This biographical movie tells the story of Joe Louis rising from poverty and becoming known as the ‘Brown Bomber’ - Heavyweight Champion of the world! Joe Louis held the heavyweight boxing title from 1937 until 1949. He defended it 25 times and in doing so became a hero to the entire country, in an era when a black hero was all but unthinkable. To many Joe Louis was much more than a boxer, he was a symbol of democracy in a time of political unrest. This is also the story of an athlete’s ascent to the top and also his descent as his star begins to fade. 1953.