The Greatest is a 1977 biopic, directed by Tom Gries in his final film, about the infamous boxer Muhammad Ali. It is based on the book The Greatest: My Life Story, written by Richard Durham (and supposedly co-written by Ali himself, though this has been disputed).
As the book has had its accuracy in heavy debate, due to it being heavily censored by Ali's manager Herbert Muhammad and Ali himself debunking one story after its release, the film is a very fictionalized portrayal of his life. It is however interesting both for using archival footage of Ali's famous fights rather than recreations, and for the fact that he plays himself (with Chip McAllister playing him at 18). It's also notable for starring Robert Duvall, Ernest Borgnine and James Earl Jones as Malcolm X!
It was the final film of Tom Gries, who passed away shortly before its release.
Tropes:
- Artistic License – History:
- In the montage of fights that happen between 1971 and 1973, Ali's fight with Joe Bergner is shown. The one shown through archive footage is from their second bout in 1975, which took place after the bout with Foreman that makes up the film's climax.
- Ali's first marriage is not shown, and he's only shown married to Belinda, who was his second wife.
- Artistic License – Military: Outside the Armed Forces induction center in Houston, a naval officer is wearing summer whites, with a khaki combination cover, rather than the white cover that it should be. The cap is an option to the overseas cover, seen correctly worn on another officer.
- As Himself: Rahman Ali, Howard Bingham, Harold Conrad, Don Dunphy, Pat Patterson, Lloyd Wells and Gene Kilroy all appear as themselves.
- Time-Shifted Actor: Chip McAllister plays the younger Ali, before being swapped out with the man himself.
- What Happened to the Mouse?: Malcolm X vanishes about halfway through the story with no explanation or comment.
