VariousDerby

This film is equal parts about Roller Derby and about Blue-collar life and culture in the early 70s. Either way, it succeeds as a film far beyond what I thought it would. While any random moment before 1992 - when all the whining started - would be a better point in history than today to live, the simplicity of life reflected here (along with the absolute lack of governmental interference) does make one wistful for better days. Highly recommended if you have even a passing interest in roller derby OR the 70s.

There is no other video out there like this. The only thing that is missing is the presence of women's superstar Joan Weston, although she is referenced by people watching her perform on tape. Most people would agree that Charlie O'Connell has been the premier skater of all time. You can see him in action near his prime a few years before injuries (wrist/forearm) made him retire in his early 40's, never to be seen again. The days that roller derby are in the American past and is preserved in this film.

It's great to have this rare documentary look at Roller Derby in the late 1960's finally arrive on DVD. The period of 1969-1973 was the last "golden age" of Roller Derby, and this film does a good job of capturing that world. There's a lot of vintage skating on display featuring the San Francisco Bombers, Northwest Cardinals, Northeast Braves and Midwest Pioneers. The film is also a portrait of a young would-be skater, Mike Snell, whose dream is to enter the Derby. His lifestyle is less than exemplary, and this documentary examines him warts-and-all.The DVD is full frame, as it was originally photographed. The disc includes two audio commentary tracks, one with director Robert Kaylor and the other with producer William Richert. Both of them are entertaining, although each man makes some mistakes in identifying certain skaters. Kaylor is more interested in the Derby as a microcosm of society, while Richert is more intrigued by the entertainment aspects and the skill of the athletes. The disc's image and color is less bright than the long out-of-print VHS release, but the new DVD shows sharper focus.The film now survives as a time capsule depiction of the dawning of the 1970's. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but surprisingly truthful about the "American Dream."

Whatever happened to Mike Snell trying to make it into roller derby?

Old skool derby at it's best, when you used to get paid to skate bank track.

The movie is Derby and it has my brothers Mike and Butch ,as well as my sister-in-law Christina and my father ( who was in the hospital at the time recovering from the many ailments he suffered in his later years ). The story is about Mike wanting to join the roller derby and the many trials and tribulations he had to face to get there. If you like to look at what we would now call the "good ol days" and reminice about the early and turbulent 70's , then this movie is a dandy! It also shed light on the situations and travels of the roller derby people like Charlie O'Connell, Ann Calvello and Eddie Krebs. It is a great little documentary and it did win a few regional awards. Get the movie, sit back and enjoy the retro times of yore !!

I recently bought this movie because I remember seeing it in its release in 1971. A good biography of roller derby skaters on tour in the late sixties and early seventies. It also shows one mans dream to become a professional skater. Lots of action footage from live games featuring skating legends like Charlie Oconnell, Ken Monte, Ann Calvallo, Bill Groll and many others. This movie is a must see for any diehard roller derby fans that followed it in the sixties during its heyday. If your a true derby fan you will want this movie.

Derby is a great documentary. As a derby fan and wannabe skater I loved the action shots of the game. The scenes in the locker rooms with the skaters are very revealing. It appears that the skaters dont know that they are being filmed. The story of Mike Snell wanting to break into the Derby is fascinating but sometimes uncomfortable to watch. You could not write characters that are documented in this movie. Very simple small town people. This was filmed in 1970 but is as fascinating and entertaining today. Highly recommended.