A Febre do Jogo

I knew Rafael when he made this film in 1985. He was a terrific actor and wonderful human being. He told me personally that Richard Brooks punched him in the stomach because he didn't like one of the takes that Rafael had done. (I'd heard rumors from other people that Brooks was a notoriously difficult director to work for). The problem was Rafael was punched so hard, he couldn't return to work. He didn't tell anyone about it, but was in so much pain from the punch, he went to see a Doctor - they did exploratory surgery to find out that Rafael was suffering from stomach cancer. He died not much longer after the incident (another film of his came out later), but he told me this story from his hospital bed. I mention it all these years later (Brooks died in 79) because its an awful story about an abusive film director - but the truth always comes out, even if it's only 25 years later. Rafael; RIP.