The Big Timer [1932] [DVD]

An up-and-coming boxer (Ben Lyon) runs into problems when he takes on a female fight manager (Constance Cummings). Ben Lyon is once again playing with Tom Dugan; they co-starred in "The Hot Heiress" (1931). This one is directed by Edward Buzzell.

Terrific precode boxing film with Ben Lyon as the boxer and Constance Cummings as his manager / wife. Snappy dialog helps move this story as Lyon starts to succeed but falls prey to a swelled head and floozy socialite Thelma Todd. Will there be redemption?

Lyon is very handsome and has a great voice; Cummings is gorgeous. Each should have had better film careers. They were big names in early talkies but petered out by the middle of the decade. Supporting cast includes Tom Dugan, Nat Pendleton, Charley Grapewin, Irving Bacon, Russell Hopton, Robert Emmett O'Connor, and Selmer Jackson. Worth a look.