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.

At long last Volume II of Classic Wrestling From Film is available

                                 

At long last, 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.

Classic Wrestling From Film II

  I've just about finished the second DVD of wrestling film transfers.  I'm a bit of a stickler for quality and I'm almost satisfied with the DVD.  These are all films I personally own and transferred using an Elmo TRV-16.  This allows for a flickerless picture that was then digitally cleaned and enhanced.  Featured on this disc will be a match between the incomparable Gorgeous George and the all-around incredible athlete and person Woody Strode.  Also featured will be wrestling greats Bobby Bruns, Karol Krauser, June Byers, Primo Carnera, LaVerne Baxter, Don Evan, Cora Combs and many more. 

Gorgeous George vs Woody Strode 1950 's wrestling match from 16mm film

Edit: The transfer work is done and the DVD is now available.  You can find the information here Classic Wrestling From Film Vol II

I've finally been able to upgrade my transfer system for the films I have.  I was able to acquire an Elmo TransVideo 16 transfer projector and a new computer.  I can now begin to transfer my 16mm film directly into my computer and can start issuing more classic wrestling DVD's.  Here is a clip of the Gorgeous George vs Woody Strode match that I have on film.

Buffalo, NY wrestling program 11/16/1962 Ilio DiPaolo Bruno Sammartino Fritz von Erich

This is the last of my Buffalo, NY Official Wrestling Magazines. This program is for the matches from November 16, 1962.  The Official Wrestling Magazine  features short write ups on Ilio DiPaolo and Bearcat Wright.  This program also features some nice pictures of Bruno Sammartino including one of Bruno and Ilio in the ring together.  I hope you enjoy this look back at Buffalo's wrestling past.  You can click on the pages to bring up a larger picture.

 

Buffalo, NY wrestling program 1/19/1962 Ilio DiPaolo Little Beaver Dan Miller

This program is for the matches from January 19, 1962.  The Official Wrestling Magazine  features short write ups on Little Beaver, Black Panther, The Sheik, Sky Low Low and Dan Miller.  I hope you enjoy this look back at Buffalo's wrestling past.  You can click on the pages to bring up a larger picture.  I will be posting the rest of my programs over the upcoming days.

 

Buffalo, NY wrestling program 10/20/1961 Ilio DiPaolo The Sheik The Crusher Bearcat Wright

   This program is for the matches from October 20, 1961.  The Official Wrestling Magazine  features short write ups on Ilio DiPaolo and Chris & John Tolos, .  I hope you enjoy this look back at Buffalo's wrestling past.  You can click on the pages to bring up a larger picture.  I will be posting the rest of my programs over the upcoming days.