The Crooked Circle 1957

Before a boxer dies in an accident, he tells sportswriter Ken Cooper that he should

get lost like Joe Kelly.

Ken Cooper [Steve Brodie] travels to a quiet, out-of-the-way town to uncover what happened, and he discovers Tommy Kelly [John Smith], a former contender who now runs a fishing lodge with his brother, Joe Kelly [Don Kelly].

Carol Smith [Fay Spain], Tommy’s girlfriend, immediately urges Cooper to help Tommy break into boxing, sensing a spark of ambition that could change their lives. Joe Kelly is opposed to the idea at first, and the clash between the brothers over boxing creates tension in the lodge and in their personal lives. Eventually, Joe relents but warns Tommy to change his name and keep clear of any dangerous crowd.

The momentum shifts when Al Taylor [Robert Armstrong], an earnest trainer, steps in to guide the young fighter. Tommy’s ascent attracts the attention of a dangerous circle: corrupt manager Larry Ellis [John Doucette], ambitious arena owner Max Maxwell [Philip Van Zandt], and ruthless gambler Sam Lattimer [Richard Karlan]. Under their influence, Tommy begins racking up wins and earning real money, even buying Carol an expensive engagement ring, a symbol of a future he hadn’t dared dream of before.

The glory fades when Tommy learns the fights are fixed, and a nerve-wracking revelation follows: he’s expected to throw the next bout. The truth hits hard, and Cooper commits to exposing the racket. The plot thickens as a crooked plan backfires—Lattimer bets big money on Tommy losing and ends up losing $60,000 when the scheme collapses. In the ensuing turmoil, thugs beat up Joe and kidnap Tommy, bringing the town to the brink of violence.

Cooper’s relentless investigation, and a courageous newspaper exposé, crack the case wide open. The public scrutiny clears Tommy’s name, lifting the shadow of the rigged fights. With justice served, Tommy is free to marry Carol and start anew, leaving behind the corruption that threatened to derail his dreams.