I got an advanced copy of the documentary "Ring of Fire" and wrote a review.

It does an excellent job of exploring Griffith's sexuality and what led up to him killing Paret in the ring. You all should watch it (on April 20).

We also have a pair of autographed gloves to give away in a contest.

Be curious as to what others think of the film.

I hope to have better things to do that day. wink But I probably won't. eek! From reading the SI piece, it's clearly a compelling story.

Looks like a heartwrenching story, and very sad for the most. I may watch it, but the material is so unsurprising that I may forget, too.

That a gay boxer in the 1960's from the Carribean, should be in denial about his sexuality, even though known to frequent gay bars, is not exactly unexpected.

Maybe the fact that he was still "gay-bashed" will make some athletes think being out is safer.

But Jim it's on opposite the American Idol results show! What ever will we do!

Actually I will be working Wednesday night but have already programmed my VCR to record it. I remember reading great things about this documentary last year and have been trying to find info on airing or video release. Thanks for the heads up!

The documentary is so well done that even people who think they know the subject will find it worthwhile.

If the movie is half as good as your review, I'm there. I just hope the critics don't try to relate homophobia of FORTY years ago to today!

Should we have kleenex ready for the final scene?
Gumby

Tonight on CNBC at 10 pm ET, on "The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch" the guests include the movie's producer Dan Klores, Emile's "adopted" son Luis Rodrigo, Benny Paret Jr., Gerry Cooney and Esera Tuaolo.

I have to admit to not knowing Emile Griffith's story until today, when I just read the feature in "Sports Illustrated." I actually found it pretty fascinating, and ultimately very sad that today, at almost 70 years of age, in a society drastically changed from forty years ago, Griffith still cannot accept his homosexuality. I'll be watching the documentary tomorrow.

JIP, offhand do you know if they replay that CNBC show later in the evening? If not I'll TV Guide search it but for some reason that takes forever...and I always get all lost on thier site.

Aw shit, it is replayed at 1AM opposite The Daily Show. That's a conundrum. Although I'm sure all JS will be talking about tonight is Pope Ratzburger so maybe I can skip that crappolla. I'd much rather see Esera.

[ April 19, 2005, 07:52 PM: Message edited by: gobar ]

I missed the beginning of the show, but the guests were slightly different than previously billed. No son of Paret or adopted son of Griffith; instead of Gerry Cooney they had Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini. Esera Tuaolo was on in the last 15-20 minutes or so. You can watch the Daily Show and not miss any of Esera.

For those of you otherwise occupado with Idol results or American's Next Top Model--you can set your VCR/DVR's to record it again at 130am eastern, or failing that--4am eastern on Sunday, or 8am eastern next Wednesday.

This topic will be discussed on "morning edition" on NPR tomorrow. One can also get it at their website NPR.org

Apparently, the HRC broadcast a commercial during "Ring of Fire" calling for a "level playing field" for LGBT athletes.

Although their press release promised "images and names" of openly gay athletes Rosie Jones, Billy Bean and Esera Tuaolo, I was disappointed that they just showed a dated-looking photographs of Bean and Tuaolo, and Rosie Jones in name only. Couldn't they, like, film them? The ad can be seen here.

I taped it while I went to the Phillies game tonight so I'll have to watch it tomorrow.

We have a winner of the boxing gloves--Steven Patterson of NYC. Here is his reply upon hearing he won:

That's pretty astounding. I'm in theatre and first encountered Emile Griffith's story in fictionalized form in the play BLADE TO THE HEAT. Amazing, tragic tale. ...Owning the gloves will really be an honor. Thanks.