As shown by the clock face that opens and closes the film, The Set-Up takes place within a compact 72 minutes, with the action played out in real time. Robert Ryan plays Bill Stoker Thompson, a washed-up boxer who refuses to give up his career despite the pleas of his wife Julie (Audrey Totter). Theres little chance that hes going to win this evenings bout; still, Stokers manager Tiny (George Tobias) has secretly made a deal with a crooked gambler (Alan Baxter). Stoker is to take a dive, a fact withheld from him until the fight is well under way. His last vestige of pride is aroused in the ring, but the story doesnt end there. The fight sequence is one of the most brutal ever filmed, with close ups of Ryans pummeled face intercut with shots of screaming spectators in the throes of bloodlust. Adapted by Art Cohn from a narrative poem by Joseph Moncure March, The Set-Up is arguably Robert Ryans finest starring film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide