The Set-Up

The Set-Up

Year: 1949

Runtime: 73 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Wise

DramaCrimeCrime drugs and gangstersUnderdog fighting and boxing storiesGritty crime and ruthless gangsters

I want a man … not a human punching bag! Expecting the usual loss, a boxing manager takes bribes from a betting gangster without telling his fighter.

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Timeline – The Set-Up (1949)

Trace every key event in The Set-Up (1949) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Pre-fight setup and looming decision

Bill 'Stoker' Thompson, a 35-year-old has-been boxer, prepares for the fight against Tiger Nelson at Paradise City Arena. His wife Julie fears for his safety and urges him to forfeit. Tiny, Stoker's manager, has already taken a mob payoff to fix the outcome and keeps this from him.

Evening, pre-fight Paradise City Arena – backstage
2

Julie's fear grows; she roams the arena streets

Julie wrestles with fear and worry for her husband as she contemplates skipping the fight. She refuses to attend and instead wanders the streets surrounding the arena. Her love and concern clash with the lure of money and security.

Evening, pre-fight Streets surrounding Paradise City Arena
3

Tiny's dive and concealment

Tiny agrees to take money from a mobster to ensure a fix, secretly planning Stoker's loss. He pockets the payment and withholds this information from Stoker. The betrayal plants the seed for the upcoming turmoil.

Pre-fight Backstage, Paradise City Arena
4

A heated argument and a decision to fight

Stoker and Julie clash over whether he should compete. Julie argues for his safety, while Stoker insists that fighters must fight when the moment comes. He leaves for the arena, leaving their dispute unresolved.

Evening, prior to fight Stoker's home
5

Fix revealed at the start of Round 4

At the beginning of the fourth round, Stoker learns that the fight is rigged by mobsters, with Little Boy behind the setup. The revelation comes as the crowd roars, heightening the tension. Despite this, he resolves not to quit the match.

Round 4 Paradise City Arena – boxing ring
6

Stoker fights through the mockery and pressure

He refuses to bow to the fix and continues to push Nelson, drawing on stubborn grit and crowd energy. The fight jolts back and forth as the underdog fights to prove himself. The ring becomes his stage for defiance.

Round 4 Paradise City Arena – boxing ring
7

Crowd erupts as Stoker claims victory

Stoker wins the crowd's support, turning boos into cheers as he finally defeats Nelson. The underdog triumphs against the mob-backed plan. The arena roars with a mix of relief and disbelief.

End of fight Paradise City Arena – boxing ring
8

Aftermath: brutal price paid outside the arena

Having won, Stoker is brutally beaten in an alley outside the arena. His hand is badly damaged when a brick is slammed against it by his attackers. The victory comes with a high personal cost.

Immediately after the fight Alley outside Paradise City Arena
9

Stoker collapses into Julie's arms

Stoker staggers from the alley and collapses into Julie's arms, catching his breath and processing the toll of the night. He acknowledges the victory but not the price, saying he won tonight. Julie steadies him, sharing the emotional weight of the moment.

Moments after the fight Alley outside Paradise City Arena
10

The end of his boxing career and shared victory

The couple realizes Stoker can never fight again, sealing a new future beyond the ring. Julie notes that they won tonight, recognizing that their triumph transcends the sport. The night closes with both of them embracing the hard-won, unintended victory.

Moments after the embrace Alley outside Paradise City Arena

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:37

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The Set-Up Summary

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The Set-Up Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Set-Up

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Set-Up

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The Set-Up (1949) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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