MADreads

Before he was Rambo…

February 4th, 2008 Sarah - Alicia Ashman

…he was Rocky.  And Sylvester Stallone, in writing and acting the part of down-on-his-luck Philly boxer Rocky Balboa, was a 1970s and 80s movie phenomenon, eventually going the distance against contenders including Apollo Creed and Mr. T.

You’d think, three decades on, that nobody would remember the movie Rocky.  But they do…especially the iconic scene in which Stallone, struggling to get into boxing shape, runs the steps in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum; slowly at first, and then more triumphantly, eventually reaching the summit and throwing his fists in the air in celebration.  It is that moment–now re-created by residents, tourists, and international visitors alike–which Philadelphia journalists Michael Vitez and Tom Gralish set out to photograph and memorialize in their book Rocky Stories: Tales of Love, Hope, and Happiness at America’s Most Famous Steps.

Over the course of a year, the two journalists hung out at the steps and interviewed the people who showed up to run them.  The stories range from humorous to sad to inspiring (sometimes all three!) and all feature beautiful action photographs of the individuals whose stories are being told.

It was a great idea, and it’s a great book.  It’s as fitting a tribute both to the movie Rocky and the city of Brotherly Love as you’ll find.

Entry Filed under: Nonfiction