Alice Picks the Champ: A Tale of Determination and Perseverance
Have you ever watched a movie that left you feeling inspired and motivated to tackle whatever challenges come your way? If not, then you need to check out Alice Picks the Champ, a heartwarming sports drama that follows the journey of a young girl who refuses to let anyone or anything stand in her way.
The movie, directed by Jules White and released in 1937, revolves around Alice (played by Shirley Temple), a spunky and determined little girl who has a passion for boxing. Despite her young age and the disapproval of her parents, Alice trains tirelessly to become a champion boxer, fueled by her unwavering determination and her love for the sport.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Alice Picks the Champ, delving into the plot, the characters, and the underlying themes that make this classic film a must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story.
Plot Synopsis
The movie begins with Alice sneaking out of her house to attend a local boxing match. Mesmerized by the action in the ring, she decides on the spot that she wants to be a boxer herself.
Undeterred by her parents’ objections, Alice begins to train with the local coach, Pop (played by Guinn “Big Boy” Williams), and quickly shows promise as a fighter. However, Alice’s dreams are threatened when her parents find out about her boxing and forbid her from participating in any more matches.
Undeterred, Alice turns to Pop for help, and with his encouragement, she continues to train in secret. Things come to a head when Alice’s father catches her training and orders her to stop.
But Alice refuses to give up her dream, and she offers her father a challenge – if she wins the upcoming boxing tournament, he will have to allow her to continue boxing. The remainder of the movie follows Alice’s journey to the tournament, where she must overcome a series of obstacles and face off against tough opponents in order to prove herself as a true champion.
Character Analysis
The standout character in Alice Picks the Champ is undoubtedly Alice herself. Shirley Temple delivers a winning performance as the plucky and determined young boxer, capturing the audience’s hearts with her infectious energy and can-do attitude.
Other memorable characters include Pop, the gruff but lovable coach who sees potential in Alice; Alice’s skeptical father, who struggles to understand his daughter’s passion for boxing; and the various opponents that Alice faces throughout the movie, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Themes
At its core, Alice Picks the Champ is a story about perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Alice refuses to let anyone deter her from her dream of becoming a champion boxer, even if it means going against her parents’ wishes and facing tough opponents in the ring.
Another important theme in the movie is the importance of following one’s passions, even if they go against societal norms. Alice defies stereotypes and gender roles by pursuing a male-dominated sport, and she serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever been told that they can’t do something because of their gender, age, or background.
Overall, Alice Picks the Champ is an uplifting and inspiring movie that reminds us that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of grit, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams. Whether you’re a fan of boxing or just enjoy a good underdog story, this classic film is sure to leave you feeling motivated and inspired.
Alice Picks the Champ: An Inspirational Tale of Breaking Boundaries and Defying Odds
Alice Picks the Champ is a gem of a movie that was released in the 1930s but still resonates with viewers worldwide. The plot is simple yet powerful, urging viewers to believe in themselves and their dreams.
The film offers a charming and inspiring tale of a young girl out to achieve what is considered unthinkable by societal norms. The movie’s plot takes the viewers through a rollercoaster ride as they follow Alice’s journey of chasing her dreams and overcoming the hurdles.
The protagonist, Alice, is a cheeky and curious little girl whom we see sneaking out of her house one day to watch a boxing match at a local fair. What starts as an innocent curiosity quickly turns into an infatuation for the sport, and thus, Alice decides to take up boxing.
However, as expected, things do not go smoothly for Alice. Her father forbids her from pursuing boxing as a sport.
Moreover, her gender proves to be another obstacle as most people around her do not take her seriously and underestimate her abilities as a boxer. Alice’s persistence and unshakeable determination, however, help her overcome these obstacles.
She finds refuge in an unlikely ally, an old, retired boxer called Pop. Pop recognizes Alice’s potential and sees her unwavering passion for the sport, and takes her under his wing.
Alice’s journey is far from easy, as she practices secretly, hiding her routine from her parents. At one point, when her father discovers her boxing, Alice confronts him bravely, challenging him to let her participate in a local tournament.
Alice’s father agrees to her challenge, albeit on a condition – if Alice wins the tournament, he will allow her to continue boxing. The tale of Alice’s journey is not just inspiring but also highlights the importance of breaking stereotypes.
As a girl in the 1930s, boxing was an unusual sport to take up for anyone, let alone a girl. Alice’s passion for the sport and refusal to conform to societal norms makes her a revolutionary character that breaks traditional gender roles.
She does not allow herself to be limited by her gender, proving that anyone can pursue their passion, regardless of their gender. Moreover, at the crux of the film lies a message of perseverance and determination.
Alice’s journey highlights the importance of hard work, patience, and resilience in achieving one’s goals. Alice’s path to the championship is not an easy one, but the obstacles she faces ultimately shape her character and transform her into a true champion.
In conclusion, the plot of Alice Picks the Champ is both heartwarming and inspiring. As viewers, we are rooting for Alice throughout her journey, cheering her on every step of the way.
The film ultimately reminds us that no matter who we are, or where we come from, with passion and determination, we can achieve our dreams. Alice Picks the Champ: The Making of a Classic
The production of Alice Picks the Champ is as fascinating as the movie itself.
Produced by Fox Film Corporation and directed by Jules White, the movie was released in 1937 and marked Shirley Temple’s first appearance as a teenager in her film career. The movie was shot in black and white, which was a common practice in the 1930s.
However, the director Jules White wanted to add a touch of modernity to the film by including footage of real boxers in action. This was accomplished by intercutting clips of real boxing matches with Temple’s filmed scenes, giving the movie a sense of authenticity and realism.
One of the most significant challenges during the production of the movie was finding a suitable location to shoot. As the film is set in the 1930s, it required a location that could replicate the era accurately.
The production team eventually settled on filming in a small town called Ramona, which is located just outside Los Angeles. The town’s quaint, old-fashioned architecture and dusty streets provided the perfect backdrop for the movie.
The costumes in the movie were also a challenge. As the film is set in the 1930s, the costumes had to reflect the era accurately.
This meant that the production team had to source vintage clothing and modify them to fit the actors. Shirley Temple’s fighting gear, for example, was created by dying a pair of boys’ shorts and a t-shirt to match the style of the era.
The casting of the film was another crucial aspect of the production. The lead role of Alice was a challenging one to cast, as it required someone who could portray both the grit and determination needed to become a boxer and the innocence and charm of a young girl.
The production team eventually settled on Shirley Temple, who, at the time, was known for her adorable and spunky on-screen persona. Her casting in a role that was so different from her previous work was a gamble, but one that paid off as it showcased her range and acting prowess to audiences.
The visual effects in the movie were also noteworthy for their time. A key scene in the film shows Alice dodging punches in slow motion.
To achieve this effect, the filmmakers had to use a wind-up camera and film the scene in slow-motion, a process that required a lot of patience and precision. Additionally, the film’s musical score was also an essential aspect of its production.
The score was composed by Edward Ward, who used a combination of orchestral and jazz music to create a unique sound that captured the atmosphere and energy of the era. In conclusion, the production of Alice Picks the Champ is a fascinating and impressive feat that showcases the talented cast and team behind the movie.
The challenges faced during the making of the film, including finding the right location and costumes, along with the use of visual effects and the musical score, all came together to create a classic film that remains a fan favorite and an inspiration to viewers even after all these years. Alice Picks the Champ: The Impact of its Release
Released in 1937, Alice Picks the Champ was a film that made a significant impact on audiences, sparking admiration and praise for its groundbreaking plot and captivating performances.
The film was an instant hit, drawing crowds to movie theaters and earning rave reviews from critics. Filmed during a time of global unrest, the movie provided an escape from the tensions of the day and a boost to viewers’ morale.
The film offered a message of hope and resilience, reminding audiences of the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving their dreams, no matter the obstacles. Furthermore, the movie’s release marked a turning point for Shirley Temple’s career, as it was one of her first starring roles in a Hollywood production.
It was also one of the first times that Temple, known for her adorable and bubbly roles, had taken on a more challenging and unconventional role where she was required to portray a young girl who dreams of becoming a boxer. Alice Picks the Champ was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning praise from audiences and critics alike for its storytelling, visual effects, and performances.
The New York Times described it as “a refreshing picture which increases one’s respect for the boxing game and proves that girls can try their hand at it if they wish,” while other critics praised Temple’s performance, calling it a departure from her “cutesy” roles and a sign of her versatility as an actress. The film’s impact continued long after its initial release.
It remains a beloved classic, inspiring generations of viewers with its uplifting message and heartwarming story. Its themes of perseverance, breaking stereotypes, and defying odds continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Moreover, the film’s continued popularity speaks to the enduring appeal of underdog stories. The film depicts Alice, an unlikely candidate for a boxer, pursuing her dreams despite the challenges she faces and ultimately succeeding.
The film’s themes of determination, hard work, and resilience are universal, and as a result, the movie remains relevant even today. In conclusion, Alice Picks the Champ was a film that made a significant impact upon its release and continues to remain a beloved classic to this day.
Its enduring popularity is a testament to the film’s timeless themes that demonstrate the importance of hard work and determination, no matter the challenges one faces. The movie’s message of hope and perseverance has remained an inspiration to viewers worldwide for more than eight decades and will continue to inspire generations to come.
Alice Picks the Champ: The Impact of its Soundtrack
One of the most notable aspects of Alice Picks the Champ is its soundtrack. The movie’s musical score was composed by Edward Ward and combined orchestral music with jazz to create an innovative and memorable sound.
The musical score of Alice Picks the Champ sets the tone for the film. The opening credits of the movie are accompanied by a lively and upbeat musical score that introduces the audience to the film’s energy and excitement.
The combination of brass and percussion instruments creates a sense of anticipation, perfectly setting the stage for the film’s plot. Throughout the film, the music is used to emphasize and enhance the emotion in a scene.
During the tense boxing matches, the music is fast-paced and dramatic, befitting the high stakes of the matches. Conversely, during the more emotional scenes, such as Alice’s confrontation with her father, the music is subdued and melancholic, lending the scene an added depth of feeling.
The use of jazz music in the film’s soundtrack was particularly notable, as it was a new and innovative style of music for Hollywood at the time. Jazz was not yet a popular genre of music in the mainstream, but the filmmakers saw its potential as an exciting and unique way to capture the energy and spirit of the era.
Additionally, the soundtrack of Alice Picks the Champ includes several songs that were popular during the 1930s. The inclusion of these songs added to the film’s authenticity and captured the essence of the era.
Songs such as “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and “Alabamy Bound” are used throughout the film to supplement the musical score and provide an added layer of nostalgia for viewers. The impact of the movie’s soundtrack was not limited to the time of its release, however.
The movie’s jazz-infused musical score and the inclusion of popular songs from the era have helped the film to become a time capsule – a snapshot of the musical trends of the 1930s. Moreover, the movie’s soundtrack has proven to be timeless and continues to resonate with audiences today.
The jazzy undertones in the musical score are reminiscent of modern jazz compositions, while the inclusion of popular songs from the era caters to viewers who enjoy nostalgia and classic hits. In conclusion, the soundtrack of Alice Picks the Champ is a testament to the creative vision of the filmmakers.
The soundtrack captures the energy and excitement of the era through its innovative use of jazz music and a combination of popular songs from the era. The music complements the film’s plot and enhances the emotions portrayed on screen, adding an extra layer of depth and feeling to the movie.
Alice Picks the Champ remains a classic movie, in part due to its musical score, which continues to captivate audiences today. In conclusion, Alice Picks the Champ is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for over eight decades.
Its plot, characters, production, release, and soundtrack have been thoroughly analyzed and appreciated by film buffs and enthusiasts. Its themes of determination, perseverance, overcoming stereotypes, and defying odds are as relevant today as they were in the 1930s.
Alice Picks the Champ is a must-watch for anyone who loves an inspirational underdog story and enjoys timeless classics. FAQs:
1.
who directed Alice Picks the Champ? Ans: Jules White directed Alice Picks the Champ.
2. What is the theme of Alice Picks the Champ?
Ans: The main themes of Alice Picks the Champ are determination, perseverance, overcoming stereotypes, and defying odds. 3.
Who played the role of Alice in Alice Picks the Champ? Ans: Shirley Temple portrayed the role of Alice in Alice Picks the Champ.
4. When was Alice Picks the Champ released?
Ans: Alice Picks the Champ was released in the year 1937. 5.
Which town was selected to shoot the film Alice Picks the Champ? Ans: The production team selected Ramona, a small town outside Los Angeles, to shoot Alice Picks the Champ.