Sweethearts of the Gridiron

Filmmaker Chip Hale's homey documentary is practically a feature-length version of a well-regarded 1971 nonfiction short called Beauty Knows No Pain by Elliott Erwitt. In both films, the topic is the Kilgore College Rangerettes of Kilgore Community College in Texas. The Rangerettes' claim to fame lies in being the first college-level precision-dance team, initially taking to the football field during halftime shows in 1940 (as a means of keeping oil-boomtown rowdies attending the game seated in the stands instead of getting up and causing trouble). Here, the cameras follow aspiring Rangerettes (including one girl who is determined to join the troupe despite a health crisis), while also emphasizing the intense competition and practice that is required to make the squad. Interviewees include alumni, coaches, and local opinion-leaders, who claim that much post-college success follows former Rangerettes in the career realm. Ultimately, Sweethearts of the Gridiron presents an example of very proud regional boosterism, but doesn't tell much of a larger story. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)