Boxer Rocky Graziano's biopic, based on his autobiography, from childhood to his World Middleweight Championship title win at age 28 in 1947.
On this IMDbrief, we break down the worst gifts ever given in our favorite holiday movies. For some great gift ideas, check out IMDb's Holiday Gift Guide, curated with the entertainment lover in mind!
Related News
-
Watch the Trailer for New Ronnie Wood Documentary ‘Somebody Up There Likes Me’
30 October 2019 | Rolling Stone -
Memo to Distributors: Buy These 2019 SXSW Films
18 March 2019 | Indiewire -
Back to One Podcast: Keith Poulson on Developing as an Actor in the NY Indie Film Scene.
03 July 2018 | Filmmaker Magazine_Director Interviews
Editorial Lists
Related lists from IMDb editors
User Lists
Related lists from IMDb users
Share this Rating
Title: Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
Learn more
More Like This
Until They Sail
(1957)
Drama
|
Romance
|
War
Director:
Robert Wise
Stars:
Jean Simmons,
Paul Newman,
Joan Fontaine
The Rack
(1956)
Drama
|
War
Director:
Arnold Laven
Stars:
Paul Newman,
Wendell Corey,
Walter Pidgeon
The Long, Hot Summer
(1958)
Drama
Director:
Martin Ritt
Stars:
Paul Newman,
Joanne Woodward,
Anthony Franciosa
Hud
(1963)
Drama
|
Western
Director:
Martin Ritt
Stars:
Paul Newman,
Melvyn Douglas,
Patricia Neal
The Young Philadelphians
(1959)
Drama
Director:
Vincent Sherman
Stars:
Paul Newman,
Barbara Rush,
Alexis Smith
From the Terrace
(1960)
Certificate: Passed
Drama
|
Romance
Director:
Mark Robson
Stars:
Paul Newman,
Joanne Woodward,
Myrna Loy
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
(1958)
Drama
Director:
Richard Brooks
Stars:
Elizabeth Taylor,
Paul Newman,
Burl Ives
Harper
(1966)
Crime
|
Drama
|
Mystery
Director:
Jack Smight
Stars:
Paul Newman,
Lauren Bacall,
Julie Harris
The Helen Morgan Story
(1957)
Biography
|
Drama
|
Music
Director:
Michael Curtiz
Stars:
Ann Blyth,
Paul Newman,
Richard Carlson
The Left Handed Gun
(1958)
Western
Director:
Arthur Penn
Stars:
Paul Newman,
Lita Milan,
John Dehner
Sweet Bird of Youth
(1962)
Drama
Director:
Richard Brooks
Stars:
Paul Newman,
Geraldine Page,
Shirley Knight
Edit
Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Paul Newman | ... | Rocky Graziano aka Rocco Barbella | |
| Pier Angeli | ... | Norma | |
| Everett Sloane | ... | Irving Cohen | |
| Eileen Heckart | ... | Mrs. Ida Barbella aka Ma | |
| Sal Mineo | ... | Romolo | |
| Harold J. Stone | ... | Nick Barbella | |
| Joseph Buloff | ... | Benny | |
 |
Sammy White | ... | Whitey Bimstein |
| Arch Johnson | ... | Heldon | |
|
|
Robert P. Lieb | ... | District Attorney Hogan (as Robert Lieb) |
| Theodore Newton | ... | Athletic Commissioner Edward Eagan | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
See All (24) »
Storyline
The abuse Rocky Barbella endures at the hand of his father and subsequent run-ins with the law lead him in and out of detention centers and prisons. When it seems he has it together, Rocky is drafted but, refusing to adhere to Army rules, goes AWOL. He takes up boxing to earn quick money, but when he discovers he has a natural talent in the ring, he builds the confidence to pursue his love interest, Norma, and fulfill his potential as a fighter. Written by Jwelch5742
Plot Keywords:
boxer | boxing | italian american | based on autobiography | new york city |Taglines:
Punk Hoodlum! - Jailbird! - Alley Fighter! - He Brawled His Way From the Gutter All the Way to the Top! See more »Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents »
Edit
Edit
See more on IMDbPro »
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
19 November 1956 (UK) See more »Also Known As:
El estigma del arroyo See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$1,920,000 (estimated)Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
(copyright time)Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System) (Perspecta Sound)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
See more »
(1956)
Music by Bronislau Kaper
Lyrics By Sammy Cahn
Sung by Perry Como during the opening and closing credits
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Pro wrestler "Irish" Pat Barrett titled his autobiography, "Everybody Down Here Hates Me". See more »Goofs
Graziano's second fight with Tony Zale took place on July 16, 1947. Like many 1950s movies that depicted earlier decades, they were a little sloppy about women's fashions. In scenes just before the climaxing fight, Pier Angeli is definitely wearing a 1950s-style sheath dress. See more »Quotes
Rocky: [after hearing an actor in a movie he's watching say "I love you"] You've been tellin' her for two hours ya creep!See more »
Crazy Credits
The film opens with the following on-screen quote before the title and opening credits: This is the way I remember it... _definitely_. -Rocky Graziano. See more »Soundtracks
Somebody Up There Likes Me(1956)
Music by Bronislau Kaper
Lyrics By Sammy Cahn
Sung by Perry Como during the opening and closing credits
See more »
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.Contribute to This Page
On IMDb TV, you can catch Hollywood hits and popular TV series at no cost. Select any poster below to play the movie, totally free!
Explore popular action and adventure titles available to stream with Prime Video.
It's interesting to note the career relationship of James Dean and Paul Newman.
Both were leading contenders for the starring role in "East of Eden." Dean's moving screen test landed him the part over Newman.
Then, upon Dean's sudden demise, Newman was awarded the role Dean was to play in "Somebody Up There Likes Me." Fortunately, Newman was up to the task.
His Rocky was most effectively limned, with Newman in top physical form as well as in the acting department. He assumed a "New York hood" accent, which enhanced his portrayal, and executed the challenging fight scenes with conviction.
Perhaps young Newman's burning ambition at the time to greatly succeed in his craft provided extra stamina to smash through this meaty part for a "knockout punch." Fresh from Actors Studio training, Mr. Newman was fortunate to be surrounded by a quartet of fine "method" artists.
Eileen Heckart was particularly fine as Mrs. Barbella, Everett Sloane as a concerned Manager, Sal Mineo as dependable pal Romolo, and Pier Angeli as sensitive Norma Graziano.
Rocky's hard-hitting life was given a realistic black and white production, doing justice to the middle weight champ's biography. Robert Wise directed with his usual skill and confidence.