Day of the Fight poster

Movie

Day of the Fight

195113m5.8 / 10

Stanley Kubrick’s debut documentary, following Irish-American middleweight boxer Walter Cartier on April 17, 1950—the day of his bout with Bobby James. The film traces Cartier’s quiet morning rituals, training, and anxious hours before the match, culminating in his swift victory that night in Newark. Opening with a brief history of boxing, Kubrick’s tightly crafted short captures the discipline, isolation, and tension behind a fighter’s daily routine.

Availability

Not streaming in United States

Checked Sep 3, 2026

Day of the Fight opened in theaters April 26, 1951. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

Stanley Kubrick’s debut documentary, following Irish-American middleweight boxer Walter Cartier on April 17, 1950—the day of his bout with Bobby James. The film traces Cartier’s quiet morning rituals, training, and anxious hours before the match, culminating in his swift victory that night in Newark. Opening with a brief history of boxing, Kubrick’s tightly crafted short captures the discipline, isolation, and tension behind a fighter’s daily routine.

More about Day of the Fight

Cast

Vincent CartierSelf, Walter's twin brother and manager
Walter CartierSelf
Nat FleischerSelf, boxing historian
Bobby JamesSelf, Walter's opponent
Judy SingerSelf, female fan in crowd (uncredited)
Stanley KubrickSelf (man at ringside with camera) (uncredited)
Alexander SingerSelf
Douglas EdwardsNarrator

Credits

Directed by
Stanley Kubrick

Production details

Status
Released
Original language
English
Budget
$3.9K

Production

  • RKO Radio PicturesUnited States

Themes

boxerboxingcatholicnew jerseyshort filmtwin brother