Watch Lipstick And Dynamite

Lipstick And Dynamite is a fascinating documentary that delves into the world of women's professional wrestling during the 1940s and '50s. The film explores the lives of several pioneers of the sport, including Gladys Gillem, John Daly, and Mildred Burke, who paved the way for female wrestlers to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry.

The film begins by introducing us to Gillem, a sprightly 80-year-old who still exudes the same bravado and feistiness that made her a star athlete in her youth. Gillem is an African-American woman who started wrestling when she was just 16 years old, and went on to become one of the top female wrestlers of her era. She reminisces about her early days on the circuit, when she had to deal with racism and sexism from both fans and other wrestlers. Despite the obstacles, Gillem persevered and became a trailblazer for women of color in sports.

We also meet John Daly, a former wrestler who became a promoter for the sport. Daly was one of the few men in the industry who believed that women's wrestling had potential, and he dedicated his career to building up the sport and making it more legitimate. He talks about how difficult it was to convince people that women's wrestling was worth taking seriously, and how he had to fight to get his wrestlers paid fairly and treated with respect.

The film's most compelling figure, however, is Mildred Burke. Burke was a powerhouse wrestler who dominated the women's circuit in the '40s and '50s. She was a fierce competitor who took on male wrestlers and held her own, but she also had a softer side that was evident in her relationship with her husband and trainer, Billy Wolfe. Wolfe was a controversial figure who was known for his strict training methods and his mistreatment of wrestlers, including Burke. The film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Burke's life, but it also shows us how she was able to overcome adversity and become a true legend in the sport.

Throughout the film, we hear from other women who were involved in wrestling during this era, including The Fabulous Moolah, Betty Niccoli, and Ella Waldek. They all speak about the challenges they faced and the camaraderie they shared, and they all express a deep love for the sport that helped them break free from societal norms and prove that women could be just as tough and athletic as men.

The film uses archival footage and photos to show us what women's wrestling was like during this time. We see the women performing in ornate costumes and executing impressive moves in the ring, and we get a sense of the excitement and spectacle that drew audiences to these matches. We also hear from fans who attended these events, and who describe how thrilling it was to see women fighting in a sport that was typically reserved for men.

Lipstick And Dynamite is more than just a documentary about wrestling, though. It's a celebration of women who refused to be bound by gender roles and who fought for recognition and respect in a world that didn't always value them. The film is also a reminder of how much progress has been made since the days of these pioneers, and of how much work still needs to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities in all areas of life.

Overall, Lipstick And Dynamite is a fascinating look at a little-known chapter in sports history, and an inspiring tribute to the women who helped shape it. It's a film that will leave you cheering for the underdogs and rooting for the triumph of the human spirit.