The Ultimate Bare Knuckles Steel Cage Match: Lee Marvin vs. Charles Bronson

Imagine a bare knuckles steel cage no holds barred match between Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson. The question would have to be, when would this match have taken place? This would depend on the circumstances and injuries both actors suffered during their careers. Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson both experienced war injuries. Marvin served in the military during World War II, while Bronson claimed to have been shot during his younger days while hopping on trains in association with Dick Cavett.

Jim Brown: An Eyewitness to Their Abilities

Jim Brown would perhaps have been a good source as he was with both actors during the filming of The Dirty Dozen. Marvin was significantly taller than Bronson, but here is what I recall about what Brown said regarding both men.

Brown was impressed by Bronson's athletic abilities, which may have led to the hip replacement Bronson needed in his 70s. There is a picture of Bronson doing some kind of flying kick into a bag with Jill Ireland holding the bag. This was when Charles was in his 50s. Brown was supposedly friends with Lee Marvin and hung out with him during the late 60s. Brown defended Michelle Marvin, the woman who sued Marvin for some of his money, claiming she was really like a wife to him. Brown mentioned how bad Marvin's drinking was and stated that Michelle really did take care of him during that time.

Health and Physical Condition

Bronson was not a heavy drinker. He may have had some wine, but he hated beer and did not drink hard liquor. Both men smoked, but Marvin smoked more in public. Walter reportedly said during the filming of Hard Times that Bronson could only do those smoking scenes for about 30 seconds before he became worn out.

When they were stars or even before Bronson's stardom happened in Europe, Bronson looked in much better shape than Marvin. Considering their health conditions, Bronson would likely have had an edge.

Choreography and Writing

It would depend mostly on whoever would be hired to choreograph the fight scene. The outcome would also depend on who penned the script and which of the actors was told by management to be the winner.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While both Marvin and Bronson were formidable actors, the hypothetical bare knuckles steel cage no holds barred match would be fascinating to witness. Based on their physical condition and abilities described by their contemporaries, a determination could be made. However, the outcome would ultimately be influenced by the skills of the choreographer and the writer. Lee Marvin's war injuries and physical toll may give Charles Bronson a slight edge, but it all depends on the real-life dynamics of such a match.

Would you Lee Marvin vs. Charles Bronson fight scene be different if the choreography or writing were changed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!