The Wrestler
“Athletes...? Actors...? Assassins...?”
Synopsis
Frank Bass (Ed Asner) is an honest guy trying to make a living in the cut throat world of professional wrestling, and he's gonna make it work - even if he dies trying! But first - he'll have to strong-arm his way through all the mobsters, gamblers, promoters and fight fixers and help his past-his-prime wrestler once again win a championship belt. Features appearances from real-life legendary wrestlers and AWA superstars Verne Gagne, Rick Flair, Superstar Billy Graham, Dusty Rhodes, Dick the Bruiser, Ray Stevens, Dory Funk Jr., Ken Patera, Billy Robinson, Dan Gable, Eddie Graham, Dick Murdoch, Vincent J. McMahon, and more.
Top Cast
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Ed Asner
Frank Bass
Elaine Giftos
Debbie
Verne Gagne
Mike Bullard
Billy Robinson
Billy Taylor
Jerry Wade
Jerry Wade
Don Muraco
Don Muraco
Lord James Blears
Lord James Blears
Danny Hodge
Dan Hodge
Joe Scarpello
Joe Scarpello
Dick Afflis
The Bruiser
Dan Gable
Dan Gable
Reginald Lisowski
The Crusher
Virgil Runnels
Dusty Rhodes
Edward McDaniel
Wahoo McDaniel
Mel Jass
Mel Jass
William V. Crouch
Bill Crouch
Marty O'Neil
Marty O'Neill
Joe Dusek
Joe Dusek
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 28, 1974
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James A. Westman
- Screenplay & Story
- Eugene Gump
- Original Score
- William Allen Castleman, William Loose
- Original Title
- The Wrestler
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James A. Westman
Eugene Gump
William Allen Castleman, William Loose
Gil Hubbs
Verne Gagne, W.R. Frank
Department Leadership Roster
James A. Westman
Director
Gil Hubbs
Director of Photography
William Allen Castleman
Original Music Composer
William Loose
Original Music Composer
Eugene Gump
Screenplay
W.R. Frank
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Wrestler.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Wrestler.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Wrestler
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Wrestler about?
Frank Bass (Ed Asner) is an honest guy trying to make a living in the cut throat world of professional wrestling, and he's gonna make it work - even if he dies trying! But first - he'll have to strong-arm his way through all the mobsters, gamblers, promoters and fight fixers and help his past-his-prime wrestler once again win a championship belt. Features appearances from real-life legendary wrestlers and AWA superstars Verne Gagne, Rick Flair, Superstar Billy Graham, Dusty Rhodes, Dick the Bruiser, Ray Stevens, Dory Funk Jr., Ken Patera, Billy Robinson, Dan Gable, Eddie Graham, Dick Murdoch, Vincent J. McMahon, and more.
Who directed The Wrestler?
The Wrestler was directed by James A. Westman.
Who stars in The Wrestler?
The principal cast of The Wrestler includes Ed Asner, Elaine Giftos, Verne Gagne, Billy Robinson, Jerry Wade.
When was The Wrestler released and how long is it?
The Wrestler was released in 1974 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
Who composed the musical score for The Wrestler?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Wrestler was composed by William Allen Castleman, William Loose.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Wrestler?
The Wrestler holds official age classifications: US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).