A bit of lighter relief now: Carl Reiners story of a cocky wannabe actor, played by Henry Winkler (thats right the motherlovin FONZ) who cant catch a break but manages to slingshot his way into a professional wrestling career. Amid problems with his wife and in-laws, our hero Andy Schmidt tries several gimmicks including, memorably that of Dr. Weisl, an Austrian hypnotist who mesmerises both his opponent and the referee to get heel heat and the win before settling on The Lover in the closing minutes of the film. The Lover is a Gorgeous George style gimmick, blonde wig, furs and all, finally making him a huge success. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5485oAUVNS4 Winkler is hilarious you cant see a trace of Arthur Fonzarelli on screen. Amusingly, it also reverses the usual pro wrestling schtick of performers attempting to transition into acting. As Rowdy Roddy Piper has pointed out, acting is implosion while wrestling is explosion; the former requires subtlety and depth, while the latter relies upon large, pantomime gestures and facial expressions. Funnily enough, the godawful acting that prevents Andy from becoming a successful actor makes him a great pro wrestler, even if he is built like a stick of celery. The films also notable for featuring one Chavo Guerrero Snr as heel brawler Indian Joe thats Eddie Guerreros much older brother, and the father of Latino Heats nephew Chavo.
Professional writer, punk werewolf and nesting place for starfish. Obsessed with squid, spirals and story. I publish short weird fiction online at desincarne.com, and tweet nonsense under the name Jack The Bodiless. You can follow me all you like, just don't touch my stuff.
