Up Against the Wall, Ms. America (Newsreel #22)

About This Movie

This little gem from '68 captures a moment when the Women's Liberation movement was really making some waves. The chaos at the Miss America pageant is something else—activists using a sheep to symbolize the 'true winner' highlights the absurdity of the whole spectacle. The pacing is almost frenetic, which suits the guerrilla theater vibe perfectly. You’ve got this raw, unfiltered energy that feels so alive. The atmosphere is charged with both humor and anger, perfectly encapsulating a struggle for identity and representation. It’s not just a documentary; it’s a fascinating piece of performance art that turned the pageant on its head.

This documentary has gained a bit of a cult following among collectors, but it's still not overly common. Many early screenings happened at grassroots events, and while you might find a few bootlegs floating around, the original format is quite scarce. Collectors appreciate it for its historical context and the way it captures a pivotal moment in feminist discourse, alongside its unique blend of humor and protest.