Brody: The Triumph and Tragedy of Wrestling's Rebel
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Larry Matysik; Barbara Goodish
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 8/07
The Good
There are numerous pro-wrestlers who have carried a certain mystique about them and Bruiser Brody is one of those for sure. His tale is unique, his legacy is complex and his death was tragic. Like many other pro-wrestling tragedies, there was a captivating book to be written and luckily reliable sources produced it. Larry Matysik, a close friend, works with the widow of Frank "Bruiser Brody" Goodish and many of his closest friends to tell his story. Amongst those quoted are: Stan Hansen, Buck Robley, Gary Hart and Pete Ortega, who was a long-time non-wrestling friend. There is much depth in telling about not only about his achievements in pro-wrestling, but his distinct place as an "outlaw" in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition, his widow adds a personalized touch that makes the man behind the Bruiser Brody more real. This book has dimensions to it that few others do. Although it is a biography, it offers more than the vast majority of existing pro-wrestling autobiograhies out there. This book offers accurate facts, interesting quotations and good commentary. Hopefully it lays the foundation for similar biographies done in the future.
The Bad
Like Wrestling at the Chase, Matysik's stories can be scattered and disconnected from the flow of the story. Furthermore, he is not one to blast others, which seems like that may be in contrast to Frank Goodish, the shrewd businessman, and Bruiser Brody, the dominating and sometimes vicious wrestler. Matysik gives little voice to those who did not like Goodish and thus this seems like an incomplete story. The chapters by Barbara Goodish will probably bore some as they delve into her personal story, Goodish's home life and the emotions she felt and feels in relation to his murder. Although this book is solid, it lacks that element that really pulls you in and keeps you pulled in throughout.
The Rating: ****
Showing posts with label Brody. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brody. Show all posts
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tributes: Remembering Some of the World's Greatest Wrestlers
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Dave Meltzer
Publisher: Winding Stair Press
Released: 10/01
The Good
An excellent look at a handful of deceased wrestlers that are edited and somewhat shortened versions of his WON obits. This is Dave Meltzer's strong suit because he knows things, understands things and is good at explaining things. You get a number of people from the 1950s through modern times. I would think that even the casual fan could enjoy this as I know a couple who've read it and enjoyed it. Meltzer is great at digging up anecdotes and putting a person's legacy into a proper perspective. An enjoyable read from pro-wrestling's preeminent journalist and critic.
The Bad
Obviously there are a few off-facts (from what I've heard, but none stood out to me). The stories are kind of condensed and some might not like that. I really can't point much fault at this, it is what is and probably the best non-autobiographical wrestling book there is. I know a lot of people knock Dave's writing and this is much more cleaned up than the run-on sentences laded grammatical errors, but it still has that Meltzer feel. If you do not like WON, than perhaps you might not like this.
The Rating: *****
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Dave Meltzer
Publisher: Winding Stair Press
Released: 10/01
The Good
An excellent look at a handful of deceased wrestlers that are edited and somewhat shortened versions of his WON obits. This is Dave Meltzer's strong suit because he knows things, understands things and is good at explaining things. You get a number of people from the 1950s through modern times. I would think that even the casual fan could enjoy this as I know a couple who've read it and enjoyed it. Meltzer is great at digging up anecdotes and putting a person's legacy into a proper perspective. An enjoyable read from pro-wrestling's preeminent journalist and critic.
The Bad
Obviously there are a few off-facts (from what I've heard, but none stood out to me). The stories are kind of condensed and some might not like that. I really can't point much fault at this, it is what is and probably the best non-autobiographical wrestling book there is. I know a lot of people knock Dave's writing and this is much more cleaned up than the run-on sentences laded grammatical errors, but it still has that Meltzer feel. If you do not like WON, than perhaps you might not like this.
The Rating: *****
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Stan Hansen [RF Video's "Behind Closed Doors" Shoot Interview]
The Good
RF Video's second shoot interview with Stan Hansen is not much different from the first. It is a little more scattered, but that can be okay. Stan Hansen has a variety of experiences in both the US and Japan that could be explored. Rob goes more into the Japanese experiences than I would have expected, but ultimately his ignorance of the culture, product and legacy of Stan Hansen limit the depth of discussion there. Hansen explains how he grew to enjoy Japan, why the preferred that style and some of his experiences with different people in and out of the ring. Overall, he seems to understand the nature of this interview better than previous outings, so he is a little more open. I found this enjoyable, but it was certainly not all I would have hoped for.
The Bad
A notorious kayfaber, Stan Hansen even says, "What's kayfabe?" when asked about it. Rob takes the bait and tries to explain it before realizing how stupid he is. Hansen sort of knows what the score is and answers a fair number of question with "that's what I've heard, so it must be true" and perpetuates old angles with a grin (i.e. breaking Bruno's neck with the Lariat). While he was not as bad as I've heard, it got aggravating at times as he did not give the straightforward answer you'd hope for. Overall, it seems that Rob's inability to develop a narrative, ask follow-up questions or carefully ask more prying questions really hindered this. If Stan Hansen wants to play the kayfabing game, you've got to be a better interviewer to get more out of them. People like Arn Anderson, Jimmy Valiant and Stan Hansen will always be worthwhile people to interview, but it takes a quality interviewer to get them to really shoot.
The Rating: ***1/2
The Good
RF Video's second shoot interview with Stan Hansen is not much different from the first. It is a little more scattered, but that can be okay. Stan Hansen has a variety of experiences in both the US and Japan that could be explored. Rob goes more into the Japanese experiences than I would have expected, but ultimately his ignorance of the culture, product and legacy of Stan Hansen limit the depth of discussion there. Hansen explains how he grew to enjoy Japan, why the preferred that style and some of his experiences with different people in and out of the ring. Overall, he seems to understand the nature of this interview better than previous outings, so he is a little more open. I found this enjoyable, but it was certainly not all I would have hoped for.
The Bad
A notorious kayfaber, Stan Hansen even says, "What's kayfabe?" when asked about it. Rob takes the bait and tries to explain it before realizing how stupid he is. Hansen sort of knows what the score is and answers a fair number of question with "that's what I've heard, so it must be true" and perpetuates old angles with a grin (i.e. breaking Bruno's neck with the Lariat). While he was not as bad as I've heard, it got aggravating at times as he did not give the straightforward answer you'd hope for. Overall, it seems that Rob's inability to develop a narrative, ask follow-up questions or carefully ask more prying questions really hindered this. If Stan Hansen wants to play the kayfabing game, you've got to be a better interviewer to get more out of them. People like Arn Anderson, Jimmy Valiant and Stan Hansen will always be worthwhile people to interview, but it takes a quality interviewer to get them to really shoot.
The Rating: ***1/2
Sunday, August 8, 2010
John Nord [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
I think anyone who is strongly associated with individuals in pro-wrestling who either don't do interviews or cannot do interviews (because they have passed away) are always going to have some interest no matter how marginal that person is. If a guy who worked security for the Von Erichs in World Class or someone who worked as a referee for Killer Kowalski can make for an interesting interview than whose to say who is really deserving of interviews. John Nord had some success as the Barbarian, the Berzerker and such, but what makes him really interesting is the people he grew up with, worked alongside and got to know in the business. A childhood friend of Curt Hennig, a later friend of high school rival Road Warrior Hawk and a partner and close buddy of Bruiser Brody, John Nord has known some remarkable people who have passed on. He is a goofy dude though and while I'm suspicious of some things he says, he certainly can tell some funny and interesting stories. Whether it's Dusty Rhodes' "muffler," Curt Hennig's legendary ribs or the lockerroom brawl with Butch Reed that is well-known, John Nord had some fresh material for sure.
The Bad
John Nord could be the most sincere and honest person ever, but my gut thinks otherwise. Not that he's necessarily lying, but if you'd never seen him or heard much about him, you'd be wondering why. He was basically a midcard talent who got a few solid pushes here and there. He was friends with a lot of people, he was an impressive looking big man with some athletic ability, he had several key chances to get over. It never happened. The few things I've heard people (Bill Watts, Gary Hart and a couple others) mention in other shoots have never been overly flattering. This is a fun shoot interview to listen to, but I'd definitely take it with a grain of salt.
The Rating: ****
The Good
I think anyone who is strongly associated with individuals in pro-wrestling who either don't do interviews or cannot do interviews (because they have passed away) are always going to have some interest no matter how marginal that person is. If a guy who worked security for the Von Erichs in World Class or someone who worked as a referee for Killer Kowalski can make for an interesting interview than whose to say who is really deserving of interviews. John Nord had some success as the Barbarian, the Berzerker and such, but what makes him really interesting is the people he grew up with, worked alongside and got to know in the business. A childhood friend of Curt Hennig, a later friend of high school rival Road Warrior Hawk and a partner and close buddy of Bruiser Brody, John Nord has known some remarkable people who have passed on. He is a goofy dude though and while I'm suspicious of some things he says, he certainly can tell some funny and interesting stories. Whether it's Dusty Rhodes' "muffler," Curt Hennig's legendary ribs or the lockerroom brawl with Butch Reed that is well-known, John Nord had some fresh material for sure.
The Bad
John Nord could be the most sincere and honest person ever, but my gut thinks otherwise. Not that he's necessarily lying, but if you'd never seen him or heard much about him, you'd be wondering why. He was basically a midcard talent who got a few solid pushes here and there. He was friends with a lot of people, he was an impressive looking big man with some athletic ability, he had several key chances to get over. It never happened. The few things I've heard people (Bill Watts, Gary Hart and a couple others) mention in other shoots have never been overly flattering. This is a fun shoot interview to listen to, but I'd definitely take it with a grain of salt.
The Rating: ****
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bruiser Brody Shoot Interview from 1988
The Good
Not surprisingly, Bruiser Brody is very frank here (no pun intended). I've never heard where this interview came from, but it is a total gem. He explains why he believes the pro-wrestling of the late 1980s is better than it has been in the past, his logic for working independents and small shows, how he flips between babyface and heel night after night and . Of course, he kayfabes to an extent and asks that the early portion where he reveals his real name (Frank Goodish) and the fact he produces World Class Championship Wrestling should be edited off. That aside, he very carefully and seriously answers questions without looking like a total goof (even over twenty years later!). I am not sure who the interviewer is, but he clearly knows the business and asks Brody questions directly and respectfully. This is surreal to see and hear and while it is not a true shoot interview (in a sense), it is unlike anything I've ever seen. This predates the original shoot interview that Bob Barnett did with Eddie Gilbert by several years.
The Bad
Obviously, someone could really crap all over this. Brody certainly kayfabes, he probably dodges questions to an extent, he pulls the conversation into other areas (specifically football) in an effort to legitimize pro-wrestling and its athleticism and downplay its entertainment aspects. If you go in understanding that, how can you dislike this? Sadly, Bruiser Brody died months after this was recorded and was never able to do a shoot interview like the stars of yesteryear have done. Although, you have to wonder if he wouldn't have to kayfabe like Stan Hansen and others always do.
The Rating: ****
The Good
Not surprisingly, Bruiser Brody is very frank here (no pun intended). I've never heard where this interview came from, but it is a total gem. He explains why he believes the pro-wrestling of the late 1980s is better than it has been in the past, his logic for working independents and small shows, how he flips between babyface and heel night after night and . Of course, he kayfabes to an extent and asks that the early portion where he reveals his real name (Frank Goodish) and the fact he produces World Class Championship Wrestling should be edited off. That aside, he very carefully and seriously answers questions without looking like a total goof (even over twenty years later!). I am not sure who the interviewer is, but he clearly knows the business and asks Brody questions directly and respectfully. This is surreal to see and hear and while it is not a true shoot interview (in a sense), it is unlike anything I've ever seen. This predates the original shoot interview that Bob Barnett did with Eddie Gilbert by several years.
The Bad
Obviously, someone could really crap all over this. Brody certainly kayfabes, he probably dodges questions to an extent, he pulls the conversation into other areas (specifically football) in an effort to legitimize pro-wrestling and its athleticism and downplay its entertainment aspects. If you go in understanding that, how can you dislike this? Sadly, Bruiser Brody died months after this was recorded and was never able to do a shoot interview like the stars of yesteryear have done. Although, you have to wonder if he wouldn't have to kayfabe like Stan Hansen and others always do.
The Rating: ****
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