Palooka (1934)

Mexican actress Lupe Vélez as “Nina Madero” and actor and comedian Jimmy Durante as “Knobby Walsh” / “Junior” in Benjamin Stoloff’s Pre-Code comedy for United Artists, ‘Palooka’ (1934), based on the popular comic strip by Ham Fisher. The film also starred, in the titular role, Stuart Erwin as “Joe Palooka”, and in supporting roles, Marjorie Rambeau as “Mayme Palooka”, Robert Armstrong as “Pete 'Goodtime' Palooka”, Mary Carlisle as “Anne”, Thelma Todd as “Trixie”, Louise Beavers as “Crystal”, Mayme's Housekeeper, and William Cagney, the brother of James Cagney, as “Al McSwatt”. The Story: After discovering the potential in a young fighter, Joe Palooka, boxing manager Knobby Walsh puts him in the ring against the reigning champ, a drunk named Al McSwatt. Remembering the beautiful and talented Mexican actress, singer, and dancer, Lupe Vélez (July 18, 1908 – December 14, 1944).