Directed by Ruth Leitman and a hit at the Hot Docs and
TriBeCa Film Festivals, LIPSTICK & DYNAMITE shines
a spotlight on the forgotten first ladies of the ring.
Gladys 'Killem' Gillem wrestled women, men, alligators
and bears. At 18 Ida May Martinez took to the road
to flash the only thing she knew - how to kick, punch,
and defend herself. Narrowly escaping a date rape
at 16, Penny Banner trained for survival. Still kicking
butt at 80, The Fabulous Moolah and Johnnie Mae Young
live together with midget wrestler sidekick Diamond 'Lil,
and continue to take bumps with World Wrestling
Entertainment. In LIPSTICK & DYNAMITE, each
woman reflects on her own remarkable life with
fond and bitter memories, reconciling a wild, flamboyant
youth with the reality of getting older and fading away. LIPSTICK & DYNAMITE follows Moolah, Johnnie Mae and the girls for 60 years. Many bumps and falls later, we listen in as they discuss the money, the old days and what it's like to be a 'lady' in today's favorite guilty pleasure: spectator sport. The girls are taking on all comers. Are you ready?