This review is an excerpt. For the full article, see Issue 2 of fiveonfive magazine, coming your way in mid-December.
For a modern roller derby league, going through a league split has become almost a rite of passage. For better or for worse, any self-organized group of volunteers will probably contain within it people with different reasons for participating, different goals, and different ideas for how to achieve them. Often these differences result in significant structural trauma for a young roller derby league; sometimes this trauma brings with it healthy reform, but in other cases the differences are irreconcilable.
Such was the case for Bad Girl, Good Woman Productions, the Austin league that launched the modern roller derby revolution, and from which the Texas Rollergirls parted ways.
Directed by Bob Ray and produced by Werner Campbell, Hell on Wheels provides a unique view into roller derby's rebirth, including remarkable perspectives from all sides of the heart-wrenching rift that formed between the modern derby movement's founding mothers. Documenting both the tragedy of the split and the triumphs surrounding it, Hell on Wheels is a must-see for anyone involved with the organization of a roller derby league, and has valuable insights for any other upstart DIY organizations as well.
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A sport evolves by accident
Hell on Wheels reveals that many elements of modern derby that we now take for granted were discovered almost accidentally by these pioneers. Today, it's taken almost as gospel that the modern sport thoroughly rejects the fake-fighting, pro-wrestling style choreographed conflict that characterized the latter years of classic derby (and arguably led to its collapse), but as the film unfolds, we realize that in fact the whole initial concept included practiced, choreographed hits and falls. Only after many practice sessions did the skaters start to discover that the best way to make a hit look real, is to make it a real hit.
Likewise, we get to watch as these skaters come to realize over the first couple of bouts that competition is exciting, winning is addictive fun, and that there's a really good sport hidden inside what they'd first assumed would only ever be a kitschy hipster spectacle.
While the film doesn't specifically address the topic of track geometry, as the story unfolds we discover that playing roller derby on a flat track was a completely serendipitous accident. BGGW's early pre-split promos specifically indicated their intent to play the sport on a banked track from the very beginning. It wasn't until the logistical and financial challenges of securing and housing a banked track prompted them to mount early bouts without it that the skaters discovered flat track derby is a completely viable and exciting variant of the sport.
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Production notes
Since Austin is the live music capital of the world, it's only fitting that the film incorporates a very effective score, including quite a bit of original music by Austin's ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead. The music is very, very derby, and in many points helps accentuate the mood, providing a foundation for the arc of the story.
This IndiePix DVD release includes some great extra features. In addition to the Director's Commentary, two other
commentary tracks feature input from key members of BGGW and Texas Rollergirls, respectively. Recorded in 2008, five years on from the events in the film, the skater commentaries provide an interesting glimpse into the psyches of the people most directly involved in the split. With the two leagues now enjoying an uneasy but peaceful coexistence in Austin, we get to see how they have moved past the conflict... and in what ways they have not.
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The bottom line
Heartwrenching at times, Hell on Wheels ultimately tells a touching and very human story about a group of people who started something from nothing, endured great challenges and conflicts, but who eventually overcame those struggles to spur what's now a growing sports movement bringing meaning, learning, and joy to tens of thousands of participants worldwide. The film wraps with a moving end sequence showing the global spread of modern roller derby, featuring a montage of media coverage and a collage of league logos that can't help but move you.
4 1/2 stars (out of five). A must-see for anyone involved in roller derby league organization, interested in the roots of the sport's modern incarnation, or hoping to learn techniques for documenting a DIY organization. Available now on DVD from IndiePix Films, Amazon, and other online retailers.
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There's a lot more, but to read the full article you'll need to get Issue 2 of fiveonfive magazine. It's not just cool, it's also useful, and it'd make a great present for yourself, your derby wife, or your favorite zeeba! Subscribe now.
Also a must-see...
for huge derby dorks like me. I already borrowed it from Netflix and watched it FOUR TIMES (once straight through, and then once with each of the 3 commentaries).
Tina Flay - The mean girl finding humor in violence.
Windy City Rollers
Derby Politics 101
"Hell on Wheels" should be REQUIRED viewing by DIY leagues. It's a course in League Split 101.
Make a double feature of it with "Jam: the Movie" about Tim Patten and the Old Schoolers in the Bay City Bombers and you have an evening of behind-the-scenes chaos of derby land.
Anyway, I'm DYING to hear the skater commentary on HoW...we obviously saw the immediate aftermath of what happened in the Mutha of All League Splits in Austin, but I'd like to hear what the viewpoints are now.
TARA ARMOV #51
LA Derby Dolls
That Which Does Not Kill You Makes For A Good Story
Crying and squealing, and remembering...
Obviously we've seen HoW many times in our household in prep for Hurty's review, but the first time I watched I had several visceral reactions...I cried a few times out of empathy for what people on both sides were going through, having been a league founder going through the growing pains of the initial startup phase of a new league being born. I had sympathy for both sides, and that led to a few tears for what could have been, if an understanding could have been reached. I also got squealy over a young Hydra, a young Sparkle Plenty, and a young Eight Track being documented for all time - people who built the ground level of WFTDA and in 8 Track's case reached out to so many young upstart leagues (including my original league, Charm City) to offer real, tangible help that got us started - invaluable help. These are 3 people whose names I fear could be forgotten in our history because they are no longer competitive skaters who all current WFTDA league reps (now that we've more than doubled the # of original member leagues) have had first - hand contact working with, to know how important they were in creating the sport, and how intelligent, thoughtful and hard - working they are.
Others like Head Trauma, Ivanna S. Pankin, Edie Brickwall, Sloppy Flo, and several more have left active WFTDA leadership in the last year, and I feel sad every time original WFTDA founders who built the foundation of what has helped so many of us have left, and I think that they may be forgotten. I am grateful that Werner and Bob have preserved the history that all these fine women have created so that some of these womens contributions will be remembered. On both sides of this story, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to every one of these women who went through the labor of love that created something that has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of people worldwide in numerous positive ways. In our household, their names will not be forgotten, nor the fact that we owe lots of the happiness and fulfillment in our lives to them. Thanks to all the women of Texas that started a very real *movement* that has changed so many lives, and to Bob and Werner for sticking with the story to preserve one of the most important parts of our history! -xxxoooMercy Less
Jam...
Is insightful and somewhat depressing. I know many of those in the picture and that makes it even worse. As a film, its well done though but I would defitely go with the film,DERBY, for a more uplifting experience (though it has its own sadness) and a better look at classic derby during its last heyday.
Come to think of it, when is someone doing a documentary on the LA and San Diego Derby Dolls? That would make a great pic I think. Or perhaps one following a team going into Regionals next year and hopefully Nationals. I am sure there are some great stories to be told.
Still need to see 'em
I have yet to see any derby-related films from the pre-modern era, and I really need to correct that failure. Put that on the 2009 resolutions list.
pre-modern films
I have yet to see any derby-related films from the pre-modern era, and I really need to correct that failure. Put that on the 2009 resolutions list.
Outside of DERBY I can not think of a good documentary before this decade. As for non-documentaries FIREBALL, starring Mickey Rooney is pretty fun. It's based on the period when the Roller Derby was based in Europe. Kansas City Bomber is pretty bad, but has its moments (the script not being a highpoint and its obvious Roller Games influence). Its got some good cheese and even a good performance from a few actors, but this was before Raquel Welch could act at all and that is tough. Judy Arnold's stunts though are tremendous. She herself is surprised by some of what she pulled off.
Its hard to think of many derby-related films, in part because it was such a closed business. Roller Games, being based in LA, had a much better relationship with the film industry than the Derby did.
"Jam"and such
Is insightful and somewhat depressing. I know many of those in the picture and that makes it even worse. As a film, its well done though but I would defitely go with the film,DERBY, for a more uplifting experience (though it has its own sadness) and a better look at classic derby during its last heyday.
Come to think of it, when is someone doing a documentary on the LA and San Diego Derby Dolls? That would make a great pic I think. Or perhaps one following a team going into Regionals next year and hopefully Nationals. I am sure there are some great stories to be told.
"Jam" is insightful and depressing. But they themselves made it so. I've never heard of "Derby"...when was it made?
As for a documentary on the Derby Dolls...you ain't the only one asking that question. ;)
And I reallyreallyREALLY hope that with alllllll the leagues around the country that there's some smart individuals with each league that's trying to document the start-up and follow-through of what we're all going through. In ten years we'll want to see the footage and cheer.
TARA ARMOV #51
LA Derby Dolls
That Which Does Not Kill You Makes For A Good Story
To answer your question Ms. Armov
Derby was made around 1970-1971. Great interviews with the legends of the sport during the last great period of the original Derby. There is a wonderful reflective moment with Charlie O when he is back in his hometown and he says many things that I think anyone can identify with. He points out that without Roller Derby he would have just been a regular working stiff. You see Joanie Weston who ALWAYS took the game seriously. Not a fan of the extra crap was Joanie. In fact when you see early footage of Weston you would often see her hands go straight up in the pack, which was a warning to everyone else "cut the crap and skate". She was not above some blood and thunder by any means but she knew there was a time and a place for it. Anyway, fascinating film that took a sudden turn in what the filmmaker was planning when they came across a guy who approached O'connell about getting into the Derby. What is interesting is that these skaters did not have alter egos or become "characters". Charlie O really was a mean SOB, Tony ROman really was a sweetheart, Mike Gammon was quietly arrogant but proud of his sport, and a great deal of that come through on the film. One thing that helped the movie is that it was not a puff piece made by the league. Instead an indy filmmaker was given incredible access.
As for Jam, yeah can not say enough about that. In the little dispute between Dan Ferrari and Tim Patten, Dan clearly wins in the long run. Its His Bombers getting on TV and getting the 1100 to 2500 people audiences. A lot of good ideas being done, but still a conflict between skating and 'heat'. Larry Lee, raised in Roller Derby during its latter heyday, bemoans the emphasis on chaos and the absence of real story and skating to the game ( a common occurrence for derby revivals that did spot shows as opposed to trying a real schedule and structure BEFORE they did games). Then sadly has to accept (but in reality never does) that he cant do what he used to be able to do either. The human interest story on Patten will bring you to tears. I must say as well, despite the very flaming persona of Alfonso Reyes, that man could and still can knock you on your ass with tremendous blocks, he is just easier to avoid now.
What raised an interesting point for me in seeing JAM is that unlike other sports where one eventually is forced out, Derby skaters keep popping up because of name value. Think about the NFL, MLB, NBA, etc in that each year they have the draft. That draft begins the process of creating new stars. New Stars squeeze out the old ones and make names for themselves. Absent training centers, Derby did not do that and so long as there were sporadic promotions could not. At the last classic game I attended I know many old-timers who were asked to be ready to skate and said they would not because, "Its someone else's time" and heard many an oldtimer who did skate in that game say "The youngsters have to step up and take it over". That was also a game that included about 3 skaters I think from the Port City RollerGirls (stockton, CA) and their coach. Hopefully more of that will happen and the professional game will change as well. The amateur game already has solid recruitment going on so it can refresh itself well. Most of the current crop wont be at this for 20 plus years, so its good to get that new talent excited and eager to play. Circle of life again
But I still want that LA Derby Dolls doc! You ladies are in LA, have done films (I think you have at least) and probably have contacts with the old Roller Community there that is also connected to Hollywood. Lets make that happen!
I got to watch it...
with my split leagues in the audience. I was in the middle, and the teams were to either side of me.
That sounds a bit like...
with my split leagues in the audience. I was in the middle, and the teams were to either side of me.
That sounds a bit like the film's premiere. At the time the film was completed and they had the first premiere (I'm not sure if the film was as "finished" as it is now) they literally had to seat TXRD and TXRG on separate sides of the theater. I gather that for the most part, they get along a fair bit better these days.
As ugly as the whole split and aftermath are depicted, I suspect that the film unintentionally tends to give give newer leagues a rosier picture of how things tend to end up. Both leagues wound up surviving and doing well. Non-amicable splits often lead to two halves that are less than what the whole might otherwise have been.
The documentary I'd want to see is on the first league UN-SPLIT. That happened in Jersey, and I don't know anything about what occurred. It has to be a helluva story, I'd think.
-Barely even speaking for myself...
*~[
Grand Poobah
Sin City Stat Pack
Fabulous Sin City Rollergirls
League UN-split
it happened in Kentucky in early 2007... the Mason Vixxen RG merged with the Rollergirls of Central KY. They were only 20 miles apart and neither had sufficient numbers. Some of the older skaters still keep track of who started with which league, but it's faded for the most part. We all watched HoW not too long ago... who *hasn't* watched that and thought "oh, we've had those same arguments..."
I'm sure merges have happened elsewhere, too...
howie~swerve
ROCK
"To Protect and to Swerve"
Mergers
I think Chicago's merger is the most well known so far. Windy City and the Chi-Town Sirens merged in.. 2007? My memory is failing me at this point.
- bjmacke (a.k.a. Apron)
Not entirely correct...
Chi-Town Sirens disbanded and some went to Windy City Rollers. Some left derby completely, and the rest created The Chicago Outfit.
Leonora Da Bitchi
Ref/Stats Maven
The Chicago Outfit
Yup, September 2007!
All of the Sirens Board of Directors, all of the returning captains (the disbanding came right after we returned from summer hiatus), and, a majority of the returning skaters tried for Windy City. All of the former Sirens who tried out for WCR made it.
We've been totally welcomed into WCR! A year later, we're captains, All-Star team skaters, committee chairs, and WFTDA reps. They even created a new "Best of" category for us at this year's awards ceremony, "Transfer of the Year", to reflect how many of us came aboard and our contribution to the league!
xo,
Loco Chanel
(BTW-- Transfer of the Year was awarded to Shocka Conduit, she of the 24-point jam in her tournament debut!)
Indeed, it goes on in Jersey...
The NJDD split in 2006, I believe, into NJDD and GSR. They each played full seasons in 2007, NJDD won the Battle for New Jersey. The Leagues UN-SPLIT and united for the 2008 season with GSR. Late 2008 we find the leagues once again split, GSR and the Hellrazors(formerly NJDD). What will the new year bring??
~Vader
If memory serves me correctly....
The NJDD split in 2006, I believe, into NJDD and GSR. They each played full seasons in 2007, NJDD won the Battle for New Jersey. The Leagues UN-SPLIT and united for the 2008 season with GSR. Late 2008 we find the leagues once again split, GSR and the Hellrazors(formerly NJDD). What will the new year bring??
~Vader
I believe you forgot Jersey Shore Derby Girls, based in Asbury Park.
The Original GGRDonald
By no means
did I forget about JSRG, they too were a result of a split, from Shore Points Roller Derby, both of whom just finished up their first seasons. Although, they don't quite qualify as split then merged. The "distinction" of split, merged, split in NJ belongs solely to the girls further north.
Split
Vader is correct JSRG was a split from Shore Points Roller Derby in March 2007, the Boardwalk Brawlers started out as a team in December 2006 then formed an official league, SPRD, in March 2007 after 4 skaters left. We did things a bit backwards by forming a team, not a league first. At that time we were still learning how to get things together :)
We have not merged again.
Those are mergers though.
I'm talking about two leagues that came from a split and then rejoined a year or more later.
-Barely even speaking for myself...
*~[
Grand Poobah
Sin City Stat Pack
Fabulous Sin City Rollergirls