The Set-Up (1949), directed by Robert Wise.

Over-the-hill boxer Bill 'Stoker' Thompson insists he can still win matches. His manager is so confident that Stoker will lose he takes money for a ‘dive’ from a tough gambler and doesn’t even tell him. Tension builds as Stoker hopes to beat Tiger Nelson, unaware that he has already been bought to lose.

Although Rocky (1976) or Raging Bull (1980) are often the first boxing movies that come to mind, The Set-Up is arguably more interesting, as its aspirations are empty, never getting far beyond the gutter. The boxers we see in the film are small players in a game they were never destined to win. Also notable is the use of an almost real-time narrative structure, three years before the same device was used in High Noon (1952).

With a supporting programme and a short intro from Kulraj Phullar, lecturer in film noir from King’s College London.

Doors open at 19.00, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.