Rocky

Rocky, box-office hit motion picture about an aspiring boxer. Released in 1976, the film was written by Sylvester Stallone, who plays the title role. This is the role that made Stallone a star. The movie earned Academy Awards for best picture, best director, and best film editing. Rocky Balboa works in a meat factory and as a debt collector, but what he really wants to do is become a champion boxer. Rocky gets his chance when the world champion sets up a match with the underdog on New Year’s Eve. Rocky trains hard, loves his girlfriend, and almost wins the fight. The movie inspired several sequels, including Rocky 2 (1979) and Rocky 3 (1982).

Director

• John G. Avildsen

Cast

• Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa)
• Talia Shire (Adrian)
• Burt Young (Paulie)
• Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed)
• Burgess Meredith (Mickey)
• Thayer David (Miles Jergens)
• Joe Spinell (Tom Gazzo)
• Jimmy Gambina (Mike)
• Bill Baldwin (Fight announcer)
• Aldo Silvani (Cut man)
• George Memmoli (Ice rink attendant)
• Jodi Letizia (Marie)
• Diana Lewis (Television commentator)
• George O'Hanlon (Television commentator)
• Larry Carroll (Television interviewer)
• Stan Shaw (Dipper)
• Don Sherman (Bartender)
• Billy Sands (Club fight announcer)
• Pedro Lovell (Spider Ricco)
• DeForest Covan (Apollo's corner)
• Simmy Bow (Club cornerman)
• Tony Burton (Apollo's trainer)
• Hank Rolike (Apollo cornerman)
• Shirley O'Hara (Jergens' secretary)
• Kathleen Parker (Paulie's date)
• Frank Stallone (Timekeeper)
• Lloyd Kaufman (Drunk)
• Jane Marla Robbins (Gloria, pet shop owner)
• Jack Hollander (Fats)
• Joe Sorbello (Buddy the bodyguard)
• Christopher Avildsen (Chiptooth)
• Frankie Van (Club fight referee)
• Lou Filippo (Championship fight announcer)
• Frank Stallone, Jr. (Street corner singer)
• Robert L. Tangrea (Street corner singer)
• Peter Glassberg (Street corner singer)
• William E. Ring (Street corner singer)
• Joseph C. Giambelluca (Street corner singer)
• Joe Frazier (Paris Eagle)
• Butkus the Dog

Awards

• Academy Award for Best Picture (1976)
• Academy Award for Best Director (1976): John G. Avildsen
• Academy Award for Best Film Editing (1976): Film Editing 1976: Richard Halsey, Scott Conrad
• Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture—Drama (1977)

Quote

• Balboa (to his girlfriend Adrian): “The worst thing about fighting is the morning after.”