Wrestling Alligators: The New Seminole Wars

James E. Billie, the colorful star of filmmaker Andrew Shea's documentary grew up in Florida but never knew his white father. After Billie's Seminole mother died, he went to live with the family of future council member Max Osceola, his surrogate brother. The title comes from the fact that Billie wrestled alligators for money—until one took a finger. After two tours in Vietnam, Billie became chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and also launched a side career as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter. Tired of seeing his tribe plead with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for money, Billie decided to give bingo a try. Since many tribal members are anti-gambling Southern Baptists, they try to impeach him, but their coffers grow quickly. The Broward County sheriff also tries to shut the operation down, but the reservation's sovereign nation status wins the day. Billie does get into trouble when he kills a panther, a violation of the Endangered Species Act. And he faces more legal challenges when he attempts to get into the casino business, although he ultimately forms an alignment with the Hard Rock Café. From start to finish, Billie's life makes for a fascinating story with numerous twists and turns, while the extensive use of archival materials will attract those interested in Native American history. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)