On The Ropes

"Compelling. Unpredictable. Heartbreaking." - Leonard Maltin, Playboy

Special Jury Award Winner at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival, On The Ropes is the compelling true story that follows the lives of three aspiring boxers and their trainer, Harry Keitt, one time sparring partner of Muhammad Ali. Enter the world of boxing at one of its sources -- the Brooklyn neighborhood gym that produced superstars Riddick Bowe, Mark Breland and other champions. Meet a new generation of boxers now training at the Bed-Stuy Boxing Center, using the same rings, gloves, punching bags and jump ropes as their predecessors, and hoping to follow the same path to glory. Filmmakers Nanette Burstein and Brett Morgen spent a year with these three young boxers; George Walton, Noel Santigo, Tyrene Manson; and trainer Harry through what turned out to be a crucial time for all of them as they worked toward the 1997 Golden Gloves Tournament. Sometimes poignant, sometimes inspirational, see if any of them has what it takes to win...