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Monkey on My Back

  • 1957
  • Approved
  • 1h 34m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
400
YOUR RATING
Dianne Foster and Cameron Mitchell in Monkey on My Back (1957)
BiographyDrama

The true story of Barney Ross, a World War II hero and champion professional boxer, who became addicted to morphine.The true story of Barney Ross, a World War II hero and champion professional boxer, who became addicted to morphine.The true story of Barney Ross, a World War II hero and champion professional boxer, who became addicted to morphine.

  • Director
    • André De Toth
  • Writers
    • Crane Wilbur
    • Anthony Veiller
    • Paul Dudley
  • Stars
    • Cameron Mitchell
    • Dianne Foster
    • Paul Richards
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    400
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • André De Toth
    • Writers
      • Crane Wilbur
      • Anthony Veiller
      • Paul Dudley
    • Stars
      • Cameron Mitchell
      • Dianne Foster
      • Paul Richards
    • 9User reviews
    • 12Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win

    Photos22

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    Top cast56

    Edit
    Cameron Mitchell
    Cameron Mitchell
    • Barney Ross
    Dianne Foster
    Dianne Foster
    • Cathy Holland
    Paul Richards
    Paul Richards
    • Rico
    Jack Albertson
    Jack Albertson
    • Sam Pian
    Kathy Garver
    Kathy Garver
    • Noreen
    Lisa Golm
    Lisa Golm
    • Barney's Mother
    Barry Kelley
    Barry Kelley
    • Big Ralph
    Dayton Lummis
    • J.L. McAvoy
    Lewis Charles
    Lewis Charles
    • Lew Surati
    Raymond Greenleaf
    Raymond Greenleaf
    • Dr. A.J. Latham
    Richard Benedict
    Richard Benedict
    • Art Winch
    Brad Harris
    Brad Harris
    • Spike McAvoy
    Robert Holton
    • Dr. Sullivan
    • (as Robert Wilson)
    Chris Alcaide
    Chris Alcaide
    • Benjy - Drug Pusher
    • (uncredited)
    Vince Barnett
    Vince Barnett
    • Mushy - Barney's Trainer
    • (uncredited)
    Scotty Beckett
    Scotty Beckett
    • Corpsman
    • (uncredited)
    Oscar Blank
    • Minor Role
    • (uncredited)
    Phil Bloom
    Phil Bloom
    • Fight Spectator
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • André De Toth
    • Writers
      • Crane Wilbur
      • Anthony Veiller
      • Paul Dudley
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Former "Our Gang" child star Scotty Beckett makes his final theatrical film appearance as a medic who helps Ross get hooked on morphine. Sadly, Beckett himself would die of a drug overdose ten years after this film was released.
    • Goofs
      When Barney leaves the hospital in the closing scene, there is clearly an open courtyard between the hospital and the gate. As Barney and Cathy run toward each other, they appear to be on a tree lined lane. When the camera shows them exiting the gate, the open courtyard appears again.
    • Quotes

      Barney Ross: Look Rico. I only got eight bucks.

      Rico, Drug Pusher: Start scrathin'. You see, you don't seem to understand. I'm risking ten years of my life with every move I make. I wanna get paid for it. And if I don't, my friends will break your wrists.

      Barney Ross: Let me up Rico. Let me up!

      Rico, Drug Pusher: You don't understand champ. The real torture hasn't started yet. The monkey will be on your back tomorrow.

    • Crazy credits
      "The Beginning" is shown in the closing credits.
    • Alternate versions
      There is an "Unrated Version" and a "Censored Version" that only effect reel 5a as indicated on elements in MGM/UA's database. No indication was given for what was cut in order to determine what the variation is in these two cuts.
    • Connections
      Edited into Dusk to Dawn Drive-in Trash-o-Rama Show Vol. 9 (2002)

    User reviews9

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    6/10

    How curious Monkey + Hatful - same year

    After waiting years to see Hatful of Rain as they didn't show it on TCM until the 90's or so, I fell in love with the film.

    Then I heard about the lesser shown "Monkey on My Back". Finally got to see it - wasn't disappointed. Similar story line. Men go into the service come back addicted to drugs.

    Cameron Mitchell's portrayal of an addict is believable. A man that is afraid of nothing, lives life each day for the moment and doesn't worry about the future. Spends and lives lavishly but falls in love whole heartedly.

    Unfortunately his love/need for drugs exceeds his love for his girlfriend/wife. You feel for him and his family but know the end result.
    • gelashe
    • Nov 21, 2013
    • Permalink

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 6, 1958 (Sweden)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Monkey on My Back: The Story of Barney Ross
    • Filming locations
      • Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • Imperial Pictures (II)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 34 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Sound mix
      • Mono

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    Dianne Foster and Cameron Mitchell in Monkey on My Back (1957)
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    By what name was Monkey on My Back (1957) officially released in Canada in English?
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