Queen of the Ring – Budget Unknown – 2 hours and 20 minutes
| Blu-rayTM | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Digital | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
Waitress Mildred Burke is a single mother who works in her mother’s diner. However, Mildred never wants to be ordinary. She dreams of being a wrestler, but every state bans women in the squared circle. Mildred and her mother, Bertha, attend a wrestling match and watch Billy Wolfe win. They learn some of the lingo and storytelling that aligns with the sport. This match cements Mildred’s passion for the sport.
Billy and his son, G. Bill, patronize Bertha’s diner. Mildred approaches Billy and gushes over him. She asks Billy to train her, and he says no. He doesn’t train women. Also, he thinks Mildred is too skinny for the ring. Months later, Billy and G. Bill enter the restaurant again. Bertha encourages Mildred to approach Billy again, but tells Mildred not to back down. Mildred spews fire towards Billy, and he loves her moxie. He offers to train her the next day.
Mildred arrives at the carnival, and Billy and G. Bill sit outside the ring. To prove her worth, Billy has Mildred face a man. Mildred loses the first match but says she should get two out of three falls because she is the main event. Billy laughs and allows Mildred to continue. She wins and impresses Billy. Billy and Mildred work the carnival circuit but can’t get legitimate work until the states lift the ban. Over time, Mildred becomes a household name and creates a business with Billy. They fall in love and take the show on the road. Mildred chooses to marry Billy to solidify their professional relationship. That decision will impact Mildred’s life and professional wrestling, but force her legacy into darkness for years.
Based on the novel The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend by Jeff Leen, this movie is the hidden history of professional wrestling (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Mildred was the first million-dollar female athlete and accomplished it while being a single mother. She refused to let the era dictate her path. Instead, she played within it. This movie solidifies her importance to the sport while highlighting others in the industry. The film credits Billy with elevating women’s wrestling and integrating the sport. No one forced him to do it. He saw the profits and ran with the idea. However, the film didn’t skip past his abusive nature in and out of the ring. The audience doesn’t need to be a wrestling fan to appreciate the picture. It explains the slang and rules of the sport. Die-hard fans will feel joy as Mae Young, Jack Pferer, Gladys Gillem, Gorgeous George, Ethel Johnson, Fabulous Moolah, and June Byers grace the screen. Mildred’s story isn’t complete without them in her corner. The costumes, hair, makeup, and wrestling style perfectly encapsulate the period. This film is an astounding tribute to the sport and Mildred’s legacy. It’s for everyone.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I’m gonna give you three seconds to feel sorry for yourself – Joe
You’re the headline, but he writes the headline – G. Bill
I’m an ass kicker – Mae
I put you in the ring, didn’t I – Billy
This is my destiny – Mildred
| Blu-rayTM | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Digital | |||
|
|
|
|
thatdarngirlmovie.reviews 