Vintage Wrestling Films: July 2013

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Vincent Lopez vs Man Mountain Dean - Championship match from 7/24/35

See Classic Wrestling From Film Vol II for my latest DVD available for purchase.

Vincent Lopez vs. Man Mountain Dean 7/24/1935 - SILENT - This match contains 10 minutes of action from the Finals of the International Wrestling Tournament from Los Angeles. The match was a best 2 out of 3 falls battle to crown a new Heavyweight Champion for Lou Daro's territory. Lopez had the distinction of being trained and managed by the great Ed "Strangler" Lewis. This match is from my Classic Wrestling From Film Vol I DVD that is available for purchase. Contact me via email if you are interested. Click here to contact me.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

NOW AVAILABLE! Classic Wrestling From Film Vol IV

Now available is volume 4 of my collection of rare and previously unreleased matches from the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling. These matches were transferred from 16mm films that I own, not from WWE or TNA sources. Some haven't been seen since the live matches. There is good news and bad news with this disc. First the bad news. Some of the films are silent. They were originally filmed that way so there is no commentary on those matches. Also, while the video is very good quality, it isn't Hi-Def. The transfers are from 16mm film so they show the scratches and wear from the source prints. The films were cleaned and lubricated before transfer but I am only able to work with the prints as I found them. Some are probably the only copies in existence and would have been used by TV stations in the 50's. With all that said, I don't think you will be disappointed with the quality.

Now for the good news. The films were transferred using an Elmo TRV-16 transfer projector allowing for a flickerless transfer and then digitally cleaned. This disc will contain almost an hour and a half of rare Professional Wrestling action. Many of the matches have never been available before and those that have been available are difficult to come across. The DVD will be burned on to a quality disc such as a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. The DVD has custom menus and chapters so you can navigate to any match. The DVD will be shipped in a slim case with a cover and match listing insert.

You can purchase a copy here: My Ebay auctions.

Here is a listing of what is once again available;

Classic Wrestling From Film IV

1) Ed "Strangler" Lewis v Dick Shikat - Long Island City, NY, June 9, 1932 – Sound – 20:53

This is the best film available to showcase these two all time greats. This film has twenty minutes of highlights from the match between two multi-time World Champion wrestlers. Lews is one of the most iconic wrestlers of all time. Here he is in his early 40's but still shows he can move with the fast paced style he helped pioneer. Shikat is one of the few wrestlers that was Lewis' legitimate challenger on the mat. Both were feared wrestlers and hookers. Shikat would throw the wrestling world into turmoil when he shot on champion Danno O'Mahoney and stole the title from the trust.

2) Ida May (Mae) Martinez vs Terry Majors - Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) - Sound – 24:39

Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television. This match features two excellent women wrestlers. Ida Mae was one of the most famous wrestlers of the 50's.

3) Bone Bender’s Parade – short clips of various wrestling matches from the 30’s and 40’s - includes everything from Sumo and Judo matches to underwater wrestling to U.S. matches featuring Joe Savoldi, “Dirty” Dick Raines, “Sailor”Jack Adams, Fritz Kley, Man Mountain Dean an many others - Sound – 8:14

This short highlight film features wrestling styles from across the globe. You will get to see clips of some great wrestlers in singles action and battle royals. This is reminiscent of the newsreel clips people would see at the movies in the 30's and 40's.

4) 50’s Hilites - Schlitz Library #14 – clips of; Johnny Valentine vs Argentina Rocca, Dick the Bruiser vs Pepper Gomez, Rickki Starr vs The Zebra Kid, Mighty Jumbo vs The Sheik of Araby, Argentina Rocca & Miguel Perez vs Dr Jerry & Eddie Graham, Argentina Rocca, Miguel Perez & Haystack Calhoun vs Dr. Jerry & Eddie Graham & The Sheik of Araby, Sky Low Low & Billy the Kid vs Brown Panther & Red Feather, Penny Banner vs June Byer and Ramona Isbel & Apple Johnson vs Babs Wingo & Marva Scott –Sound – 29:14

This is a great highlight film featuring the most popular wrestlers from the 50's. The film is a bit rough and jumps in spots but is great fun. This film was put out by the Schlitz Brewing Company and distributors would loan the films to local bars for an event. Grab a beer, sit back and imagine yourself at your favorite bar in the 50's. Most of the matches feature wrestlers who would be responsible for constant sellout crowds at MSG. Rocca/Perez vs The Grahams would cause riots, the Bruiser and Sheik would bring the crowds to their feet in anger and the women would be a great attraction.

NOW AVAILABLE! Classic Wrestling From Film Vol III

Now available is volume 3 of my collection of rare and previously unreleased matches from the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling. These matches were transferred from 16mm films that I own, not from WWE or TNA sources. Some haven't been seen since the live matches. There is good news and bad news with this disc. First the bad news. Some of the films are silent. They were originally filmed that way so there is no commentary on those matches. Also, while the video is very good quality, it isn't Hi-Def. The transfers are from 16mm film so they show the scratches and wear from the source prints. The films were cleaned and lubricated before transfer but I am only able to work with the prints as I found them. Some are probably the only copies in existence and would have been used by TV stations in the 50's. With all that said, I don't think you will be disappointed with the quality.

Now for the good news. The films were transferred using an Elmo TRV-16 transfer projector allowing for a flickerless transfer and then digitally cleaned. This disc will contain almost an hour and a half of rare Professional Wrestling action. Many of the matches have never been available before and those that have been available are difficult to come across. The DVD will be burned on to a quality disc such as a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. The DVD has custom menus and chapters so you can navigate to any match. The DVD will be shipped in a slim case with a cover and match listing insert.

You can purchase a copy here: My Ebay auctions.

Here is a listing of what you can look forward to;

Classic Wrestling From Film III

1) Lord Leslie Carlton vs Juan Sepeda (or Zepeda) - Sound – Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) – 25:27

Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television. Our host, sports talk pioneer, Allin Slate introduces this week’s main event match from the Hollywood Legion Stadium. Carleton played an arrogant heel to large crowds all across the country in the 50's. While outside of the ring he was a noted artist. Sepeda was a mainstay in Southern California through the 50's. Here you can see the full match followed by a heated backstage interview.

2) Rough and Tumble – clips of; Abe Coleman vs. Lou Plummer, Jim Londos vs. Ray Steele & Man Mountain Dean vs. Howard Cantonwine – Silent – 2:44

This is a silent film showing short clips of some wrestling greats from the 30's. The film is a bit rough with spotting but this is still a great chance to see some rare action. Abe Coleman left his native New Zealand and became a star across the world with his famed “Kiwi Roll”. Jim Londos was perhaps the greatest professional wrestler of all time. A huge star for decades he is wrestling his friend and sometime policeman, Ray Steele. Both wrestlers would hold the World's Championship during their careers. Lastly we get to see an appearance by the popular Man Mountain Dean.

3) Cora Combs vs June Byers - Wrestling From Hollywood (syndicated TV) - Sound – 15:35

Here is another match from the syndicated series filmed from the Hollywood Legion Stadium. This match features two of the greatest women wrestlers of all time. Cora Combs wrestled across the globe and would hold the Woman’s World Championship. She would be elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013. Here opponent here was one of the few who could be ranked higher on the all time list. Byers' held the Woman’s World Championship for many years finally losing it when she was no longer able to compete after a ca accident. Byers was elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.

Rasslin’ Rockets - Lou Klein vs Gene Dubuque (Magnificent Maurice) – Sound – 9:01

This match features two greats from the 50's and 60's. Lou Klein rose to fame under the name Bastien with his wrestling “brother” Red. Klein then switched back to real name and rose to fame especially in the Detroit area. Dubuque would rise to even greater fame wrestling under the name The Magnificent Maurice. He would team with Handsome Johnny Barend and go on to headline Madison Square Garden and across the northeast.

5) Lynn O'Connor vs Lindy Lawrence - Wrestling From Hollywood (syndicated TV) - Sound – 27:46

The final match on the disc is again from the syndicated Hollywood series. These two battling beauties put on a fast paced and exciting match.

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Classic wrestling available on DVD

I have transferred some of my collection of rare or previously unreleased matches from the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling to DVD. These matches were transferred from 8mm and 16mm films that I own not from WWE or TNA sources. Some haven't been seen since the live matches. There is good news and bad news with this disc. First the bad news. Some of the films are silent. They were originally filmed that way so there is no commentary on those matches. All the matches were transferred from film so you hear the sound of the projector in the background and there is some flickering on the picture from the shutter. I don't think either are too distracting, but they are there and I want you to kow about what you will receive.
Now for the good news. This disc will contain an hour of rare Professional Wrestling action. Many of the matches have never been available before and those that are available are difficult to come across. The DVD will be burned on to a quality disc such as a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. The DVD has custom menus and chapters so you can navigate to any match. The DVD will be shipped in a slim case with a cover and match listing insert. Now for the matches that have once again been made available;
1) Vincent Lopez vs. Man Mountain Dean 7/24/1935 - SILENT - This match contains 10 minutes of action from the Finals of the International Wrestling Tournament from Los Angeles. The match was a best 2 out of 3 falls battle to crown a new Heavyweight Champion for Lou Daro's territory. Lopez had the distinction of being trained and managed by the great Ed "Strangler" Lewis.
2) Chief Don Eagle vs Walter Palmer 4/28/1950 - SILENT - This is another best 2 out of 3 falls affair from a slightly later era. This is a match from Fred Kohler's territory and took place at the International Amphitheater in Chicago. Here is almost 20 minutes of great wrestling action which goes the full 3 falls. You will get a chance to see Palmer's step over toe hold (he is the originator of the hold made famous by the Funk family) and Eagle's Indian Deathlock. You'll have to get the disc to see how it ends though.
3) Tarzans of the Mat - SILENT - This film contains 2 and a half minutes of clips showing some of the greatest wrestlers ever. You will get to see action from matches involving "Jumpin" Joe Savoldi vs Man Mountain Dean, Jim Londos vs Jim Browning (this is from the match where the Golden Greek regains his championship from one of the most feared shooters ever) and finally Abe "King Kong" Kashey vs "Rough-House" Riley. They are short clips but still a rare opportunity to view these early masters of the game. It is perhaps the only available footage of King Kong in action.
4) Modern Gladiators - SOUND - This film contains 10 minutes of action from matches involving Vic Hill vs Jack Gacek and Ali Baba vs Red Brannigan. Hill and Gacek put on an excellent technical bout. This is also your best chance to see former NWA Heavyweight Champion Ali Baba in mat action.
5) Madcap Melee - SOUND - This film contains a 10 minutes mat mayhem involving Jose Sevilla vs K.O. Koverley and Jules Strongbow vs Hardy Kruskamp. These are a couple very enjoyable matches and a rare opportunity to see two mainstays of California wrestling in Kruskamp and Strongbow. Both would be famous for their wrestling and promoting for nearly 30 years.
6) Mat Maulers - SOUND - This film contains almost 10 minutes of historically significant footage involving Babe Sharkey vs Don Evans and Dutch Rhode (Rohde) vs Ash Mahoney. Sharkey was a holder of several World Heavyweight titles including being billed as Champion here against another popular wrestler in Evans. The final match contains some very early mat action from the Flying Dutchman. Rhode would go on to great fame and fortune with bleached hair and the name "The Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers. This is action from his early years in the sport but you can see the talent that would go on to win him the NWA and WWWF heavyweight Championships.

If you are interested in a copy they are available for $15.00 each which includes shipping and delivery confirmation.

EMAIL ME HERE FOR PAYMENT INFO

Classic Wrestling Vol II Available

Volume 2 of my collection of rare and previously unreleased matches from the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling has made it to DVD. These matches were transferred from 16mm films that I own, not from WWE or TNA sources. Some haven't been seen since the live matches. There is good news and bad news with this disc. First the bad news. Some of the films are silent. They were originally filmed that way so there is no commentary on those matches. Also, while the video is very good quality, it isn't Hi-Def. The transfers are from 16mm film so they show the scratches and wear from the source prints. The films were cleaned and lubricated before transfer but I am only able to work with the prints as I found them. Some are probably the only copies in existence and would have been used by TV stations in the 50's. With all that said, I don't think you will be disappointed with the quality.

Now for the good news. The films were transferred using an Elmo TRV-16 transfer projector allowing for a flickerless transfer and then digitally cleaned. This disc will contain almost an hour and a half of rare Professional Wrestling action. Many of the matches have never been available before and those that have been available are difficult to come across. The DVD will be burned on to a quality disc such as a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. The DVD has custom menus and chapters so you can navigate to any match. The DVD will be shipped in a slim case with a cover and match listing insert.

The DVD is currently available on EBAY

My auctions on EBAY

Now for the matches that have once again been made available;

Classic Wrestling From Film II

1) Gorgeous George vs Woody Strode -- Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) - Sound – 26:15

Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television. Our host, sports talk pioneer, Allin Slate introduces this week’s main event match from the Hollywood Legion Stadium. Here we get to see wrestling legend Gorgeous George in action with the full ring entrance. George is a pioneer of the flamboyant wrestler and for a while was one of the greatest draws in wrestling. His opponent is USC football great, actor, wrestler and humanitarian, Woody Strode. Strode made a name for himself on the gridiron and followed with a great career on the mat as well as the Silver Screen. This is a very enjoyable match and a great chance to see a longer match featuring these two.

2) Wrestling Thrills - Karol Krauser vs Chief Bamba Tabu (also known as Yaqui Joe), Olga Baranoff vs. Hanka Kavetzka, Four Man battle Royal; Bobby Bruns, John Melas, Prince Emir Jo Jo and Tabu –Silent - 8:56

This is a silent film with matches from the early 40’s from cards put on by the legendary, and much hated, outlaw promoter Jack Pfeffer. Pfeffer blew the lid off wrestling’s secrets in the 30’s and spent the rest of his career battling with other promoters. They are all edited matches with endings for each. The first match shows hardcore wasn’t invented in Memphis, WWF or ECW, they were already swinging chairs in the 40’s. The last match is a chance to see wrestling great Bobby Bruns in action. Bruns would hold World Titles and go on to book the St Louis and Buffalo Territories to great heights.

3) Lindy Lawrence vs Jacque La Monte - Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) - Sound – 24:30

This is another match from the syndicated series. This time the match was filmed in Arizona and is the continuation of a series of grudge matches between these battling beauties. I’m not a huge fan of ladies matches but I can honestly say this one is a good match. Look closely and you'll be able to see La Monte even use a power bomb. Lots of action and fun to watch, it may change your mind too.

4) Championship Wrestling From the Hollywood Legion Stadium (Syndicated TV) - Fred Blassie & Warren Bockwinkel vs. Joe Pazandak & Mr. Moto – Sound - 15:31

Incomplete film has about the last 5 min of the match, then commentary by Jules Strongbow and commercials to the end of the show. The commentary by Strongbow hypes the upcoming World Series of Wrestling and a later one recaps the match and the wrestlers involved. The commercials are pretty interesting and seem to be valium and speed under fancy names, just what the 50’s housewife needed.

5) Mat Masters – Don Evans vs. Jim Corbett & Primo Carnera vs. Laverne Baxter – Sound – 9:33

This film features action from the 50’s of the popular Don Evans and Laverne Baxter who was a roughhouser who had been wrestling since the 30’s. You also get the chance to see the former Heavyweight Boxing Champion Primo Carnera. Carnera gained the title with the backing of a descent jab and some “connected” managers.