His whole life was a million-to-one shot.|Nov. 21, 1976|United States|120 Min.|TV-PG
Genre: Action;Drama
Description: In 1975, heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed announces a title fight in Philadelphia to celebrate the upcoming United States Bicentennial. However, five weeks before the event, his scheduled opponent, Mac Lee Green, withdraws due to an injury. With no other replacements available, Creed decides to give a local boxer a chance to compete.
He chooses Rocky Balboa, a struggling Italian southpaw who fights in small gyms and works as a debt collector. Initially, Rocky thinks Creed is looking for sparring partners. Hesitant at first, he eventually agrees to the fight, which offers a $150,000 prize. Rocky begins an unconventional training regimen, even using sides of beef as punching bags.
Mickey Goldmill, a former bantamweight turned trainer, approaches Rocky to offer guidance. Although Rocky is skeptical due to Mickey’s past indifference, he eventually accepts the help. Meanwhile, Rocky develops a romantic relationship with Adrian Pennino, who works at a pet shop. Her brother, Paulie, helps Rocky connect with Adrian and offers to assist him during the fight. However, Paulie becomes envious of Rocky’s rising fame. To ease tensions, Rocky agrees to promote Paulie’s meat packing business as part of the fight preparations.
On the night before the bout, Rocky feels increasingly uncertain and visits the Philadelphia Spectrum. He confides in Adrian that he doesn’t believe he can win but aims to go the distance against Creed—something no other fighter has achieved. For Rocky, this would prove he’s more than just “another bum from the neighborhood.”
Cast director: Steve Perry
Cast actor: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Thayer David, Joe Spinell, Jimmy Gambina, Bill Baldwin, Al Silvani
Original name: Rocky