by Hal Erickson
synopsis
With Muhammad Ali cast as himself, The Greatest covers Ali's life from his "Cassius Clay" days to the celebrated Ali/George Foreman bout. Along the way, the film focuses on Ali's conversion to Islam and his potentially career-breaking decision not to serve in the Army. Ernest Borgnine palys Ali's first trainer Angelo Dundee, while Roger E. Mosley shows up as Sonny Liston. The Greatest was the final directorial effort from the late Tom Gries. The same subject would later be covered in Michael Mann's Ali, starring Will Smith as the champ.
characteristics
- Boxer
- Boxing
- Ladder To The Top
- Muslim
- Rise To Power
- Prizefighter
- Heavyweight
- Champion
- Fighting The System
- Conscientious-objector
- Conversion
- Vietnam
