Hard Times
In the depression, Chaney, a strong silent streetfighter, joins with Speed, a promoter of no-holds-barred street boxing bouts. They go to New Orleans where Speed borrows money to set up fights for Chaney, but Speed gambles away any winnings.
Critics Sentiment
Chaney defeats Chicago fighter Street in final tactical bout
Lucy ends relationship and finds man with real job
The film drops to its lowest point when Lucy leaves Chaney, then immediately rebounds to its highest peak with the climactic Street fight.
Hard Times maintains strong audience appreciation throughout, with particular praise for the opening sequence and fight scenes. The film peaks with its major action sequences, especially the Jim Henry fight and final Street bout, while sagging slightly during romantic subplot moments and gambling consequences between the memorable bare-knuckle confrontations.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 35
Charles Bronson
Chaney
James Coburn
Spencer "Speed" Weed
Jill Ireland
Lucy Simpson
Strother Martin
Poe
Margaret Blye
Gayleen Schoonover
Michael McGuire
Gandil
Felice Orlandi
Le Beau
Edward Walsh
Pettibon
Bruce Glover
Doty
Robert Tessier
Jim Henry
Nick Dimitri
Street
Frank McRae
Hammerman
Maurice Kowalewski
Caesare
Naomi Stevens
Madam
Lyla Hay Owen
Waitress
John Creamer
Apartment Manager
Robert Castleberry
Counterman
Becky Allen
Poe's Date
Joan Kleven
Carol
Anne Welsch
Secretary
Crew
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