1950.....90 minutes.....Black and white
MGM
Director: John Sturges
Producer:Armand Deutsch
Screenplay: Charles Schnee
Cinematographer: Norbert Brodine
Cast: Dick Powell, June Allyson, Lionel Barrymore, Ricardo Montalban, John Galludet, Barry Kelley, Marianne Stewart, Mimi Aguglia, Teresa Celli, Marilyn Monroe

Right Cross stars Ricardo Montalban as Mexican champ Johnny Monterez, a fighter constantly worried that he's being victimized by prejudice. His manager, wheelchair-bound Sean O'Malley (Lionel Barrymore), a former top dog in the ring, now handles only Johnny--who is in love with the Irishman's daughter, Pat (June Allyson). A loner, Johnny has few friends except the O'Malleys and sportswriter Rick Gavery (Dick Powell). Although his fears of racism are shown to be largely unfounded, Johnny's paranoia causes him to believe that he will lose Pat if he doesn't keep winning, so, when his signature right cross starts to lose its sting, he signs with a top promoter, hoping to quickly make enough money to marry Pat and support her father.

However, this apparent defection gives Sean a heart attack and alienates Pat. Johnny loses his crown in one last match, but still collects a huge purse, then gets in a fight with Rick and breaks his right hand. The film ends on an upbeat note, though, when the fighter, his career ended, reconciles with Pat and Rick.

Right Cross stands out among fight films, not only for the elements missing (there are no underworld characters, no fixed fights, and, in a refreshing turn of events, the hero loses the big fight), but also for its strong cast (including an unbilled, pre-stardom Marilyn Monroe in a bit part) and good fight scenes directed by John Sturges. Most notable, however, is its sensitive and relatively daring depiction of the concerns of a minority athlete.