Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the first installment in the Rocky franchise and also stars Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, and Burgess Meredith. In the film, Rocky Balboa (Stallone), a poor small-time club fighter and loanshark debt collector, gets an unlikely shot at the world heavyweight championship held by Apollo Creed (Weathers).
Plot
The film begins with Rocky working for a local loan shark, Tony Gazzo (Joe Spinell). He is also a small-time club fighter, but he is not very successful. One day, Rocky is approached by Apollo Creed, the world heavyweight champion. Creed is looking for a local boxer to fight him in an exhibition match to promote his upcoming title defense. Rocky is initially hesitant, but he eventually agrees to the fight.
Rocky trains with the help of his friend and coach, Mickey Goldmill (Meredith). He also has the support of his girlfriend, Adrian Pennino (Shire). Rocky enters as a huge underdog, but he puts up a surprising fight. He is able to go the distance with Creed, and he even knocks him down in the 15th and final round.
In the end, Creed is declared the winner by split decision. However, Rocky has won the respect of the fans and of Creed himself. He has also proven to himself that he is a capable boxer.
Rocky is a classic underdog story about a man who overcomes adversity to achieve his dreams. It is a film that has inspired millions of people around the world. It is also a film that has spawned a successful franchise, which includes six sequels and two spin-off films.
Rocky is a beloved film for many reasons. It is a story about hope, perseverance, and redemption. It is also a film about the importance of family and friends. Rocky is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.
Cast
- Sylvester Stallone as Robert "Rocky" Balboa
- Talia Shire as Adriana "Adrian" Pennino
- Burt Young as Paulie Pennino
- Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed
- Burgess Meredith as Michael "Mickey" Goldmill
- Thayer David as George "Miles" Jergens
-Joe Spinell as Tony Gazzo - Tony Burton as Tony "Duke" Evers
- Pedro Lovell as Spider Rico
- Stan Shaw as "Big Dipper" Brown
- Joe Frazier as Himself
Director: John G. Avildsen
Writers: Sylvester Stallone
Box Office Gross: $117,250,587
Distributor: United Artists
Release Date: November 21, 1976