In the 1920s and 30s, boxing was one of the most popular sports in the country.  It and other forms of entertainment provided cheerful moments of respite from the gloom the Depression cast over the nation. In the movies and on radio, the public clamored for heroes like Superman and the Lone Ranger. But in the boxing ring, James Braddock proved himself the real life equivalent. After some inopportune losses and injuries, his career floundered, until a winning streak put him in the ring with Max Baer, the Heavyweight Champion of the World on June 13, 1935.  If you haven’t seen Ron Howard’s film…spoiler alert: He wins.

You’ve been listening to the Fontane Sisters with “The Cinderella Work Song”.

Want to see that championship bout? Click away.