THE first Rocky, from 1976, still stands as one of the best sports films ever made. Desperate for a role he could get his teeth into, Sylvester Stallone wrote the original movie in just three days after watching unknown challenger Chuck Wepner go the distance against Ali.

The story starts as a small-time boxer gets a one-in-a-million chance to fight Apollo Creed (Weathers), the heavyweight champ. Rocky determines to stay the distance just to preserve his dignity, but also sees the opportunity to grab himself a slice of the big time.

The second film found Stallone in the director's chair and is basically a retread of the first one - but not as good. Settled into family life, but struggling financially, Rocky is forced to accept the embarrassed Creed's demands for a rematch.

In the third instalment, also directed by Sly and not much lot better than the second, Rocky has befriended Creed who offers to retrain him when the Italian Stallion is defeated by newcomer Clubber Lang (Mr T).

Odeon: Rocky (Mon), Rocky II (Tues), Rocky III (Wed). All show at 10.30pm, tickets £2.50 pr all three for £6.