on top
just like you, champ.

I'm finished in
the fight game.

What are you going to do
with your time?

What am I going to
do with my time?

Well, that's simple.

You really
sent that one, Joe.

I'm seeing green, boys.

Seeing green.

Excuse me, gentlemen,
I'm looking for Mr. Joe Louis.

Gentlemen,
I prefer large bills.

You're cleaning
me out, Joe.

All right.

Excuse me, Mr. Louis?

Hey, how you doing?

Mr. Louis,
my name is Lawrence Paulson.

I'm with the Internal
Revenue Service.

I've left a
number of messages.

Well, we're about
to go through again,

give my friends a chance
to win their money back.

This won't take long.

All right.

Go on ahead.
I'll catch up.

We'll see you at
the first tee, Joe.

One question is all I have,
Mr. Louis.

Call me Joe.

Considering your recent decision
to retire from boxing,

how do you plan to
repay your government?

As of this morning,

your back taxes and penalties
amount to $1,243,097.

You should talk to my guys.

Mr. Jacobs and John Roxborough
register zero debt.

We have qualms
with neither of them.

What about the purses I donated
to army and navy relief,

don't they count?

I fought 96 exhibitions
for the troops during the war.

I gave to a hundred
different charities.

Mr. Louis...

I said call me Joe,
god damn it.

You owe taxes on those purses.

The IRS simply wants to know
how you plan to make amends.

Good day, sir.

News announcer:
Marciano sends Louis sprawling!

Joe Louis is hurt,

and he's taking every second
of that eight count.

Here comes Rocky again,
couple of weak jabs from Joe.

Body shots from Marciano,
all landing!

Joe tries to fight him off,

Marciano is pummeling Joe
against the ropes!

Marciano stuck Louis
through the ropes!

He's finished!

Joe Louis is finished!

Come on.

God damn it!

I just fixed this thing.

Would you get my
tool box, please?

Farley!

How are you, Max?

I'm fine, just fine.

It's good to see you.

Anny, this is Jim Farley
from The Boxing Commission.

I remember your name.

You were always
very fair with Max.

I tried.

So what are you doing
all the way out here?

Well, I might ask you
the same thing.

Last I heard, you went back
in the ring after the war.

Yeah, we bought this with
what I made from my last bout.

Hey, did you
go out a winner?

No.

Farley:
So, I decided it was
as good a time as any

to get out of the fight game.

I've been with
Coca-Cola ever since.

Two weeks ago, I was in
a board meeting in Atlanta

and I suggested that
we bring you on, Max.

The board agreed.

In what capacity?

Spokesman.

The position would
entail a handsome salary

and a generous travel allowance.

We used to love to travel.

You must be joking.

With all my name
brings to mind.

Well, back in America,

I agree your name may not
be regarded kindly,

but here, well I think people
are going to remember

what you did in the ring,

not the flag unfurled
in the background.

This country is
desperate for better times.

You were a central part
of those in the past.

Together with Coke,
you will be again.

I don't know.

Max...

Max, you can
stay hands off.

What we really want is
your name associated with us

when we blitz
the German market.

Blitz?

Oh, yeah, it's just a business
term we use nowadays.

Coke follows
thirst everywhere.

That's our new slogan.

We followed it here, Maxie.

So here's our last mock-up.

Now, the essence
of the campaign is

"Take a break with coke
wherever you are."

We plan to launch the campaign
six weeks from today.

So what do
you think, Max?

I think...I think
it looks great.

Glad to hear it.

Well then,
that's enough business.

Let's take a break.

So tell us what it was like
to face Joe Louis.

You managed to fight
the perfect fight against Joe.

Are you talking about the first
one or the second one?

Joe may have won that battle,
but you have won the war.

Debt, divorce,
you name it.

He's going down
for the count.

You aren't kidding.

He's about to
fight Cowboy Rocky

on the pro wrestling circuit.

I think that we might have gone
up against a Joe Louis soda

in south America or somewhere.

It was no contest.

So Max, tell us about
the fights with Jack Sharky.

I think we've tortured
Max enough for one day.

Let's eat.

Thank you.

You're welcome, sir.

Excuse me, sir,
I hate to intrude.

See, where I come from,
where I grew up that is,

folks around the way drummed up
some pretty deep hatred for you.

But I used to look to Joe,

and he ain't never said
a bad word about you.

So I never did.

Joe was a good man.

He made me proud,
very proud to be black.

And proud to
be an American.

Hey, clear
this table, please.

Yes, sir.

Max: where is Joe living now?

Louis?

He lives on
the south side of Chicago.

Max, where are you going?

Excuse me.

Do you know,
by any chance,

where I can find Joe Louis?

How am I supposed to know
where Joe Louis spends his days?

Max: I 'm looking for Joe Louis.

Do you know where
I can find him?

Man: Joe Louis?
I got no idea.

Woman: Joe Louis?

Last I heard, he was living

somewhere around
81st and Halsted.

Operator:
I'm sorry, sir, Joe Louis '
number is not listed.

Man: Try the Archway Lounge
on South Park.

If you don't find him there,
you got to go club to club.

Max: Club to club?

Man: It's Saturday, mister.

Not that day of the week
matters to Joe.

(blues music)

What you need here?

(music stops)

I don't want any
trouble, mister.

Well, you're going
to get some trouble

if you don't get your ass
on out of here, man.

Hey!

He's with me.

Max.

Hi, Joe.

Thanks.

You look great.

You, too.

I always did love
a finely tailored suit.

So what brings you to town?

I was in Atlanta on business.

Atlanta is a
long way from Chicago.

I wanted to see you.

I remember the promise
we made to each other.

Oh, yeah.

So Coke's been
good to you.

Yeah.

Before Farley came along,

Anny and I didn't think we'd see
another season on the farm.

You, a farmer?

Yes, a mink farm.

I thought we'd make a killing
because the coats cost so much.

A mink farmer.

And they always called you
an intelligent fighter.

They called me
a lot of things.

The truth is I moved
to the farm to disappear.

During the war,
every American wanted me dead.

And now a few years pass,

and Coca-Cola trusts my face
to sell their product.

There's no sense to it.

Sitting here with Joe,
it just clicked.

I figured out who you was.

Now, be cool, brother.

Just let us talk.

Yeah, sure, Joe, sure.

You feel like dancing,
Maxie, just let me know.

I'll set you up.

at least he was offering
something and not taking.

I'll tell you, I've been
carrying people my whole life;

Uncle Mike, Roxie,

my people,

my country.

Where did it get me?

Chappie always said
if you get knocked down,

they never let
you forget it.

Yeah.

Sure I can't talk you
into staying tonight?

Sleep at my place.

I wish I could,
but I have to get back.

Next time.

Why don't you come visit
Anny and me in Hamburg?

Going overseas is steep,
the IRS won't allow that.

All right, then we put it
on my Coke account.

All aboard!

Still got time
for a few rounds.

Oh, I don't think so.

Third bout would
go the distance.

Ain't no telling.

Last time,
I had you out in one.

Don't forget '36.

I wore you down and down
and then out!

(laughing)

'38 was the best I ever had.

'36 was my best.

people made a lot of
noise when I beat you.

Said the world got
knocked off its axis,

a change was going to come.

The poor didn't
suddenly strike it rich.

The desperate didn't
suddenly get a second chance.

I'll tell you something, Max,

nothing really
changed in America.

Except it gained a hero.

Goodbye, Joe.

Goodbye, Max.

♪