Max Baer in "Prizefighter and the Lady"

Max Baer's acting debut, and his most successful role, was in a movie titled "The Prizefighter and the Lady." It opened in theaters in November of 1933. The story line involves guy meets girl, guy cheats on girl, guy sees the error of his ways, in between punching his way to the top and fighting the Heavyweight Champion, guy gets girl back.

Max's love interest in the film was Myrna Loy. His adversary was Primo Carnera. Jack Dempsey was their bout's referee.

Besides receiving $20,000 for six weeks of filming, one of Max's prime reasons for accepting the role was because it allowed him one on one interaction with Primo, thereby uncovering his weaknesses, prior to their real title bout. The fact that the World Champion would meet his challenger before the time set for the real fight was without precedent and aroused the interest of the sports world.

Filming also allowed Max to engage in psychological torment of Primo on the set, playing practical jokes on him (as well as several other cast members) and simply talking to Primo in a demeaning manner to wear him down.

Max turned out to be a natural on film, the camera loved him. The headlines screamed, "Another Clark Gable !" "A New Valentino !" Critics enthused that "Max Baer has a sunny magnificent presence; he is handsome in a very large way, with the fondest pair of shoulders ever displayed on stage or screen. The picture is amazingly worth seeing." and "Max Baer is the most dazzling figure... in his first movie picture he flashes across the screen with the force of a comet... has good looks, a fine physique... he has a clear, low-pitched voice that is pleasing... particularly to the feminine ear... he has poise and demonstrates his ability to act, sing and dance. He has everything that a young man needs to become a success in the movies..."

The following video is the song and dance scene from the movie. Max sings "Lucky Fella" and is quite the hoofer !

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[britelite2657]

max baer was cool

[440eap12368]

Just recently got interested in Max Baer, he seemed like such a cool, funny and classy guy and this video proves it. Too bad he was portrayed terribly in Cinderella Man. He was definitely one of boxings greatest personalities and without a doubt the hardest hitter of them all, but of course that wont always win a bout. My new favorite boxer even though hes from 75 years ago!

[capablemachine]

Are they children or young women?

[marcxopoco]

WHY are you shrinking Max Baer, @MaxiesGal ?

[AngryScotProductions]

lmfao

[MaxiesGal]

@marcxopoco - LOLOL, where are you getting your numbers from and old pulp magazine ?!?

[marcxopoco]

Max Baer was 6'4". His brother Buddy Baer was 6'6". Dempsey was 6'1 1/2".

Braddock 6'3.9999", basically the same height as Baer.

Louis was 6'2 1/2" to 6'3".

[JoeFraze]

I think Max Baer was 6'3. He's certainly two or three inches taller than Jack Dempsey when they stand together and Dempsey was over 6' (some say 6'1). He was taller than Schmeling when they fought too (Schmeling is listed as 6'1 or 6'2). Same with Joe Louis, Baer was about an inch or so the taller man. Baer and Braddock look about the same height, and both are listed as 6'2 1/2 or 6'3 at the most realistic heights. Baer may have even been slightly over 6'3.

[upwithevil]

This clip made my day. Who knew Max was such a hoofer?

[pugilistofpower]

Was Baer 6'1 1/2 or 6'2 1/2? I hear different measurements everywhere.

[wondeboy12]

With all that money youd think hed be able to hire some reliable brains to help him organise these sorts of things no?