Pumping Iron (1977 Documentary)

Pumping Iron (1977 Documentary)

Author: Awesome Movie Year August 26, 2020 Duration: 58:50

The fifth episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1977 features our pick for the year’s most notable documentary, bodybuilding showcase Pumping Iron. Directed by George Butler and Robert Fiore and featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu and Mike Katz, Pumping Iron helped bring bodybuilding into the mainstream as a respected sport.

The contemporary reviews quoted in this episode come from Richard Eder in the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/19/archives/film-muscles-galorebulging-mystique.html), Gene Siskel in the Chicago Tribune, and Pauline Kael in The New Yorker

Please like, share, rate and comment on the show and this episode, and tune in for the next 1977 installment featuring Josh’s personal pick, Robert Benton’s The Late Show.


Ever wonder what makes a particular year in cinema truly stand out? Awesome Movie Year digs into that very question, one remarkable film at a time. Co-hosted by film critic Josh Bell alongside filmmaker and comedian Jason Harris, this podcast picks a single, noteworthy year each season and meticulously explores what made it so special. Rather than broad overviews, every episode zooms in on a different movie from that chosen year, offering a deep dive into its impact, its cultural moment, and its lasting legacy. The conversations blend critical analysis with a genuine love for the medium, thanks to the hosts' complementary backgrounds. Produced by David Rosen of Piecing It Together for the All Points West Podcast Network, the show has a polished yet conversational feel. You’ll hear about blockbusters and hidden gems alike, all through the lens of why they mattered then and why they still resonate. It’s for anyone who loves to look beyond the screen and understand the context that creates a classic. Tune in to Awesome Movie Year for a thoughtful and engaging tour through some of cinema’s most fascinating periods.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 375

Awesome Movie Year
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