Darlow Smithson Delivers ‘Thriller In Manila’ Documentary For More4

Darlow Smithson Productions, an IMG Media Company, has been commissioned by More4 to produce 'Thriller in Manila', a 90-minute documentary film about legendary boxer Joe Frazier and one of boxing’s most iconic fights.
The film, a contemporary observational documentary, follows the 70-year-old Frazier in his Philadelphia gym, as he looks back at the impact that his three iconic fights with Muhammad Ali had on the rest of his life.
Using electrifying archive footage and exclusive interviews with Frazier, his son Marvis, as well as boxing experts and team members, Thriller in Manila will also tell the story of the titanic match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the Philippines in 1975. The iconic fight was the last of a bruising trilogy of fights between the two and Thriller in Manila, will uncover parallels between the simmering animosity of the rival fighters and the festering race and religious politics of Seventies America.
Elinor Day, Executive Producer, Darlow Smithson Productions, said: “Thriller in Manila was arguably one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. In true Darlow Smithson style, this documentary will combine extraordinary archive, fascinating new observational footage and exclusive interviews to uncover the story from Frazier's perspective, casting an alternative perspective on these global sporting icons, Ali and Frazier.”
Andrew Mackenzie, Commissioning Editor, says: “This is a film I’ve wanted to make for several years and Darlow Smithson and John Dower are the perfect combination to bring it to life. It promises to be an epic journey through the charismatic eyes of a still Smokin’ Joe Frazier.”
Thriller in Manila is a Darlow Smithson Production for More4 commissioned by Andrew Mackenzie, Factual Entertainment commissioning editor.
The documentary is directed by John Dower and Executive Produced by John Smithson and Elinor Day for Darlow Smithson Productions.
(SP)