Cinderella Man
- The beginning of the movies introduces James Braddock’s wife Mae and his three children living in a house in New Jersey. At that point in time, James was a very successful and wealthy boxer.
- The next scene jumps straight to the Great Depression. Their living arrangements changed to a very small apartment in New York. They had barely enough money to pay the utility bills and barely enough food to feed their children.
- During a fight, James broke his hand. His boss, I guess you could say, revoked his boxing license. Because of that, James was no longer making any money from boxing. He had to make ends meet somehow, so he worked at the docks. Being selected to work every day was a slim chance, so he was lucky whenever he was able to work. However, working with the broken hand was tough on him.
- The utilities were shut off, causing the house to be very cold. One of his sons became sick.
- Over time, his wife, Mae, made the decision without his consent, to send their children away to live with extended family. She felt as though they couldn’t provide for them well enough.
- Braddock’s former manager offers him a fight, which win or lose he would receive $250. How could he say no?
- He won the fight, was re-given his boxing license, turned the utilities back on, and brought his children home.
- He made a huge comeback, which resulted in his nickname, “Cinderella Man.” He inspired so many people and gave them hope. He came back against all odds.
- After beating every single boxer in his division, he was considered the #1 contender. That title gave him the chance to fight Max Baer, the #1 heavyweight fighter.
- Braddock’s family, especially his wife, was very worried about him due to the fact that Baer had the reputation of killing two boxers in the ring.
- After 15 rounds, James J. Braddock won the fight and received the title Heavyweight Champion of the World.
- At the end of the movie, James and his family are back to where they were. They have money again, have a nice home, and are finally happy.
