Andy Purcell (Wallace Beery) is the former world heavyweight champion past his prime. He's an alcoholic gambler. His son Dink (Jackie Cooper) refuses to give up on him despite his often drunken stupor, his gambling habit, their squalid apartment, and poor decision making. When Andy wins a race horse gamble, he is given a horse which Dink names "Little Champ". He befriends fellow race horse owner Linda Carleton (Irene Rich). Linda turns out to be Andy's former wife and Dink's mother. She's now married to rich Tony and soon realizes their connection. Tony pays Andy for Dink to visit Linda. However he refuses to let Dink stay with the Carletons. After losing the horse in a bad gambling run and eventually sent to jail, Andy finally relents and sends Dink to live with Linda. Dink runs away back to Andy who tries to clean up for a fight.
This has some broad comedy that doesn't work for me. The melodrama is a bit too fake and too broad. Beery and Cooper have a nice on screen chemistry. Jackie Cooper has a big presence for such a little size. Beery has his hulking size and that low low voice. Their chemistry is probably the only noteworthy aspect of the movie.
This has some broad comedy that doesn't work for me. The melodrama is a bit too fake and too broad. Beery and Cooper have a nice on screen chemistry. Jackie Cooper has a big presence for such a little size. Beery has his hulking size and that low low voice. Their chemistry is probably the only noteworthy aspect of the movie.