Summary: Dive into the roller derby world of the 1970s with MGM's "Kansas City Bomber," starring Raquel Welch. This article explores the film's plot, its place in sports entertainment history, and the unique charm of its era. Discover the highs and lows of roller derby, the film's underdeveloped subplots, and Welch's noteworthy performance. Plus, learn about the fascinating history of roller derby and its cinematic portrayals.
Years ago, before I even considered a career in medicine, my father took my brother and me to St. Mark’s High School in Wilmington, Delaware, to witness a roller derby match. The Eastern Warriors, known to us as the Philadelphia Warriors, faced off against their arch-rivals, the Texas Outlaws. Seeing stars like Vinnie Gandolfo, Little Richard Brown, Otis Williams, Ruberta Mitchell, and team captain Judy Arnold in person was a thrill. The Texas Outlaws, led by manager Lester Quarles and the fierce duo of Baby Rocco and Patti “Moo Moo” Calvin, were formidable opponents. The theatrics of the fights and feuds, even to my 13-year-old eyes, were captivating. It reminded me of the intense rivalries in professional wrestling, like the one between Bruno Sammartino and Ivan Koloff.
Much like professional wrestling, roller derby has experienced its share of ups and downs. Its heyday was in the early TV era of the 1940s and '50s, followed by a rock-and-roll revival in the '80s. However, unlike wrestling, roller derby's presence on the silver screen has been sparse and inconsistent. With the release of Drew Barrymore's "Whip It" in 2009, featuring Ellen Page, there was hope that roller derby might gain the same cinematic recognition as wrestling did with "The Wrestler."
MGM's 1972 film "Kansas City Bomber" stands as a legendary cinematic portrayal of roller derby. Starring the iconic Raquel Welch, the film follows the story of K.C. Carr, a star jammer for the Kansas City Ramblers. For those unfamiliar with roller derby terminology, a "jammer" is the player responsible for scoring points by lapping members of the opposing team. The film opens with an announcer explaining the sport's rules, setting the stage for the drama to unfold.
K.C. Carr's journey begins with a fight against her teammate Big Bertha Bogliani, leading to a "loser-leaves-town" match. Despite her popularity, K.C. loses and moves to Portland, Oregon. There, she joins a new team under the manipulative owner, played by Kevin McCarthy, who has grand plans for her both on and off the track.
In Portland, K.C. faces hostility from veteran star Helena Kallianiotes, who constantly antagonizes her. Her only allies are Mary Kay Pass, who shares her houseboat with K.C., and the simple-minded Norman Alden. The film's climax features another "loser-leaves-town" showdown, this time between K.C. and Kallianiotes.
One of the film's main issues is its underdeveloped subplots. For instance, K.C.'s visits to her children and disapproving mother in Fresno are briefly touched upon but never fully explored. The sacrifices skaters make for their careers are hinted at in bar and bus ride scenes but are more effectively portrayed in later films like "Slap Shot." Additionally, any potential drug or sexual subtexts were avoided to maintain a PG rating.
Despite the film's shortcomings, Raquel Welch delivers a commendable performance. She did much of her own skating, even breaking her wrist during filming. This led to a continuity game where viewers can spot her wrist cast appearing and disappearing throughout the movie. The film also features notable roller derby stars in minor roles, adding authenticity to the portrayal of the sport.
Roller derby, much like professional wrestling, has a rich history filled with dramatic rivalries and theatrical performances. According to the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), there are over 450 roller derby leagues worldwide, showcasing the sport's enduring popularity (source: WFTDA). Despite its ups and downs, roller derby continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of athleticism and entertainment.
"Kansas City Bomber" may not be a perfect film, but it captures a unique moment in the history of roller derby and sports entertainment. Raquel Welch's performance, combined with the film's nostalgic charm, makes it a fascinating watch for fans of the sport and cinema alike. For those interested in exploring more about roller derby and its cinematic portrayals, "Kansas City Bomber" is a must-see.
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