As a youngster, this movie was the first exposure I had to wrestling's original madman, The Sheik, whom the movie is centered around. The story is ridiculous, but the movie itself is worth picking up for the classic footage if nothing else. Classic wrestling from the 70s is not that easy to come by, and in this case, its all from Detroit, where there is practically NO footage. This movie helps provide a glimpse into the way wrestling used to be, more in ring action, and less soap opera drama. I've had two different VHS copies of this movie, and after much searching, I found a Laserdisc copy of it, so I don't have to worry about that one wearing out. Easily one of my favorite wrestling videos.
5 Reviews
Unfocused, messy, and terribly edited
jellopuke29 April 2018
There's some neat footage of Big Time Wrestling in Detroit from the 70's, but so much of this is just garbage linked together. Country songs, terrible skits that go nowhere, bad promos. Hardly a classic, unless you just have to see footage of the Sheik stabbing people in the arm with a spike.
Bad movie, but nostalgic for wrestling buffs
GKersh18 November 2000
This is a hodge-podge of highlights and promos from the Detroit pro wrestling scene of the 1970s, tied together with some corny skits and behind-the-scenes interviews. The phony plotline (about a campaign to ban the Sheik or something) and the skits are the worst thing in the film. Virtually all of the wrestling consists of bloody brawls, and even great technicians like the Funk brothers do nothing more than kick and punch. The matches are all presented as quick montages, which pretty much destroys any flow or interest they may have had--although I have to admit I was glad to see matches like Captain Ed George vs. Bulldog Don Kent in the short version. The promos fare better. Managers Eddie Creachman and Abdullah Farouk both do some classic mike-work, and Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes both deliver promos in their signature styles.
Realistically, though, I can only imagine two kinds of viewer who might actually like this film. The first is the fan of ECW or hardcore wrestling in general who might want to see some early specialists in that style, like Abdullah the Butcher and the Sheik. The other is anybody who watched wrestling in the '70s and wants to get nostalgic. Dusty Rhodes looks almost skinny here, and other well-remembered performers, including Andre the Giant, make brief appearances. There are also wrestlers I had completely forgotten, like Heather Feather.
I can't imagine anybody else would like this. It has clearly been slapped together by amateurs, and a homemade set of rock-and-roll songs only makes matters worse.
Realistically, though, I can only imagine two kinds of viewer who might actually like this film. The first is the fan of ECW or hardcore wrestling in general who might want to see some early specialists in that style, like Abdullah the Butcher and the Sheik. The other is anybody who watched wrestling in the '70s and wants to get nostalgic. Dusty Rhodes looks almost skinny here, and other well-remembered performers, including Andre the Giant, make brief appearances. There are also wrestlers I had completely forgotten, like Heather Feather.
I can't imagine anybody else would like this. It has clearly been slapped together by amateurs, and a homemade set of rock-and-roll songs only makes matters worse.
Vintage in a lot of ways
haildevilman26 February 2007
A slice of the 70's in fashion, attitude, culture, and wrestling. Especially that last part.
Watching the Captain talk to his wife as a pseudo-romantic type was a laugh. "Honey am I a mean guy?" Putting it right after he tries to blind a guy in the ring was unintentionally funny.
But if you're a fan of the original Sheik...SEE THIS. It's all about the guys that wanted a piece of him. Including a semi-fit looking Dusty Rhodes.
Watching Andre the Giant win one of his many battle royals was great just to see wrestlers that few people remember. Wrestling fans should have this right next to their copy of 'The Wrestler.' The filming style seems a little primitive. But in this case...it helped.
Great sequencing as well. It actually told a story within the story.
Watching the Captain talk to his wife as a pseudo-romantic type was a laugh. "Honey am I a mean guy?" Putting it right after he tries to blind a guy in the ring was unintentionally funny.
But if you're a fan of the original Sheik...SEE THIS. It's all about the guys that wanted a piece of him. Including a semi-fit looking Dusty Rhodes.
Watching Andre the Giant win one of his many battle royals was great just to see wrestlers that few people remember. Wrestling fans should have this right next to their copy of 'The Wrestler.' The filming style seems a little primitive. But in this case...it helped.
Great sequencing as well. It actually told a story within the story.
I huff toots
mdonahoe11 October 2004
anyone who doesn't like this movie must have huffed to much paint thinner, because it is awesome. Donald G. Jackson, you have done it again, yet another masterpiece for your fine directing skills. The movie rules from beginning to finish and thats all you need to know. Andre the Giants actorial debut marks one big step for Giants in the movie business, he paved the way for the likes of Gheorghe Muresean and the lady from 3rd rock from the sun.
Should the sheik be stopped or should they let his reign of terror and mayhem continue through the wrestling ranks. I don't know but some people who like to hurt people do.
Should the sheik be stopped or should they let his reign of terror and mayhem continue through the wrestling ranks. I don't know but some people who like to hurt people do.
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