Daughters of the Sexual Revolution: The Untold Story of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (2018)

Daughters of the Sexual Revolution: The Untold Story of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Directed by Dana Adam Shapiro. With Cindy Bennett, Muhammad Ali, Vonciel Baker, Tami Barber. The never-before-told story of Suzanne Mitchell, the fiercely-loyal den mother of the original Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

“Greetings again from the darkness. The story kicks off (at least according to legend), at a 1967 Dallas Cowboys home game, with adult entertainer Bubbles Cash walking down the aisle holding her cotton candy and catching the eye of many at the game … including team president Tex Schramm. This was a mere 4 years after the assassination of President Kennedy made Dallas the most hated city in America. Ever the opportunistic salesman and promoter, Schramm took note and decided a shift from high school and college cheerleaders might prove beneficial.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDirector Dana Adam Shapiro was nominated for an Oscar for his 2005 documentary MURDERBALL, and here he provides a multi-faceted film: a biopic of Suzanne Mitchell, a forum for former cheerleaders to tell their story, and a socio-political look at a bygone era – one with some connective tissue to the modern day world.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSuzanne Mitchell was Tex Schrammu0026#39;s secretary, and the director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) from 1976-1989. She has been described as a den mother and dictator, one who ran a tight (almost militaristic) ship and also cared very much for the ladies in her organization. Although she has passed away, we get many clips of her interviews over the years. By the end, we believe we know just who this woman was and what she stood for. She was committed to making sure the DCC were proper ambassadors for the Dallas Cowboys organization, while also making sure they were on the right path as people.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis was the ultimate blend of sex appeal and feminism. Every former cheerleader interviewed here makes it clear they were proud of their time with DCC, and that the team and Ms. Mitchell had been a positive influence on their lives. What makes this so fascinating is we are also provided recollections of the pushback the team received from religious groups (it is the bible belt after all) and feminists … claiming exploitation and degradation. Itu0026#39;s not so different than today where so many try to thrust their opinions and beliefs on others – jumping to conclusions about what harm is being done either to the individual or society as a whole.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn addition to the interviews with Ms. Mitchell and the cheerleaders, two knowledgeable writers provide more insight: Mary Candace Evans, author of u0026quot;A Decade of Dreams: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Joe Nick Patoski, author of u0026quot;The Dallas Cowboys: The Outrageous History of the Biggest, Loudest, Most Hated, Best Loved Football Team in Americau0026quot;. These two share much of the research for their books, and also provide perspective on the era, and just what an impact DCC had on the team, the league and TV entertainment in general. Also interviewed is long time local sportscaster and former Dallas Cowboys announcer Dale Hansen. He provides the local flavor, as well as a personal story about crossing Ms. Mitchell, known as u0026quot;The Iron Butterflyu0026quot;.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWe learn that CBS made the conscious decision to feature the cheerleaders during the Super Bowl X telecast, and the infamous on screen u0026quot;winku0026quot; is credited with creating the explosion of interest in DCC. What followed were TV appearances (including u0026quot;The Love Boatu0026quot;), charity events, other promotional events, USO tours, and many hospital visits to the bedsides of sick children. All of this occurred under the burden of numerous rules created and enforced by Ms. Mitchell. She and Tex Schramm were committed to ensuring this was an inclusive and diverse organization for women of all backgrounds and race. At the same time, the rules regarding weight and body shape were tough and challenging, and the pay was minimal.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eTV shows, magazine covers, posters, and calendars all contributed to the mystique and popularity of the cheerleaders – the perfect mixture of innocence and sex appeal. Perfect that is, until the organization was exploited by the porn industry (DEBBIE DOES DALLAS) and Playboy magazine. Lawsuits became prevalent.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMs. Mitchellu0026#39;s ability to hold steadfast to her beliefs and standards for what the DCC represent is quite impressive and easy to respect … a respect that grows even stronger when we learn she walked out only 4 months after Jerry Jones bought the team. A new culture arrived and it was one she, and a number of cheerleaders, refused to be a part of. You may think you know the story … you may think you know the cheerleader u0026quot;typesu0026quot; … but director Shapirou0026#39;s film is likely to teach you a few things. But whatever you do, donu0026#39;t chew gum!”