Radio Times

Review by:

Alison Graham

The names Jackie Pallo and Mick McManus are richly resonant to anyone who can remember Saturday-afternoon TV in the 1960s and 70s, because they mean professional wrestling, a violent panto notoriously beloved of vituperative grannies.

In its heyday on ITV’s World of Sport, wrestling could attract audiences of
20 million who thrilled to the sight of solid men in trunks gurning as they hurled each other around the ring.

This Timeshift film deftly leads us through the history of wrestling from its origins in the music halls. Ex-miner Adrian Street glammed up and preened for his matches while egg-shaped Big Daddy, the improbably named Shirley Crabtree, belly-bounced into the nation’s hearts.

About this programme

An affectionate look back at the heyday of British wrestling, when it attracted sizeable TV audiences, and performers such as Mick McManus, Jackie `Mr TV' Pallo, Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy were household names. Featuring contributions by enthusiasts of the sport and fans, including artist Peter Blake.

Cast and crew

Cast

Contributor

Peter Blake

Narrator

Christopher Eccleston

Crew

Director

Linda Sands

Producer

Linda Sands

Share this episode