Watch Hollywood Bulldogs: The Rise and Falls of the Great British Stuntman

Hollywood Bulldogs: The Rise and Falls of the Great British Stuntman is a riveting and affectionate documentary that tells the rough-and-tumble story of the golden era of British stuntmen from the 1960s to the 1980s. Through the eyes of the men who put their bodies on the line for some of the biggest blockbusters in film history, the film captures the evolution of stunt work and the unsung heroes who made cinematic spectacles possible.

Narrated by Ray Winstone, an actor known for his tough-guy roles and gravelly voice, the documentary brings an air of authenticity and respect to the world of stunts. Winstone introduces audiences to a bygone era when health and safety regulations were far less stringent, and the limits of physical storytelling were pushed to new heights, quite literally, by a bold class of daredevil performers.

At the center of the film are legendary stunt performers like Vic Armstrong, who is recognized as one of the most prolific and influential stunt coordinators and second unit directors in the industry. Armstrong's career spans decades, with credits on iconic films such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Superman," and "James Bond" movies. His insights weave together the personal anecdotes, professional challenges, and the sheer adrenaline that fueled the life of a stuntman during this formative period.

Another significant figure featured in the documentary is Ray Austin, whose contribution to action sequences in film and television has earned him a respected place in the stunt community. Austin's narrative sheds light on the camaraderie, rivalries, and bonds that formed between the stunt performers, often referred to as the "Hollywood Bulldogs," due to their relentless pursuit of the perfect action shot, coupled with a seemingly tough exterior and British tenacity.

The documentary delves into the technical and logistical aspects of the stunt profession, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the most dangerous and spectacular stunts were conceived, choreographed, and executed. It highlights the changing technology and techniques that these professionals had to master as the demands for bigger and more complex stunts grew with the evolution of action cinema.

Featuring a wealth of archival footage, Hollywood Bulldogs presents exhilarating action sequences from yesteryear’s classics, showcasing the breath-taking work of the stuntmen without the aid of CGI or digital doubles. These stunts include high-speed car chases, harrowing falls, and hand-to-hand combat. Such scenes provide context for the anecdotes and stories related by the participants, many of whom faced near-death experiences to create unforgettable moments on screen.

In considering the human side of the profession, the documentary does not shy away from the physical and emotional costs of being a stunt performer. It reveals the personal toll these demands took on the stuntmen, their relationships, and their mental and physical health. The film is a tribute to their resilience and their sacrifice—often working for modest pay and little public recognition compared to the stars they doubled.

Hollywood Bulldogs also explores the changing attitudes towards stunt work and the increased recognition of stunt performers over the years. It touches upon the call for greater acknowledgment of these artists' contributions to cinema, including the ongoing debate over the introduction of a stunt category at major award ceremonies like the Oscars.

Throughout the documentary, the old-school charm and cheeky humor of the stuntmen shine through, as they recount their stories with a mix of pride, nostalgia, and a dash of good-natured embellishment. Their recollections form an oral history of this unique time in film history and underscore the camaraderie that was vital to their survival and success in such a hazardous field.

In the end, Hollywood Bulldogs: The Rise and Falls of the Great British Stuntman serves as a celebration of the bravery, ingenuity, and artistry of these unsung heroes. It’s a nostalgic journey through the lens of those who lived, breathed, and sometimes narrowly escaped death in the pursuit of some of the most exciting and enduring cinematic moments that continue to thrill audiences worldwide. It is a love letter to a time when flesh and blood were the special effects, and when British pluck and ingenuity ruled the world of movie magic.

Hollywood Bulldogs: The Rise and Falls of the Great British Stuntman is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.