Magnum Milano

16 hours ago, jazzygeofferz said:

Bob Caudle is often overlooked. I see him more as an interviewer from my experience of his work, but he could certainly hold his own on commentary as well. 

Caudle and Dutch Mantel were great together in Smoky Mountain Wrestling.  I'n fact without hesitation, ahead of Venture, ahead of Heenan, I'd say Mantel is the greatest colour commentator I've ever seen

In regards to Worst Commentator, just be grateful you've never heard Rob Feinstein commentating for Jersey All Pro Wrestling in 2001.  A slew of sexual comments mixed in with unfunny "jokes" that only he seems to find funny and a fair bit of homophobia.  Makes the matches practically unwatchable as he tries to make it more about him than the wrestlers.

5 minutes ago, DCW said:

Didn't some lad break into one of the nxt women's wrestlers house a few months back?

It was Sonya Deville.  

Can't help but think this is going to end tragically for someone.

The B-Girls - The Boys are Drinking (High School Dance) (1980)

43 minutes ago, Devon Malcolm said:

Please no fucking Michael Vaughan or Graeme Swann.

I can tolerate Vaughan but Swann and his array of "comedy impressions" and "accents" make me want to switch off TMS whenever he is commentating.  The epitome of someone who thinks they're way funnier than they actually are.

I thought of this match after posting the Royals/Saints tag but was waiting for a few more posts.

Jerry Lawler vs The Snowman (05.28.90)

Background for context (note: these are not my own words)

Quote

On the May 19 episode of USWA TV, Lawler, a heel at the time, came out to do one of his standard interviews about the Unified World Title, laughably accusing the larger WWF and WCW promotions of refusing to unify their world championships with the CWA and World Class. Lawler was quickly interrupted by The Snowman, appearing in the WMC-5 studio with his own entourage and getting a stunned reaction from announcer Dave Brown. Before Snowman could utter a word, matchmaker Eddie Marlin came out to tell him that he could not just show up anywhere he wanted, especially when they were airing a live television show. Marlin added that he tried booking Snowman in the past, but he never made his bookings. However, he was willing to give him another chance if he was willing to start at the bottom of the cards and work his way to the top.

Snowman was insulted by that offer and also added that he was tired of Lawler’s racist comments on television, specifically mentioning his many references to welfare and food stamps. He said point blank that the reason Lawler would not face him was because he is black. Before Lawler had a chance to respond, Marlin replied that all of “the blacks” were not on Snowman’s side on this issue before namedropping black wrestlers that had worked in the USWA over the last few months. Lawler, finally speaking, declared that the problem was that Snowman would not take the time to work his way to the top to get a title shot, although he claimed that he was being held back because he was black. Security guards attempted to escort Snowman and his friends out of the studio, but they were not leaving and Marlin was quite angry.

“Everyone in the USWA is worried that they’ll wake up one day and that there will be a black king,” Snowman said.

Lawler mentioned King Cobra, a Memphis mainstay and former Unified World Champion, in response and the argument continued on for a few minutes. Before finally leaving, Snowman promised to buy a ticket for the show on Monday night at Mid South Coliseum. Lawler was flustered for a few moments, even getting in the face of a heckling studio fan to scare him into silence, before returning to the original premise of his promo, a brilliant touch in a segment that was filmed in a way where we were clearly supposed to leave with the impression that we had just seen something we were not supposed to see, something not part of the show. The segment was even filled with unusual camera angles and jump cuts to give off the impression that the USWA had lost control of its television show. In reality, they were very much steering their own ship.

By the end of the decade, the wrestling scene was littered with poorly executed angles that attempted to make us think that we had just seen a shoot, but where those angles failed was that they also promoted the idea that the rest of the show we watched faithfully every week was in fact scripted and artificial. This segment did no such thing. Lawler never referred to Snowman as Eddie Crawford and Snowman never mentioned that Lawler had the book and even partial ownership of the promotion. The focus was on championship matches, main event positioning and opportunity, eternal themes in pro wrestling.

As promised, Snowman purchased a ringside seat and appeared in the audience at the May 21 Mid South Coliseum show, which was headlined by a familiar match — Lawler defending the Unified World Title against Kerry Von Erich. Marlin confronted Snowman at ringside and sent him packing in a chaotic scene involving building security and even a few fans. Interest in this feud was certainly there, as evidenced by the stunned facial expressions of nearby fans during this ordeal. Marlin invited Snowman to the Memphis studio on May 26, where he sat silently in the audience, building tension for what everyone expected to be a violent showdown with Lawler. However, Marlin had a different idea — rather than invoke another confrontation, Marlin simply wanted to give Snowman a chance to air his grievances and have an adult conversation, largely because he did not want another disturbance like the one earlier in the week.

Snowman immediately threw out accusations of racism, with Marlin replying that he thought that might be the case, so he asked King Cobra to join them. Snowman was not impressed, pointing out that the only reason Cobra had a job was that they knew he was not good enough to stay champion. Marlin asked Cobra if he had ever encountered any racism during his 15 years in Memphis. Cobra responded that he had not been a victim of any racism from the organization, but he had dealt with racist people in the area from time to time. In a fascinating moment, the predominantly black studio crowd did not buy this for a second and nearly booed Cobra out of the building, showing the emotional resonance this program already had. Cobra seemed unphased, casually pointing out that the fans were not in the business so they would not know.

Snowman was accompanied by black business owners in the Memphis area, one of whom was the brother of former Memphis wrestler Norvell Austin, who had choice words for Lawler and got in a few comments on his own about the racism in the USWA. Another member of Snowman’s entourage, billed as Bohemian Brother, pointed out that The Snowman defeated Ted DiBiase, Steve Williams, the Junkyard Dog and Jake Roberts, so it made no sense to have him start at the bottom of the card.

Lawler finally had enough of this and came out to add his opinion. Cobra, a longtime rival of Lawler’s, walked away immediately and glared at Lawler in an incredible bit of subtle continuity. Remember that Cobra claimed to have encountered certain racist people in the organization, and television viewers had seen Lawler make racist jokes about Cobra in the past. Lawler wanted a match with Snowman the following Monday night at Mid South Coliseum, but Marlin reminded Lawler of who was in charge, telling him he had no match until Marlin said so. Lawler responded that Marlin was giving credibility to Snowman’s accusations by denying him the title shot. He claimed that he was ready to fight Snowman right then and there, but Marlin played momentary peacemaker before finally agreeing to allow the match on Monday night. However, the USWA would not sanction it and he even said he hoped they would beat each other’s brains out. Later in the show, Snowman slapped Lawler and they ended up in a brawl, which Marlin broke up before having security escort Snowman out of the building. Their first match was signed for May 28.

Alternatively, in the much larger and nationally televised WCW, Ole Anderson had just become the booker. It was Ole’s first stint as a booker in over five years and in his first weekend in the role, he dove into familiar territory and demonstrated how behind the times he was. Ole converted WCW World Champion Ric Flair into a latent racist and booked the Four Horsemen to bully black jobber Rocky King. Arn Anderson referred to King as a “human stick of licorice” and when King and Junkyard Dog, Flair’s new top challenger, recruited support from Paul Orndorff and Sting, Barry Windham responded that JYD could not get anyone else of “your kind” to help him out. Flair added that there were other wrestlers he did not like for professional reasons, but that he did not like Junkyard Dog for personal reasons, even adding that when Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson were in the limo with him, they said nothing about JYD. If you were told about both of these feuds, you would probably think the regional promotion was running the Horsemen versus Junkyard Dog feud and the national promotion was tackling Lawler versus Snowman. The USWA clearly had a better understanding of their fans and the complexities of racial tension than WCW, and they handled the subject matter through a more progressive lens. The numbers vindicated the USWA’s approach, as the program doubled the average Mid South Coliseum attendance at the time.

The Match

Jerry Lawler and The Snowman doing MMA before the term had ever been coined, and to think this was in Memphis and involved Jerry Lawler!  When I first watched this match it looked like one of the most legitimate fights I'd ever seen in a wrestling ring; from the way they held their fists, to the takedowns. to indicating they were going for the eye, to actually going for the eyes, to kicking their legs up when they were down to stop their opponent getting at them.  Like I say, MMA before there was such a thing.  The match itself goes less than five minutes, to add to the believability, and is not as much of an investment as the tag I posted.  The initial confrontation in the Studio where Snowman "showed up" is also on YouTube.  It may lose something being in a vacuum and without all the build up, but I thought this was "must see" at the time.

I saw this name a few days back and then forgot all about it.  Boxer Delicious Orie.

Vic Faulkner & Bert Royal vs Roy & Tony St. Clair (11.29.71)

I'm pretty sure I've posted this in the YouTube finds thread before but it is always worth another look, especially if it gets some new eyes on the match.  This is a great match by today's standards, but try imagine watching this in 1971 and it must've blown folks minds.  At times it's fought at a breakneck pace with rapid counters, reversals, awesome ingenuitive escapes, all mixed in with Faulkner's usual array of tricks while he hares the ropes as if he's Usain Bolt.  The Saints have got the size advantage and while Tony is someone who I've never been full a fan of, he and Roy (who was tremendous) kept up with their opponents in the technical grappling and intricacy stakes.  There are some quality near falls in there, especially one towards the end.  It's a treat when they hook you in like that, you think you know what's coming, but no, not just yet. 

Just now, TheBurningRed said:

Andy is the worst though. I find myself fast forwarding a lot of his stuff. 

Absolutely, my least favourite character on the show apart from Meredith.  And don't get me started on the whole Andy and Erin thing; such an unconvincing and unbelievable couple.

How did I know it would be the fucking Torremolinos Open again!

24 minutes ago, wordsfromlee said:

It severely nose dives after Steve Carrell leaves as there’s no main character anymore all the supporting characters fight to be the star and it becomes a bit of a mess. Although saying that, the final season is surprisingly good and I really enjoyed the final episode. 

I didn't bother with seasons eight and nine for years because of how poor I found the final few episodes of season seven after Carrell left.  Then they were shown on Paramount on Freeview a couple of years back and I decided to watch them.  I didn't enjoy eight at all with the whole Florida arc but agree regarding nine, and thought that season was a return to form.

The Vaselines - Son of a Gun (1987)

1 hour ago, MEGABUCKS said:

I think Vince will sell his company sooner than later. He's enjoying his last few big deals and I can see him cashing out. Kind of like that promo he did 20 years ago about killing his own creation. I think he's been killing it slowly on purpose but not completly so that their is some value left when its time to sell

He's also a 75 year old man who has just lost his 77 year old older brother.  Surely if there is any sign that it might be worth riding off into the sunset and enjoying what's left of his life, that is it.

The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)

After enjoying the first film I decided to watch the sequel.  Big mistake.  With no-one really believing the events of the first film, Cole (Judah Lewis) heads to the Lakes for the weekend only to once more be the target of a satanic cult.  This was going along fine and then completely lost me (I won't say where just to avoid spoilers).  After that it was a right chore.  Some funny lines but quite a few plot holes and just not worth the time. 

Valley Girl (1983)

Almost a Romeo and Juliet love story, as the rich, preppy girl from the Valley falls for the punk from the wrong side of town, much to the chagrin of her friends.  A very easy, inoffensive watch with the heart-warming ending you hope for.  One of Nicolas Cage's first films and Deborah Foreman is fantastic again, just like in April Fool's Day.  I'm surprised she appears to have worked so little as she's been nigh on the best thing in both films I've seen starring her.  Cameron Dye puts in a good turn as Cage's punk pal too.  The New Wave heavy soundtrack is excellent.

Just now, SaitoRyo said:

Hud sticks out the most because it was the best. Just an impeccable film in every respect. 

I've seen this advertised on Talking Pictures a few times but never got around to watching it; I'll look to rectify that.

My offerings from the past few days:

Spike Island (2012)

Coming-of-age film about five friends who’re desperate to go to the Stone Roses’ Spike Island gig, a gig which is ultimate the beginning of the end.  A bit clichéd in story and characters but was super nostalgic for me with the Stone Roses soundtrack.

Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018)

A teen enrols at an exclusive private school, however fracking, which is taking place on nearby land, unleashes a sea of evil beasts on everyone. A horror comedy that struggles on both fronts and was a bit of a slog to sit through. There’s little to recommend here, even wasting Margot Robbie in a pointless cameo appearance.  Incidentally, the director is Crispian Mills who was the lead singer of Kula Shaker.

The Long Goodbye (1973)

What is a clear cut murder-suicide to the police, isn’t so to a P.I.  Okay, but I did find the story a bit hard to follow.  One that would undoubtedly play better with a second viewing.  Elliott Gould is exceptional in the lead role as Private Investigator Phillip Marlowe.  Look out for a young uncredited Arnie playing some muscle.

Capricorn One (1977)

A friend recommended this one to me.  When NASA try to fake a landing on Mars, things don’t quite go to plan, and then one investigative journalist gets on the case.  Cracking conspiracy thriller, although I would like to have seen more of the fallout after it was discovered what NASA tried to pull.

Yeah, there's a ton of pure randomness on those Disney tapings from Orlando; like when the New Japan guys came in towards the end of 1995, and you have Jushin Liger vs Barry Houston with Houston obviously having the time of his life working with Liger and busting out a Northern Lights suplex on the floor among other hot moves.

Just now, FlushFunk said:

I believe it’s universally accepted that nobody could have played or made the Undertaker work as MC did.

And to think he wasn't even first choice for the role, if only Black Bart had got the gig like Vince originally planned...

And Frank Andersson gets a strange push that is exclusive only to the European syndicated shows.

54 minutes ago, DavidB6937 said:

Three new signings..

Zoey Stark (FKA Lacey Ryan)
Gigi Dolin (FKA Priscilla Kelly)
Cora Jade (FKA Elayna Black)

Priscilla didn't do so well on the name front..

Zoey Stark is okay, but I don't think any of the names are better than the names they were previously using.  Guess it is what it is though when you sign with WWE.

The Babysitter (2017)

A young boy spies on his babysitter, who he has a crush on, only to discover she’s part of a satanic cult.  Much better than I expected, some creative kills and an enjoyable modern horror comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously and doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Dead Man’s Shoes (2004)

I've seen this before but it's on All4 for a week so gave it another watch last night.  An ex-Squaddie returns home to exact revenge on the gang who bullied his mentally handicapped brother.  Paddy Considine is outstanding as the menacing Richard and Toby Kebbell is so convincing that I thought he was mentally handicapped at first.  Excellent.

27 minutes ago, Chris B said:

How did you watch it? Is there a catch-up for Talking Pictures somewhere? I couldn't find a streaming link for the film anywhere.

I torrented it.  I wasn't sure whether it would be on the site I get my films/docs from but thankfully it was up there (if you are looking to watch it again and want a link drop me a pm).

Forgot to mention that I thought the ending was very clever and didn't see that coming at all.  In fact, most things that I thought *would* happen didn't!

On 1/15/2021 at 12:10 PM, Chris B said:

The Silent Partner (1978, Talking Pictures TV)

I hadn't heard of this before, but saw Elliot Gould and Christopher Plummer as the stars and I was sold. It's a thriller with a really nice set-up - a bank teller (Gould) realises that someone is casing the joint (Plummer), so hides $50,000 for himself, letting the robber get away with just a few thousand. When the robber hears on the news that he supposedly stole $50k, he goes after Gould for the rest.

It goes a lot more back and forward than I expected, and between this and The Long Goodbye, I can see why Gould was becoming a big star for a while there. He's great in this, but Plummer is terrifying - psychopathic, violent, yet mannered and quiet, and seeming to enjoy a lot of it. His disguises are wild too, including him trying to hold up a bank as Santa Claus. 

Apparently, the director (Daryl Duke) was briefly thrown off the film for not wanting to film a particular scene involving violence against women, and they got in another director to do that. He was absolutely right - it's an unpleasant scene, obviously, but it's also wildly at odds with the film.

Overall, it's a tight little thriller, and I'm surprised to have not heard of it before. Also features a very early role for John Candy, which is nice to see. Talking Pictures tend to show stuff a few times, so keep an eye out for it if you fancy it.

Thanks for this recommendation.  I watched it last night and really enjoyed it and agree that both leads were superb.  Celine Lomez was one seriously good looking women too.

Was totally thrown off guard by that bolded scene, it was seriously nasty and wasn't expecting it at all.

To continue the regional news thing, here's Kaye Forster, who we occasionally get doing the weather in the West Midlands.  Not many photos of her online and even fewer of her not stood in front of a weather map.

Just now, wandshogun09 said:

Yep. He was also supposedly a victim of Missy Hyatt promising him a blowjob if he let Taz beat him in ECW. Then got told “I don’t blow jobbers” if the rumour is to be believed. Poor sod. In hindsight he should’ve just battered Taz and killed the myth years before RVD. 

The Eliminators, Shane Douglas, Team Taz and a few others were all at ringside for the match.  Certainly looking back at it with today's eyes it's like Heyman had them at ringside should Varelans go into business for himself and while he may have got some licks in on Taz, he'd be greatly outnumbered and would probably ended up have taking a nasty beating.

Just now, Onyx2 said:

Monkee's just ace isn't she? Always up and funny, lots of good vibes. And notably, she took it on herself to set up a donation on behalf of UKFF for Christopher Au.

Yeah, that was the prime reason I nominated her.

And while I don't post in it, also want to give a nod to Keith who always has time and words of advice/help for those in the Mental Health thread.

David Bowie - Up the Hill Backwards (1980)