Lipstick & Dynamite  (2004)

Theatrical Release Information:
Lipstick & Dynamite

A handful of pioneering women wrestlers look back at the wild and wooly days before "sports entertainment" was a multi-million-dollar business and female grapplers were regarded as a novelty (or worse, a freak show) in this documentary. Lipstick & Dynamite examines the history of women on the professional wrestling circuit (dating back to 1939) and focuses on eight female fighters, two of whom -- The Fabulous Moolah and The Great Mae Young -- are still involved in the fight game. Offering a perspective on the darker side of the wrestling circuit, including fixed matches, male promoters eager to take advantage of naïve female newcomers, and the poor treatment and pay often afforded female contestants, the film also examines the lighter side of the business and what some of the greats of women's wrestling have done after leaving the ring. Lipstick & Dynamite was shown in competition at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide