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James J. Braddock - Guestbook

James J. Braddock, World Heavy-Weight Champion

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

My wife is the grand daughter of Al Ettore who fought Mr. Braddock in the 30's. We're looking forward to seeing the movie and enjoyed visiting the web site. Thanks!
Matt Taylor - Ellenton, Florida USA [2005-06-02 12:04:38]
I have not seen the movie yet but the previews look very good. It made me want to know more about James Braddock. And I found this site. Thank you for the site and I look forward to seeing the movie
Michael - Reynoldsburg, Oh Usa [2005-06-02 12:01:57]
Ah yes, I remember Jimmy Braddock with sweet memories..It was his victory over Baer that inspired me to box the bully in my life in my Dad's boxing ring at his service station and I won in home made boxing shorts made by my Aunt....I will never forget Braddock.....
John Gilbert - Ventura, Ca USA [2005-06-02 11:59:27]
ITS BEEN A TRUE BLESSING TO READ AND LEARN ABOUT A TRULY GREAT, HUMBLE AND CARING MAN. J.BRADDOCK...A TRUE CHAMPION IN BOXING AND LIFE!!
E.enesi - Carson, Ca. U.s.a. [2005-06-02 11:46:04]
Cinderalla Man was a awesome movie PERIOD. It inspired me to to research on the internet and learn more about the life of James Braddock. Although I enjoy boxing, you don't have to be a fan of the sport to enjoy the movie. Unfortunately I can't say the same about the "documentary" of James Braddock ESPN aired a few night ago. I looked forward to hearing interviews, seeing footage and learning more about this inspiring man. Instead it was a docudrama of sorts, narrated by characters/actors. The fact that it was all shot in black in white didn't bother me, but the annoying nervous quality of the camera work was bothersome. ESPN blew it, which is surprising because they do make some fantastic documentaries portraying great athletes. I didn't get anything from it. Does anyone know of any other television documentary about James Braddock?
The bottom line is: If you haven't seen this movie GO SEE IT!!
Danny - San Diego, Ca USA [2005-06-02 11:44:13]
My father always spoke of Jim Braddock and Lewis - it appears that acts speak louder than words - he would refer to him as Gentleman Jim Braddock and the fact that Mr. Braddock gave Joe Louis a title fight in a time when many other fighters would not. It also is not lost on me that he cancelled Schmelling and rejected fighting him to fight Louis. I know the reasons for cancelling were medical, but he was his own man, and refused to be dictated to by the boxing commision. It looks like it was a great fight and that Jim Braddock was a 'Class Act'. I look forward to Cineralla Man as many people look forward to the Star Wars Movies, since Boxing has always been a passion with me.
John Burkhardt - Washington, Nj United States [2005-06-02 11:04:28]
I saw the movie "Cinderella Man" at a sneak preview last evening. The scenes of the Great Depression made me realize the tough times my parents (now both deceased) had to endure as children during this time . . . and it was very emotional. My boyfriend and I both cried, cheered and clapped along with the rest of the crowd during this wonderful, touching film! James Braddock was a proud man and loving father, and story of his life is an inspiration for us all. It's a "must see" movie!
Patricia Mullen - Pittsburgh, Pa USA [2005-06-02 10:35:53]
Its people like Mr. Braddock that are sent to us in times of hardship that play a role of "uplifter", by personifying a spirit of hope and restoration, he did this during that time.
John H. - Jenkins, Ky Us [2005-06-02 10:22:00]
When my mother passed away in 1995 I found among her old books "RELIEF TO ROYALTY" THE STORY OF JAMES J. BRADDOCK HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION BY LUD. IT IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND IS AUTOGRAPHED BY JIIMY BRADDOCK NOV.10,1936. I WAS WONDERING ABOUT IT'S VALUE.
Gerald J Mcgrath - Greenville, Ny United States [2005-06-02 09:30:05]
My father used to tell me about James Braddock. We're originally from Cherry Hill N.J.....moved to Miami Fl when I was 5. Going to see the movie this week-end. Keep up the great site!
James J. Bartoli - Altamonte Springs, Florida U.s.a. [2005-06-02 09:14:34]
My husband and I got to see Cinderella Man in a premier. My father and grandfather always talked about the great fight between Max Baer and Jimmy. I love boxing but the real love of this movie was Mr. and Mrs. Braddock. The love that they had for each other and for their children was amazing. It was the best movie I have ever seen. The audience erupted in applause here in Winnipeg. He truly was the CHAMPION of the working man!
Christine Copeland - #5-303 Stradbrook Ave, Winnipeg Canada [2005-06-02 04:06:56]
Just saw Crowe, Howard and Dimatti on Charlie Rose. Sounds like they really put their hearts into this tribute to a fine man. We --my family--are movie lovers and will definitely see this one.
John Schuh - Lake Dallas, Tx USA [2005-06-02 01:38:05]
I was born and raiosed in North Bergen , NJ. I can remember as a child walking through James J. Braddock park ( Hudson County Park ) in North Bergen and my grandfather telling me stories about the man who the park was named after. It's about time he is getting the recognition he deserves so much!
Susan Rodriguez - Lancaster, Pa USA [2005-06-01 21:14:11]
Caught the movie at a sneak preview the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wanted to know more about this incredible man and was fortunate enough to find this website. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy Jones - Idaho Falls, Id USA [2005-06-01 18:11:24]
A contact of mine in the U.S.told me about the film.As ayoungster I was very interested in the Heavyweight Champs and as Jim Braddock didn't seem to have as much written about him as Dempsey etc.this site has really given me a better insight into Jim's story.Hope the film shows in U.K.soon.
Barry Martin - Southampton, Hampshire England [2005-06-01 15:58:27]
As a young boy from neighboring West New York, NJ, who walked past the North Bergen Braddock home a thousand times en route to or from Hudson County Park (a mini-Central Park), I can't remember much except two Braddock sons fighting over which would cut the grass or whatever. I feel sad that I didn't ask more questions of my Dad who would always point out the former champ's home. By the early 1950's, I guess, we only wanted to hear Rocky Marciano or Joe Louis stories. Thank you, Mr. Howard, Mr. Crowe & especially the entire Braddock Family!
August J. Lehe - Talladega, Alabama USA [2005-06-01 15:45:05]
Wonderful movie. Hope this serves as a reality check for those people who believe hardship is walk 3 blocks to get their Starbucks!
Anna - Bellevue, Wa USA [2005-06-01 14:55:33]
My wife and I were lucky enough to attend the "premier" of Cinderella Man. Each time someone in the film mentioned "New Joisy" everybody roared with delight. It is not often that a film receives a standing ovation at the end, but that is what happened on May 29 at the theater in Hazlet, NJ.
Buddy Unanski - Hazlet, Nj USA [2005-06-01 14:25:36]
I also saw the movie during a sneak preview. I also as many of the younger generation did not know much about James Braddock. I cried, and applauded, and gripped my husbands hand through the entire movie. Your Fathers committment to his family, and friends was remarkable. It is certainly the best movie I have ever seen. As a descendant of the first american's, a member of the Tulalip Tribe. It is so great to see the pride and love this man has left as his legacy. I will bring my entire family to the movie this week. I am sure it will touch their hearts, as it has mine. God bless you and your family. And may James and Mae rest in peace knowing what an impact their story will surely have on each person that is blessed to withness this remarkable movie.
Charlotte Smith - Tulalip, Wa Usa [2005-06-01 12:34:45]
My sister and I were lucky enough to see an advanced screening of "Cinderella Man" last night. It was amazing. I did not know anything about James Braddock before the movie, but it is easily understandable why so many people looked up to and admired him. Both he and Mae seemed to be truly incredible people.
Thank you for sharing your family's story and touching our lives.
Ann Marie Fife - Kenner, Louisiana USA [2005-06-01 11:03:30]
Nice guys do finish first, sometimes after great personal struggle & Pain. great Story! One question about the movie, Why did Ron Howard portray Max Baer as such a prick when he wasn't actually? Could there be some anomosity left over from when Max Baer Jr. and he were on competing 1960's Sitcoms?
Jay Markland - Dayton, Oh USA [2005-06-01 09:17:49]
The movie was wonderful!! Thank you for sharing your family’s story. The love, grace and dignity shown by both your grandparents is truly inspiring.
Geri Mckessy - Everett, Wa USA [2005-06-01 01:39:27]
I took my wife & neighbors to the Advance Screening of this EXCELLENT movie tonight. The story of this wonderful man deeply touched all of our hearts. I have actively participated in the sport of boxing for over 51 years as an amateur & pro fighter, referee, judge, promoter and coach/trainer. As a coach/trainer I am currently teaching athletes ages 9-35 the art of boxing. My wife says this is the best movie she has ever seen. I greatly apreciate the authenticity of the sport and story that is so often not portrayed accurately in movies. We rate the movie a 10. I also want to thank you for this website.
Billy Sahnow - Mechanicsville, Va USA [2005-06-01 01:01:27]
Wow, what a story!! The movie was fantastic!
Megan Sandora - Philadelphia, Pa USA [2005-05-31 23:26:43]
Just saw the sneak preview of "Cinderella Man"...

As an amatuer boxer and kickboxer, I always enjoy a great "underdog" story. I didn't know much about Mr. Braddock so I searched the Web and found this site. Excellent job with this site and thank you for the information! As anyone close to the sport will tell you, the guys "back in the day" were as tough as nails! James Braddock proved that to no end...
Joe O'connor - Philadelphia, Pa USA [2005-05-31 23:14:00]