Rewrite the Book: Outback Jack

 Too much yet not enough. 

For a period in the late 80's, Australia was the big thing in American pop culture. Crocodile Dundee, Mad Max, etc. all helped cement the idea of the Outback being filled with rough and tough dudes. 

So why not have a wrestler based on that? And hey, Peter Spilsbury was actually from the country, so points for that. 

Then what was the problem? Going through his career highlights, I see the problem. He didn't have any. 

Not to say he did nothing. There were vignettes and a lot of early wins over jobbers, but that was it. No feuds, no wins over anyone huge. He beat the Iron Sheik, but that was 1987, not 1983. Never went after any titles. Not saying he should have been World champ, but he could have gone after the IC I think. 

Not that he should have been champ, mind you, but he could have at least made an effort. 

Getting back to the too much, Outback Jack was an AUSSIE, in case you couldn't tell. Bush hat, vest, boomerang, even had Australia on his t-shirt. The not enough part was also that. I would have suggested taking a cue from the Sheepherders and have him walk down with the Australian flag.

Heck, have him be the 80's version of Saxton Hale. Have him cut promos so bizarre the Ultimate Warrior would look confused. Have him talk with so much slang he would need subtitles. Have him feud with Jake "the Snake" Roberts over which country had the more venous snakes. 

Honestly I could even see him as a heel. A rough and tough guy who just wants to fight. He doesn't even want the title, he just wants to beat up Hulk Hogan. 

Going, Going, Gone: Black & White Movies

 So, finally found the proper book and let's move into the next chapter. 

The book does give a good history of black and white and the artistic/commercial debate. Seems when color started to get popular, certain folks were certain it would be the end of film itself. 

The chapter comes to an end with mentioning of Ted Turner's then recent decision to colorize classic films, which was controversial even at the time. 

The book declares black and white to be going and going fast. My verdict? Similar; going certainly as at this point black and white is usually reserved for either ultra low budget or someone going for either artistic expression/parody. 

Will black and white movies ever go away? I'm going with no. The classics are still aired in some fashion (horror movies of course) and as long as people shoot stuff they will look at every option. Of course the book came out shortly before Turner Classic Movies aired, so the idea that black and white films would just vanish from the airwaves wasn't an impossible thing to think. 

Vampirella 2, or Why I Don't Write for a Living

  Why not dust this old chestnut off?

Updates

 Ok, with the Bring on the Bad Guys wrapped up for another year what is on the plate for 2022?

Next big special will be a return of TFtember but in April (TFril?). Had so much fun last time I figured we'll bring it back for April and September. 

May will see a return of the Superstars Profile and more 80's wrestling stars. 

More later.