Bad Company II
Oscar-Nominated Movies Bash Business,
but Hollywood Claims That’s Entertainment

SIDEBAR

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The Businessman You Would Want In Your Corner

     There was only one businessman deserving of Oscar honors. Joe Gould combined brains and bravery with the willingness to go to the mat for others. As manager for boxer James Braddock, Gould wouldn’t back down from anyone – even the deadly champion Max Baer, whom he called a “punk” for being rude to Mrs. Braddock.

     Actor Paul Giamatti filled the “Cinderella Man” role with wit and charm and showed Hollywood does know how to depict businessmen as heroes. Giamatti earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal.

     Gould was there throughout Braddock’s career – as rising star, as has-been and resurrected as a contender. Early on, he kept Braddock in shape despite a grueling schedule. When the boxer’s career hit rock bottom, Gould tried to help him financially – even battling to get him one last, good-paying bout to help care for a starving and freezing Depression-era family.

     But a surprise victory earned Braddock a second chance, and it was then Gould truly showed his mettle by gambling everything he owned on the fighter. Gould literally sold nearly all of his furniture to bet on “something” he saw in Braddock.

     By the time Braddock had a shot at the title, boxer and manager worked as a seamless team. The diminutive Gould wasn’t even intimidated by the dangerous Baer. Gould goaded him and, at one point in the fight, verbally distracted him so Braddock could land several punches.

     Gould’s brains and heart made him a winner.