"Hard Times" stars Charles Bronson as Chaney a down and out bare knuckle boxer trying to get by in the middle of the depression.  James Coburn as Speed is the quick talking not entirely trustworthy promoter who represents Chaney in fights through out the South and Midwest.  "Hard Times" is the directorial debut of Walter Hill who shows off a certain realism that would become his trademark in future works.  Still, it is Bronson who is the center of this film.  Perfectly cast as the aged fighter this is perhaps Bronson at his absolute best.  Bronson displays a subtle complexity that is particularly effective in the love affair with Lucy played by real life wife Jill Ireland.  Bronson, who was about 54 at the time of filming, is remarkably fit and completely believable even when the odds are stacked against him.  The story is taught and directed in a crisp fashion by Hill.  The cast is good as an ensemble lifting this underrated feature to the level of very good.  Yet, it is Bronson and that one of a kind face that makes "Hard Times" a true classic of the genre.