Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry: The Life of Norman K. Collins (2008)

A look at the history of tattoos in America, featuring tattooing legend Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins.

Director:

Erich Weiss

Stars:

Joe Boyle, Norman Keith Collins, Philadelphia Eddie Funk

Cast

Credited cast:
Joe Boyle
Norman Keith Collins	...	Self
Philadelphia Eddie Funk
Don Ed Hardy
Michael Malone
Zeke Owen
Bob Roberts
Lyle Tuttle

Storyline

A look at the history of tattoos in America, featuring tattooing legend Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins.

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Plot Keywords:

legend | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Hori means (loosely) to carve in Japanese. The Master Japanese Tattoo Artists all held this title (example: Hori Kurasawa.) "Sailor Jerry" being a Master American Tattoo Artist, created a similar title for himself. As a tongue-in-cheek title when collaborating with Japanese artists, Norman Collins (a.k.a. Sailor Jerry) signed any letters/documents with the title of Hori Smoku, which is more of a play on Japanese pronunciation of English words. It essentially "translates" as Holy Smoke.

User Reviews

Everything a tattooist wants to know of the old days.

I honestly loved this documentary. I'm not the biggest documentary fan, I find once I get into it I enjoy it but often can't remain interested. I am a bit biased though, being a tattooist of four years(not long, I know). This movie to me is so uplifting and inspirational. There is still a few shops out there that aren't in shopping malls.. While I appreciate the boom of tattoo popularity since it keeps me and mine fed and warm at night, I can also appreciate the back-alley "criminal- feeling" side to the tattoo industry and there are still men and women out there doing it with that old school style and approach. Some people do not like this, they might think the shop is sleazy if the tattooists are kind of like rough modern-day sailors. I for one embrace it while I can't claim to walk on the same side as these men and women, I appreciate what they are doing. To me this documentary is a film I will watch whenever I've had a rough day. The kind where you just want to hang up your machines and lop your hands off for whatever reason. To me it is a reminder of why I love tattoos and tattooing and for that I thank everyone in the film, and mostly of all Mr Hoku Smoku Sailor Jerry Collins. Lived fast, died young as many of us would.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 2008 (USA)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Color:

Color