The Big Timer 1932
"I'm the guy who Okays the dames and Kayoes the Palookas!"
In the gritty, fast-talking world of Edward Buzzell's *The Big Timer (1932)*, the boxing ring becomes the unlikely stage for a working-class underdog's wild ride to glory.
Director: Edward Buzzell
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Big Timer* (1932) about?
This spirited pre-Code drama follows Cooky, a cocky hamburger cook who suddenly finds himself thrust into the boxing ring when the local gym's new owner needs a fighter. With everyone else quitting, he sees his big chance—but his overconfidence might be his biggest downfall.
Who directed *The Big Timer*?
The film was directed by Edward Buzzell, known for his sharp, energetic style that perfectly suits this early 1930s sports comedy-drama.
Who stars in *The Big Timer*?
The film features Ben Lyon as Cooky, Constance Cummings as the gym's new owner, Thelma Todd in a standout role, and supporting turns from Tom Dugan and Charley Grapewin.
Is *The Big Timer* (1932) worth watching?
Though not widely rated, *The Big Timer* offers a lively snapshot of early 1930s boxing films, packed with humor, heart, and high-energy action. Fans of pre-Code cinema or Ben Lyon's charismatic performances will find plenty to enjoy.
How long is *The Big Timer*?
The runtime for *The Big Timer* is 72 minutes, a brisk run-time that keeps the story moving at a snappy pace.
About The Big Timer (1932) — A 1930s Boxer's Rise and the Grit Behind the Gloves
In the gritty, fast-talking world of Edward Buzzell's *The Big Timer (1932)*, the boxing ring becomes the unlikely stage for a working-class underdog's wild ride to glory. Ben Lyon stars as Cooky, a brash, loud-mouthed hamburger flipper who fancies himself a future champion—until fate throws him into the ring when the local gym's new owner, a sharp-tongued dame played by Constance Cummings, inherits the place. With everyone else bailing after the change in leadership, Cooky sees his big break—and promptly gets tangled in a web of overconfidence, comedy, and the harsh realities of the fight game. The film crackles with the high-energy chaos of early 1930s sports dramas, blending physical comedy, boxing ring tension, and a dash of romance against a backdrop of smoke-filled gyms and backroom deals.
Thelma Todd steals scenes as the no-nonsense gym owner, while Tom Dugan and Charley Grapewin add layers of humor and heart to the ensemble. Directed with a snappy, energetic touch by Buzzell, *The Big Timer* captures the grittiness and glamour of the era's boxing films, all wrapped up in a story about ambition, redemption, and the fine line between a dream and a delusion.