Watch Lipstick and Dynamite, Piss and Vinegar: The First Ladies of Wrestling

Lipstick and Dynamite, Piss and Vinegar: The First Ladies of Wrestling is a documentary film that explores the world of women's professional wrestling during the 1950s and 1960s. Released in 2004, the film features interviews with some of the pioneering women of this era, including Gladys Gillem, Lillian Ellison, and Mae Young. The film takes the viewer on a journey through the history of women's wrestling, from its origins in the carnival circuits to its rise in popularity as a form of entertainment in the 1950s. The women featured in the film talk about the challenges they faced in a male-dominated industry, including the sexism, discrimination, and harassment they endured on a daily basis.

Despite the obstacles they faced, the women of professional wrestling became trailblazers, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the sport. The film explores the unique personalities and fighting styles of these women, as well as their intense dedication to their craft.

Lipstick and Dynamite, Piss and Vinegar is a candid, unflinching look at the realities of life as a female wrestler in the 1950s and 1960s. The women featured in the film - including Gladys Gillem, who was known as "Killem Gillem" for her tough-as-nails personality in the ring; Lillian Ellison, who went by the name "The Fabulous Moolah" and was one of the most successful female wrestlers of all time; and Mae Young, who was still wrestling well into her 80s - share their personal stories, revealing the struggles and triumphs they experienced over the course of their careers.

Throughout the film, the women's passion for wrestling shines through, as they talk about the thrill of performing in front of a live audience and the satisfaction they felt from overcoming the odds. The film also touches on the darker aspects of the sport, including the drug use and exploitation that many wrestlers experienced during this time.

Overall, Lipstick and Dynamite, Piss and Vinegar: The First Ladies of Wrestling is a fascinating look at a little-known chapter in the history of women's sports. Through the stories of these pioneering women, the film sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of women in the wrestling industry, and on the broader struggle for gender equality in American society.