Somebody Up There Likes Me might not feel like a holiday movie, but it’s inspirational

In 1956, Hollywood made a movie on the life of former middleweight champion Rocky Graziano.

Graziano’s (real name Rocco Barbella) story was a natural. Constantly in trouble with the law, he fought on the streets, committed petty crimes, and ended up in reform school on multiple occasions. The future looked bleak until he did something legal.

He won a boxing tournament.

Undisciplined, with no desire to train, he turned pro for money but was drafted into the Army in 1942. He was soon in trouble – ignoring orders and punching his commanding officer.

Graziano left the Army (AWOL) and resumed his boxing career, fighting sometimes twice a month. He changed his name from Barbella to Graziano to stay clear of the Army. It worked for a while.

Five years after serving a year in jail for skipping out of the military, Graziano was the middleweight champion of the world.

The story reads like a fable, but it’s true.

The film starred Paul Newman, whose career was teetering after his debut in The Silver Chalice. The producer’s original choice, James Dean, was killed in an automobile accident a few weeks before production was to start. Dean had talked to Graziano on the phone before he died. He planned on flying to New York to observe the former champ.

Months after Dean’s death, Newman, who had replaced Dean in a television adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s The Battler a few months before, was picked to play Graziano. Newman went to New York and hung out with Graziano for a few months. They became friends. Newman picked up some of Graziano’s mannerisms. Many doubted Newman could pull off the difficult part. The many were VERY wrong.

In this writer’s opinion, it’s hard to imagine anyone, including Dean, delivering a better performance.

Graziano said after viewing the film, “Newman plays me so good, I think he’s my brudda!”

Robert Wise returned to the squared circle (The Set-Up) to direct Somebody Up There Likes Me. He wanted authenticity, so he shot the film on the city streets where the young Graziano prowled.

Ernest Lehman’s screenplay closely adapts Graziano’s autobiography, showcasing his rise from delinquency and crime, his gangster connections, his coming to terms with his past, and his growing self-belief.

Newman’s performance is a mix of anger, fear, and humor. He’s flawed, but real.

The acting by all is first-rate. Everett Sloan is excellent as Graziano’s loyal manager, while Eileen Heckart is touching as “Ma” Graziano. Sal Mineo, who co-starred in Dean’s Rebel Without a Cause in 1955, brings gravitas to his minor role as Graziano’s loyal friend. Pier Angeli is sweet and tough as Graziano’s supportive wife, Norma.

The boxing scenes are well done. Numerous close-ups add suspense. Newman is believable enough in the squared circle that even most boxing purists won’t groan.

The dramatic re-creation of Graziano winning the middleweight title is exciting and brutal. The real Zale and Graziano knew no other way to fight. Their three fights will live forever.

The movie captures the heart of both.

So take a look.

Perhaps not festive, but very moving.