The plot: The story of Mildred Burke, the champion professional wrestler who pioneered the sport at a time when all-girl wrestling was banned in most of America.
This film was Very Good.
Pros: I like the time period its set in which works for the movie. It shows how it started the birth right of Women’s Wrestling to where it is today. The parts played by wrestling personalities help add credibility to the movie. I was impressed by Emily Bett Rickards complete transformation and performance as Mildred Burke. Ash Avildsen did an excellent job with the directing and its direction. It doesn’t shy away showing the politics, legal drama and just what its like in that era as a woman & a lot of Wrestling action was really well choreograph.
Cons: Most of the other women haven’t development that much. Some scenes should have been expanded more & this one is difficult to find.
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sports
Directed by Ash Avildsen
Produced by Aimee Schoof, Isen Robbins, B. D. Gunnell, Ash Avildsen
Screenplay by Ash Avildsen
Based on The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend
by Jeff Leen
Starring: Emily Bett Rickards, Kelli Berglund, Walton Goggins & Josh Lucas.
Edited by Craig Hayes
Cinematography: Andrew Strahorn
Music by Aaron Gilhuis
Production companies: Sumerian Pictures, Intrinsic Value Films
Distributed by: Sumerian Pictures
Cast:
- Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke
- Josh Lucas as Billy Wolfe
- Tyler Posey as G. Bill
- Walton Goggins as Jack Pfefer
- Francesca Eastwood as Mae Young
- Marie Avgeropoulos as Elvira Snodgrass
- Deborah Ann Woll as Gladys Gillem
- Cara Buono as Bertha
- Kailey Farmer as June Byers
- Gavin Casalegno as Joe Jr.
- Adam Demos as Gorgeous George
- Kelli Berglund as Nell Stewart
- Damaris Lewis as Babs Wingo
- Martin Kove as Al Haft
- James M Cornette as NWA Commissioner
- Toni Rossall as Clara Mortensen
- Trinity Fatu as Ethel Johnson
- Mickie James as Fabulous Moolah
- Britt Baker as Debbie Nichols
I recommend renting and watching this film on Prime Video or Apple TV.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Ryan Balkwill:
Resident film reviewer,
Level Best Art Cafe