Andy Kaufman: I'm From Hollywood

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Andy Kaufman is probably best known for his role of Latka Gravas on the sitcom Taxi. But he had been called the anti-comedian. He hated traditional comedy. He even said once, "I am not a comic, I have never told a joke. The comedian's promise is that he will go out there and make you laugh with him. My only promise is that I will try to entertain you as best as I can."

But at the height of his career Andy left Hollywood for Memphis Tennessee to become a professional wrestler and feud with the 'King of Memphis' WWE Legend Jerry Lawler. To was a dream come true for him as he always wanted to be a wrestler.

During the filming of the improvisational film My Breakfast with Blassie starring the wrestling manager Freddie Blassie, Andy met and fell for Lynne Margulies (The Aftermath) they entered into a relationship that remained to the time of Andy's untimely death.

Andy wanted to make a film about his time in Memphis as the heel wrestler and made Lynne promise to finish his film and she did. While he never got to see his masterpiece Lynne came through on her promise and Andy Kaufman: I'm From Hollywood was released. Now over 30 years later Liberation Hall has released this film on DVD.

I'm From Hollywood follows Andy Kaufman's love for pro wrestling. It chronicles his time as inter-gender champion. He would stage matches in his comedy shows and than would go on to become the most hated man in Tennessee, by insulting residents and fighting their hero Jerry 'The King' Lawler.

The film runs just over an hour in length, but there is so much entertainment in that hour. It is a fast moving documentary, you will marvel at how good of a bad guy Andy could be.

The film tracks Andy's short wrestling career including clips of his matches and his brilliant heel promos. Also included are interviews with Kaufman's Taxi co-stars Marilu Henner and Tony Danza, legendary wrestling announcer Lance Russell, Robin Williams, Bob Zumuda and many more.

As with most documentaries that used older footage, especially older wrestling footage it will not be HD. But the quality of the film transfer is pretty nice for a film that is over 30 years old. The good folks at Liberation Hall added some really cool bonus features to this DVD release. Take a look at what is included.

* Audio commentary with director Lynne Margulies and Andy’s best friend, Bob Zmuda.
This is a very good commentary you can really hear that Lynne and Bob loved Andy and enjoyed talking about him. A must listen to!

* Two full-length boxing matches between Andy and Jerry “The King” Lawler.
No wrestling documentary would be complete without some ring exhibitions. It is so cool to see Not one but two matches between Andy and Jerry.

* Hate letters from women challenging Andy to wrestle.
As a heel wrestler the job is to get the crowd to hate you and people hated Andy so much that they would write hate mail. Here is a select letters written to him. A very interesting addition.

I grew up watching wrestling and while I was just a baby when the Kaufman/Lawler storyline feud went on. I enjoyed hearing about it. This documentary is an amazing and entertaining film I will relive over and over again. The rewatchability of this film is through the roof.

So if you love the off-the-wall comedy of Andy Kaufman or are a classic wrestling fan this DVD release of Andy Kaufman: I'm From Hollywood is a must own. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.