In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger was just an Austrian bodybuilder with a funny name. Then Pumping Iron was released, and the documentary began the process of making him into the biggest celebrity in the world. The film, a profile of the world of professional bodybuilding and the Mr. Olympia competition, became a surprise box office success and made stars out of not only Schwarzenegger but his rival, Lou Ferrigno. Some even credit Pumping Iron with helping inspired the fitness craze of the 1980s.
Streaming on YouTube.
ART: Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
