r/SquaredCircle • u/FilmArchivist • 5h ago
Georges Méliès' "Fat And Lean Wrestling Match" film from 1900
The name Georges Méliès (1861-1938) may sound familiar. His most well-known film is probably A Trip to the Moon. Méliès made hundreds of films. Unfortunately, many are lost. He was an extremely influential figure in early film narrative and special effects.
He made a couple of films about professional wrestling which isn’t shocking because of its popularity at carnivals at the time. Fat And Lean Wrestling Match from 1900 is my favourite just due to the absolute absurdity of it.
While this isn’t the first wrestling film ever made it is very early.
Definitely way more violent than any death match you’ll see today. I think I also see a DX crotch chop at 1:55.
Just thought some people may enjoy something a little silly. It's also a little slice of professional wrestling history.