A truly affecting drama elevated by a remarkable performance. Considering just the screenplay itself, the movie feels like something we’ve encountered countless times—a familiar story about two brothers pursuing different career paths, with one brother striving to help his younger sibling achieve his ambition of becoming a composer. However, the film offers considerably more than that predictable foundation. The older brother works as a boxer to fund his brother's musical aspirations but suffers near-blindness in a brutal fifteen-round bout marked by unsportsmanlike tactics. The narrative then shifts focus to the romantic relationships surrounding the injured boxer and his loved ones, thankfully avoiding excessive sentimentality. The film’s emotional depth is largely due to the central performance. James Cagney was 42 years old during filming, yet he appears remarkably youthful and athletic, a testament to his dedication. He brings such energy to the character of Danny Kenny that his acting alone makes seeing this movie worthwhile. Cagney receives strong support from Ann Sheridan, Arthur Kennedy, and Anthony Quinn’s bold portrayal. The film certainly pulls at your emotions, and you might find yourself wanting a more uplifting conclusion, but it succeeds in delivering what was promised early on. The production history isn't as smooth, though; Cagney and director Anatole Litvak reportedly clashed frequently during filming, and much of Cagney’s contribution to the film was ultimately removed. Distressed by the final product, Cagney wrote a sincere apology letter to Aben Kandel, the author of the novel that inspired the movie, but he needn't have worried—the finished film proves to be a genuinely satisfying experience. 8/10

Source on TMDB