Today’s installment of Video Archeology is a bit different. It’s not a biography, or a game or a retrospective. Today, I have a gem for you – a movie starring one of our NDN All-Stars!
If you’re looking for an old-school boxing movie that’s a bit off the beaten path, “Keep Punching” (1939) is one you should check out. It stars NDN All-Star #32 Henry Armstrong (Iroquois), a real boxing legend from the era, and follows the story of a young boxer, Dave, who fights his way from humble beginnings to the top. The plot may seem familiar—it’s a classic underdog story—but what makes it special is the time period and Armstrong’s presence.
The film gives us a glimpse into what it was like for minority athletes during the 1930s. Armstrong’s own history as a trailblazing fighter, combined with his portrayal of Dave, gives the movie a sense of authenticity that feels rare for the time. The boxing scenes, although not as polished as what you’d see today, have a raw energy to them because of Armstrong’s real-life skills in the ring.
The characters around Dave—his trainer and fellow fighters—create a solid sense of community and camaraderie, which adds to the emotional weight of the story. You really feel like you’re rooting for Dave, not just because he’s good in the ring but because he has people who believe in him.
Sure, the dialogue might come off as a little corny to a modern audience, and the production quality is far from today’s standards, but that’s part of what makes “Keep Punching” an interesting watch. It’s a window into a different time, with a simplicity that makes you appreciate the journey these characters go through. And the fact that it stars a real-life sports hero gives it an edge that many other films don’t have.
Overall, I’d recommend “Keep Punching” if you’re a fan of boxing films or of NDN All-Star #32 Henry Armstrong. It’s a little rough around the edges, but it’s got heart, and Armstrong’s presence makes it more than just another boxing movie. Plus, it’s a reminder of how hard some people had to fight—not just in the ring, but in life.
Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present. He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.
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