The elements are there for a good film, but it stumbles not only into melodrama but (worse) inconsistent characterization. "Mountain" is conveniently smart when the story needs it and then dumb when it needs it. As a result, the film's impact is diminished. It also seems didactic about the dangers of alcohol and gambling, when neither was the true cause of Mountain's downfall; his fink manager was. Good acting on Rooney's part, but not Serling's best screenplay.

This is a great movie that you should really check out if you haven't seen it. Anthony Quinn gives an outstanding performance in the lead role. The story is also great and all the supporting roles add to the picture.

The TV one was better. Awfully heavy-handed and yakky (I mean, even for Serling).