Somebody Up There Likes Me

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Cast & Crew

Paul Newman
Rocky

Pier Angeli
Norma

Everett Sloane
Irving Cohen

Eileen Heckart
Ma Barbella

Sal Mineo
Romolo

Harold J. Stone
Nick Barbella

Joseph Buloff
Benny

Sammy White
Whitey Bimstein

Arch Johnson
Heldon

Robert Lieb
District Attorney Hogan

Robert Wise
Director

Charles Schnee
Producer

Ernest Lehman
Screenwriter

Bronislau Kaper
Original Music

Joseph Ruttenberg
Cinematographer

Albert Akst
Film Editor

Malcolm Brown
Art Director

Cedric Gibbons
Art Director

F. Keogh Gleason
Set Decoration

Edwin B. Willis
Set Decoration

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Critic Reviews for Somebody Up There Likes Me

Audience Reviews for Somebody Up There Likes Me

• Mar 24, 2018

  This was Paul Newman's second film, and because his first was so poor, it was the one that launched his career. He got the role of Rocky Graziano after James Dean, who was originally cast, tragically died. Graziano is shown for a good portion of the film as an out of control young man, stealing things, running rackets, and defying authority - even that of the US Army. Newman plays the part reasonably well, and though he was a little over-the-top at times, his presence and charisma more than make up for it. While the story is somewhat predictable, since we know Graziano will someday be a world champion boxer, it's well told by director Robert Wise, and not shy about showing us his shortcomings (with the real Graziano's full approval). His relationship with his father (Harold J. Stone), who had his own boxing dreams frustrated, is very touching. The real hero of the story is his wife (Pier Angeli), who always looks out for Graziano the man, as opposed to Graziano the boxer. Angeli plays the part well, playing her supportive scenes without being cloying, getting tough when she needs to be, and having a couple of very cute scenes with their daughter (Angela Cartwright) besides. "Baby, your father is the champ," exclaims mom. "I have to go to the bathroom," the little one replies. It's in human moments like these that make the film, and the action in the final boxing match is pretty good as well.
  Antonius B Super Reviewer
• Dec 08, 2011

  One of the best sports bio movies ever done. But, the highlight of the film is Pier Angeli. The under appreciated Italian actor plays the long-suffering wife of boxer Rocky Graziano, Norma.
  

  Aldo G Super Reviewer
• Jun 04, 2010

  A flawless movie on all accounts, it's one of the best boxing movies to ever be made. Its longstanding reputation is well warranted and I feel like it should be praised even more. Paul Newman is both charming and determined, he plays a character that has truly had nothing to his name since he was born and been treated as though he is worthless and stupid. It's so powerful and inspiring when he turns his whole life around and gets everything he goes for. The visual style of this is downright scary, there is not one shot that doesn't look hand crafted and meticulously planned out. Robert Wise created a film that is both a great piece of entertainment and an unforgettable piece of cinema.
  Conner R Super Reviewer
• Mar 09, 2009

  barring butch cassidy and the sundance kid i think this is now my favourite paul newman performance. i know only a few days ago it was the left handed gun but y'know... i'm working my way through a newman boxset... so that's my excuse! aside from arguing with myself over which is paul newmans best performance this is the best boxing film i've seen apart from possibly clints million dollar baby, but it's better than raging bull or any of the rocky flicks. high drama and high octane
  Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer

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