SCOOP: The straight dope on CINDERELLA MAN

By: Patrick Sauriol
Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Source: Anonymous

We haven't had much about CINDERELLA MAN here on the site, but that's all about to change. This new Russell Crowe movie has just begun filming in Ontario under the direction of Ron Howard (THE MISSING). If it were just a Crowe or Howard production, CINDERELLA MAN would still be noteworthy, but since the film also marks a reunion for the star and director of A BEAUTIFUL MIND, great things are expected from this project.

The good news for today is that we've got a new scooper who decided to share with us what it's like on the set of the production. Read on to find out the latest on Crowe's pugilist career...

"Hi folks - I'm working on CINDERELLA MAN in Toronto directed by Ron Howard starring Russell Crowe as legendary heavyweight champion (1935) Jim Braddock.

"Film is shooting on location under 'Colder Than Jersey Productions Inc.' - key locations upcoming include Hamilton's Copps Colliseum and Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens doubling for Madison Square Garden circa 1935.

"This week we're filming Braddock's fight with Abe Feldman with took place on Sept. 25 1933 when Braddock was on the comeback trail.

"Russell wears a purple boxing robe with a green shamrock on the back - Braddock is Irish-American. Crowe's hair is dyed black.

"Ron Howard is a very focused director who knows what he wants and knows what shots to get fast. Not much rope-a-dope going on here.

"Contrary to popular rumours, the film is NOT being re-titled 'A Beautiful Right Hook.'

"We'll check back in later.

"Oh, one more important note - they are clearly going for the Oscars on this one. Legendary make up dude Dave Anderson (Oscar for make-up on MEN IN BLACK) is personally tending to Mr. Crowe's game face, including blacking out his 'missing' teeth.

"Maybe Jennifer Connelly will pop by to say hello?"

[Thanks to anonymous in the bleachers for the latest fight report.]


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