You wouldn’t expect a documentary about a camp television show featuring outlandish characters in skimpy outfits to evoke much emotion, but Connell Creations’ film about the ’80s wrestling promotion does just that. Directed by Brett Whitcomb, “GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling” is a moving insight into GLOW’s heyday — and life afterwards.
On the surface, the documentary may first seem like a paint-by-numbers rhetoric touting GLOW’s success in the 1980s as “the little show that could”, but beyond that, the stories of the women involved — many of whom may today be forgotten by wrestling audiences — are what truly bring this documentary to life and add a deeper human layer to what could have otherwise been a pleasant, if forgetful, film.
The filmmakers have done a valiant job in bringing on board many cast members and crew for the documentary, which is all the more impressive considering the vast number of women that were involved in the series. Most notable are the likes of former WWE Diva Ivory aka Lisa Moretti, who first started out as Tina Ferrari in GLOW; Little Egypt, the driving force behind the recent GLOW reunions (a recently failed ‘comeback’ show not included); and behind-the-scenes names such as Johnny Cafarella (who is one of the people behind Wrestlicious).
It’s interesting to get a first hand account of life as a GLOW girl from the women involved: from the strict impositions placed on them (there were fines for staying out too late, they reveal), to the injuries that occurred inside the ring. Also explored is the success of the series which became a little slice of Americana with the series’ stars crossing over to do guest spots on late night talk shows (hey there, Joan Rivers minus a facelift or 20), game shows and more.
But the real success of The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling is seeing where the women are today and the ways in which GLOW has touched their lives.
The most poignant example is seeing Mt. Fiji, the powerful Samoan star of GLOW, now bed-ridden in a hospice. Despite her position, Fiji’s lively spirit grabs the viewer as she jokes and laughs while reminiscing on the old days. Meanwhile, her tears when explaining how she still loves her former colleagues and hopes they are well gives us a glimpse into the close-knit world that the GLOW girls once inhabited. In many ways Fiji is the soul of the story.
Similarly, seeing fellow heavyweight Matilda the Hun, now wheelchair bound, sparks an emotional contrast between the glitz, glamor and glitter of the ’80s show and today.
But it’s not all morose. A reunion of the GLOW girls — separated by over 20 years and scattered across the US — will certainly make the viewer smile, and maybe even shed a little tear. Though GLOW may have just been a silly TV show for us, it’s evident that this was an important part of these women’s lives.
The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling‘s strengths lie, much as GLOW itself did, in how relatable the women involved are. It’s a touching story that is slickly produced and well told.
Coupled with last year’s standout female wrestling themed documentary, the excellent Mamachas del Ring, there is an incredible range of cinema being created about women’s wrestling that fans should definitely explore.
Rating: 4/5
For more on GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling visit www.glowthemovie.com.
Watch the trailer:
11 Comments
at
Sounds like a touching documentary, I’ll definitely give it a buy. I loved the show, but then again, I was young and the vibrant characters and skimpy outfits really entertained me.
Choko Reply:
May 17th, 2012 at
btw
The Wrestling Observer reports WWE has signed Ashley Fliehr Johnson to a developmental contract. She is the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair.
Reports surfaced earlier this month that Ashley intended to follow in the footsteps of her legendary father as she was training to become a professional wrestler. She is expected to join WWE’s Tampa, Florida based developmental training facility in the summer.
Ashley is the third Flair child to enter the professional wrestling industry. David notably competed for World Championship Wrestling from 1999 to 2001 while Reid currently wrestles on the independent circuit.
Ashley was a star volleyball player in high school, leading her team to two state titles in North Carolina. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts and is an ACE® Certified Personal Trainer. She also attended Appalachian State University where she was a Division-1 Full Scholarship Athlete in volleyball.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
at
I think GLOW very much appreciates the GLOWing review of the documentary…
(OK, throw the tomatoes as I duck!)
Based on the 4/5 review, I would make it A MUST to get it if it should come out on DVD.
fragile Reply:
May 16th, 2012 at
and while you’re ducking tomatoes i sneak up on you and give you two brutal chair shots to head.sorry, i had to turn heel to become the number one contender .you know how it goes… ;)
and yeah that preview clip looks nice.
at
My grandma (rip) use to love this show. :)
I never watch it cuz I wasn’t born LOL
at
I can’t wait to see Hollywood in Wrestlicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m Hollywood of GLOW Fame,
And kickin’ ass is my game!
I’ll kick and punch and use my claws,
And all before I hit menopause!
at
Nice documentary..
at
Glow was so cool and revolutionary. It was like the start of the models in wrestling IMO.
perceval Reply:
May 17th, 2012 at
Yeah, that’s why I get irritated with the IWC invokes Ivory when they complain about that sort of thing. They forget that she had no wrestling experience, whatsoever, when she signed to GLOW. She got six weeks training, then was on national TV as the top star of the company. She was the prototype for the Trishes and Victorias to come.
at
Looks good.
at
I remember when GLOW was on in the 80′s. It was corny and the wrestling wasn’t always that great, but it was fun. I think Ivory summed it up best when she described GLOW as “Wrestling’s version of Hee-Haw”.