James J. Braddock - Guestbook

Welcome to the official guestbook of the James J Braddock website. Due to spam, we have been forced stop guestbook entries.

It's truly wonderful for the people of our country to be able to relive this incredible story of hope when the light of hope was so dim. James Braddock lit that candle of hope in the heart of millions, and continues to do so today on screen, through the efforts of Ron Howard and Russell Crowe. An inspirational story of American True Grit and Heart about a real American Hero.

I watched the movie yesterday and was very impressed at this man's integrity and love for his wife and kids. We should all take something from on how he lived his life and how he conducted himself in the public.

What a great story about a truly great man! Saw the movie today and could not believe what this man went through to provide for his family during those most difficult times. It is nice to see a movie that tells a great story and has a very important message, to never give up on your dreams or yourself.

Knew JJ Bradock was a great fighter but was overwhelmed to learn what a great human being he was. If the movie was true to his life, what a wonderful man! It was truly a good feeling movie and loved it!
Thanks for sharing this great man with us.

It is stories like this that give me hope. It's really defines the statement "that the best is yet to come". Life is only as tough as you truly believe it to be.

I didn't know anything about Mr. Braddock, but the movie was recommended to me. So I went this afternoon and was so empressed I came home to find out more about him thru the internet. I truly enjoyed the story.

What a wonderful tribute to a very caring husband and father. This was the best movie I have seen this year. This is a must see for everyone.

Just saw the movie. What a tribute to a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing his legacy with the world.

Hi,

Growing up in Newfoundland I had heard of "Jimmy Braddock" my Dad's
cousin and many of our home town folks worked longshore with him on the docks in New York. I had heard the story many times, This was long before the movie brought him to current fame. They were all very proud of him

Dad said he was on relief, like in the movie. Very happy to see that Dad's story was "true" Nice
site.

We just saw the movie last night...absolutely wonderful and inspiring. I was emotional throughout the entire movie because I was so moved by the constant determination, courage and the incredible character of Jim Braddock. He is the definition of HERO! I am already looking forward to purchasing the DVD when it comes out...I want my four children to see this movie and to see what a true hero and role model is. Thank you for sharing his story with the world.

What a terrific movie about an American hero:James J. Braddock.
The depiction of the harshness of the depression should be a primer for teenagers to view. Because Braddock never gave up hope, he and his family strived and overcame a mean and horrible time in the history of our great country.
Ron Howard has created a movie a family can enjoy. There is no need to worry about foul language and to witness a real American who displayed honor and courage. Bravo

I grew up in West New York, NJ and my husband grew up in North Bergen, NJ. Both towns played a prominent part of James Braddock's life. I spent many days as a child and as a teenager in James J. Braddock park in North Bergen. My husband even remembers painting the fence at the park during one of his summer jobs as a teenager. I never even knew who that park was named for. My husband knew he was a fighter but didn't know that much about his life. Well we saw the movie Cinderella Man today. I couldn't wait to get home to research more about this man among men. What a true hero he was. He showed what a real man will do to keep his family together. In this day and age when our children look up to rappers that are in and out of jail, rich spoiled heiresses with no real purpose to their lives or sports stars that blow all their talent and money on drugs, it is good to see a movie that shows a man that should really be looked up to. A man that loved his wife and children. A man who was honest and loyal and did whatever it takes to provide for those he loved. This is the kind of man I want my children to look up to. What a great movie about a truelly great man.

I just saw the movie last night. What a wonderful story of courage and determination. I am grateful for men like your grandfather who's story can change and encourage a nation during trying times. I hope this is best picture for 2005 - we need more stories like it. Ron Howard did an excellent job.

I just watch Cinderella Man today and it was just an amazing story it brought tears to my eyes...I'm glad that his story was told by someone greatful and someone that can understand...I'm a 17 years old like others thinking that life should be like or like that...but after watching this movie I don't think so you got to take the chance whenever it comes... you must be proud to have a wonderful grandfather

I'm 75 years old and during my young years I remember my Dad (who was born in 1896 and an avid fight fan) talking about Jim Braddock and how much he admired him. My Dad raised a family during the Depression years, too, and gave all his effort to helping put food on the table for my Mom and all of us kids.
I was born in 1929, one of five children and to this day I still remember Jim's fight with Joe Louis and how my Dad felt that he had lost but still so proud that he had fought so hard.
Thanks so much for bringing back some great memories. You must be very proud of such wonderful Grandfather and Ron Howard deserves many accolades for making a superb film.

beautiful movie and story.
this is how movies should be made! - on the edge of your seat and leaving the theater shaking. ( i like many others had no idea who James was...but ran to the internet to research more.)
what a motivation. what a man of integrity. purely humbling.
i am a young father, and though never seen anything close to the great depression, i know of the real fears and pressures of providing for my family....by Mr. Braddocks life's example, Crowes powerful delivery, and Howards story telling..i am truely motivated to continue fighting for my own dreams.
congrats to all.
beautiful.

I saw the movie two nights ago. My grandfather said that it was tuff in the great depression. James J. Braddock was a gaint of men. His story should be told again, again too make sure this generation knows what that generation went through and too hopefully not let it happen too this generation. Way too go Ron Howard.

I held off from going to the washroom for the 2 and a half hours because I didn't want to miss a thing. This movie doesn't dissapoint.

It is a treat to peek inside the Braddock life with this site. Enjoyed the early pages of the guestbook with friends and family commenting. Beautiful...

I was close to killing myself. So much had happened in my life. I just lost my job, and that seemed to be the final straw. Well, I had 11 bucks to my name. With no airconditioning or any hope for that matter, I went to the movies. By the time I left I felt like I had a chance....it's day to day now, but I was inspired. I hope I live long enough to be in inspiration to people like he was. Thank you Mr. Braddock.. in heaven as you look down, thank you for not giving up.

This movie has to be one of the best I have seen in 10 years,,,I am a fight fan and remember the Broddock name but did not know his story... I had tears in my eyes when the announcer said ''New Heavyweight Champion of the World'',I am very glad his story was told,,,,

My Friends And I Saw the movie The Last Night, This
Deserves An Oscar,
I was empressed when he took his son back to retuen the salami, when they did not have enough to eat themselves

My wife and I saw the last showing at our local theatre last night and my initial worry was I didn't want her to fall asleep as she's usually out by 10:30.
Happily, I didn't have to worry about that because the film was so compelling from the start. Like many who have posted, I didn't know anything about Mr. Braddock but thank God for people like your grandfather - he is truly inspiring!

The film was a great inspiration. I wanted my thirteen year old to see the film, so that he might be able to understand the hardships of people during the depression. It is my belief that if we do not honor what we now have we could face these types of hardships again someday. The scene where Mr. Braddock goes to the Boxing Association to beg for help is one that touched my heart the deepest. Mr. Crowe did a tremendous job with his emotional connection of a man that was at the "end of his rope" and the sacrifices he was willing to make for his family. Bravo both to the Braddock family and to the producers of such a tremendous film. I thank Mr. Braddock for his courage that obviously inspired and saved the lives of many people during this era. This is what heros are made of!! God Bless you , James, and may you rest in peace.

Went to see the movie almost 24 hours ago, and it has taken me all of those hours to regain my strength. This movie, so majestically made, wrung me out! Mr. Braddock, thank you. You were definitely a man among men. Way to go, Opie!!