The Fighting Heart (1919)

The Fighting Heart is a 1919 silent Western short.

Introduction
"The Fighting Heart" is an American drama movie directed by John Ford under the production of Universal Film Manufacturing Company. The movie was released on 9th June 1919 and included a family-centered story revolving around boxing. Although there are no copies of the film offered today, it was well-appreciated for its punchy storytelling and poignant insight into family dynamics and individual ambitions.

Plot & Storyline
The plot of "The Fighting Heart" follows the struggles and triumphs of the film's protagonist, Denny Bolton. Denny, an aspiring young fighter, works diligently towards his dream of becoming a professional fighter. Nevertheless, his journey is not lacking familial pressure and emotional turbulence. The film centers on Denny's struggles to discover reconciliation in between his aspiration for a boxing career and the aspirations of his upscale family.

Denny falls for a girl named Doris, the child of the male who encouraged him to pursue boxing. This relationship increases the dispute between his individual life and profession aspirations, significantly when he finds that Doris' love is not for him however for his rival, Kid Berger.

Main Characters
Denny Bolton, represented by George Walsh, exemplifies the ultimate aspirational young man with dreams larger than his social structure permits. In spite of negative scenarios, he stays fixated on his boxing dream, showing an underdog story.

Doris, played by Sylvia Breamer, embodies a character torn between love and ethical options as she has a hard time to balance her feelings and familial bond.

Kid Berger, the villain in the story, is an embodiment of competition, arrogance, and power.

Climax & Conclusion
The climax is a heart-racing conflict between Denny Bolton and Kid Berger in a boxing match. Tormented by unrequited love and fueled by expert competition, Denny trains hard for the match. His efforts culminate in triumph as he wins the match, garning him fame and regard from unexpected quarters.

The conclusion of the film showcases an altered perspective of Denny's household towards his profession choice. They shed their preliminary disdain for his boxing goals and concern acknowledge the passion and determination he displays in attaining his dreams. Though he loses his romantic interest, Denny gets his family's support, professional success, and self-fulfillment.

Significance & Reception
"The Fighting Heart" was more than just a sports drama. It put forth the battle in between personal aspiration and social expectations, particularly in the context of household pressures. The movie was well-received for its well-woven story, rich character representation, and the informative social commentary embedded in its story. John Ford's mastery in storytelling was commonly valued for bringing such realism and depth to the characters.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Fighting Heart" was a sports drama that delivered robust entertainment while discreetly attending to social problem common throughout its time. It encapsulated family dynamics, unrequited love, class struggles, and private dreams, portrayed through the lens of a boy's journey in the boxing world. This 1919 film undoubtedly struck a chord with its audience, leaving behind a legacy of a truly timeless sports drama.

Top Cast

  • Jack Perrin (small)
    Jack Perrin
  • Hoot Gibson (small)
    Hoot Gibson
  • Josephine Hill (small)
    Josephine Hill
  • William Pathe
  • Magda Lane
  • Laura Trainor
  • Leo Pattee