Story of Levittown Boxer to Appear in Film Festival

The story of former Levittown boxing contender "Irish" Bobby Cassidy has been produced four times with the Off Broadway play, "Kid Shamrock." Now the story is getting the movie treatment. 

The documentary, "Bobby Cassidy: Counterpuncher," screens at the upcoming Shadow Box Film Festival at the SVA Theatre on Dec. 1.

The critically-acclaimed Off Broadway play is based on the life and boxing career of Levittown resident Bobby Cassidy Sr. 

"This is very exciting," said Cassidy, who still lives in Levittown. "I'm really very flattered that my documentary is playing at the festival. The idea for an all boxing film festival is fantastic."

The play premiered on Off Broadway in 2011 and has gained notoriety because of it's authenticity, as the cast is made up of former world-class professional boxers. It also recently came to Long Island at a real boxing event in Franklin Square. 

The festival will take place over two days – Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 – at the SVA Theatre at 333 West 23rd Street in Manhattan. It will showcase 30 boxing films, including 11 features.

Cassidy, a lifelong Levittown resident and graduate of Division Ave. High School, overcame an abusive step father and bouts with alcohol to become the number one rated light heavyweight in the world. He boxed professionally from 1963 to 1980 and he later trained two world champions.

Watch a trailer of the film on YouTube. You can purchase tickets online here or call  1-800-838-3006. 

For more info. on the The Shadow Box Film Festival, please visit their website and Facebook page.