Synopsis
Johnny Kovak joins the Teamsters trade-union in a local chapter in the 1930s and works his way up in the organization. As he climbs higher and higher his methods become more ruthless and finally senator Madison starts a campaign to find the truth about the alleged connections with the Mob.
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Cast
- Sylvester StalloneJohn D. 'Johnny' Kovak
- Rod SteigerSen. Andrew Madison
- Peter BoyleMax Graham
- Melinda DillonAnna Zarinkas
- David HuffmanAbe Belkin
- Kevin ConwayVince Doyle
- Tony Lo BiancoAnthony 'Babe' Milano
- Cassie YatesMolly
- Peter DonatArthur St. Clair
- John LehneMr. Gant
Recommendations
- 80
Variety
In its superb telling of how a humble but idealistic young man escalates to the corrupt heights of unbridled power, F.I.S.T. is to the labor movement in the United States what All the King's Men was to an era in American politics. - 75
TV Guide Magazine
Beautiful photography from Kovacs and an excellent acting job by Stallone. - 70
Time Out
Stallone's performance is a superb blend of stubborn-jawed gravity and ironic hamming as he heads, Godfather-like, for a confrontation with the Senate. - 70
The New York Times
F.I.S.T. is a big movie that benefits more from the accumulation of small, ordinary detail than from any particular wit or inspiration of vision. It's also played with great conviction by its huge cast. - 60
The Dissolve
F.I.S.T. is another in a long line of well-made films that excel in their particulars, even if they fall a little short as complete, complex pieces of cinema. - 60
Village Voice
I found myself reasonably absorbed in this grown-up though not sufficiently lived-in and thought-through entertainment. [01 May 1978, p.45] - 50
Washington Post
F.I.S.T. may be given patronizing credit for reflecting some vague desire to do an important picture about the perils of corruption within the American political system. Unfortunately, it can't be given credit for realizing that desire with much skill or credibility. [26 Apr 1978, p.B1] - 50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
Gripping to watch but ultimately misses the target. [29 Apr 1978]
