Roller Derby Girl
Roller Derby Girl is 1949 short documentary directed by Justin Herman about how mid-twentieth century women made advances and careers in roller derby. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Subject, One-Reel.
Top Cast
-
Jean Porter
-
Midge Brasuhn
Overview
Roller Derby Girl is 1949 short documentary directed by Justin Herman about how mid-twentieth century women made advances and careers in roller derby. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Subject, One-Reel.
Rating
5.8
/ 10
6 Reviews 0 Popular
1 Reviews
-
CinemaSerf6 Jun 1, 2025Did you know that in 1949, a woman prepared to travel the USA could make up to $10,000 a year going round and round on roller skates knocking seven bells out of her fellow racers and/or ending up on her own backside instead? Taken from the perspective of rookie Jean Porter; featuring the more established “Toughie” Brasuhn and thanks to quite well placed cameras, we get a sense of not just the skills and tenacity involved in racing and winning, but also of the baying masses watching, cheering and jeering from the packed stands. The men take part too with many a married couple taking to their wheels, and it becomes quite dangerous stuff when the safety barriers start to becomes props in your or your opponent’s armoury. It’s not really a documentary, this. More a short and a little repetitive newsreel feature that might have filled gaps between a couple of afternoon features at the drive-in, and though interesting enough for five minutes won’t stick in your memory unless you, too, are into it.
Recommendations
A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.
The Class of ‘92
7.1 2013
Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman discuss their characters Mera and Atlanna.
Aquaman: Heroines of Atlantis
6.2 2019
Alexander McQueen's rags-to-riches story is a modern-day fairy tale, laced with the gothic. Mirroring the savage beauty, boldness and vivacity of his design, this documentary is an intimate revelation of McQueen's own world, both tortured and inspired, which celebrates a radical and mesmerizing genius of profound influence.
McQueen
7.5 2018
From the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.
Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me
6.0 2023
A documentary about the making of season five of the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.
No Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad
8.4 2013
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
As I Was Moving Ahead, Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty
7.7 2000
This documentary focuses on the actors and their journey over two summers to create the remake to the original IT, by Stephen King. The documentary originally released as bonus material, bundled with IT: Chapter Two.
The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends
7.1 2019
Serial killer Dennis Nilsen narrates his life and horrific crimes via a series of chilling audiotapes recorded from his jail cell.
Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes
5.9 2021
Lyrical and powerfully personal essay film that reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her mother, her beloved dog, and such diverse subjects as family memories, surveillance, and Buddhist teachings.
Heart of a Dog
6.5 2015
Iverson is the ultimate legacy of NBA legend Allen Iverson, who rose from a childhood of crushing poverty in Hampton, Virginia, to become an 11-time NBA All-Star and universally recognized icon of his sport. Off the court, his audacious rejection of conservative NBA convention and unapologetic embrace of hip hop culture sent shockwaves throughout the league and influenced an entire generation. Told largely in Iverson's own words, the film charts the career highs and lows of one of the most distinctive and accomplished figures the sport of basketball has ever seen.
Iverson
7.0 2014