Wild, Wild Wrestling: Outrageous Matches from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s!

Not long ago A&E aired a well-hyped, well-done history of pro wrestling (The Unreal Story of Pro Wrestling, reviewed in VL-7/99), and the unwary video purchaser might at first blush think that this dandy selection from Questar is another thoughtful history of the mayhem of the squared circle. Not so; no me-too meditation on bulky men in tights slamming each other around, this is the real article: primary source material. Showcasing some of the greatest names of pro wrestling, this is a moderately edited collection of bouts from network and local video sources. Gorgeous George, "Pretty Boy" Bobby (pre "The Brain") Heenan, Macho Man Randy Savage, Dick the Bruiser, Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, this video features lots of stars of yesteryear, including barefoot South American's Bobo Brazil and Argentina (Antonio) Rocca, not to mention a midget women bout. The picture quality is variable, but then so is the acting, and--truth be told--the occasional graininess lends ambience to this action-packed extravaganza. It won't improve one's mind, but it will confirm that today's pro wrestlers aren't much different from yesterday's, save technical advances in costuming, pyrotechnics and tonsorial engineering. A defensible entertainment selection--it's sure to circulate--and intellectually defensible as a sort of video appendix for the A&E entry, this is a recommended pick for public libraries and college libraries with a pop culture interest. Aud: C, P. (M. Tribby)