Review: World Views Duke It Out in 'Town Bloody Hall'

Get your boxing gloves ready (at least your metaphorical ones) and experience the fight of the century in "Town Bloody Hall," now available on The Criterion Collection. This isn't a physical fight, but rather one where words and philosophies take center stage.

The documentary was filmed on April 30, 1971, in The Town Hall in New York City. It centers on a panel featuring Norman Mailer and four prominent female thinkers and activists -- Jacqueline Ceballos, Germaine Greer, Jill Johnston, and Diana Trilling. Mailer, fresh off his controversial essay "The Prisoner of Sex" and the backlash it received from leaders of the women's movement, is challenged by feminist firepower in this work of nonfiction that is simultaneously observational and outrageous.

The film was made by documentarian D.A. Pennebaker, then edited by Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus for its 1979 release. At nearly three and a half hours, it was cut down to a brisk 85 minutes that still highlight all the headiness, heatedness, and hilarity that ensued during this legendary town hall.

I'd recommend digging into the historical background either before or after watching this documentary, such as the events leading up to the debate, as well as information about its participants. The documentary and the bonus material on this Criterion release do a fantastic job, but anybody eager to learn more will certainly not be limited in their acquisition of additional information.

This new 2K digital restoration was supervised by director Hegedus, and features a new interview with him as part of the supplemental material. Additional bonus features include:

� Audio commentary from 2004 featuring Hegedus and author Germaine Greer
� Footage from a 2004 celebration of the film, which brought together participants Greer, Jacqueline Ceballos, and Jill Johnston and directors Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker
� Appearance from 1971 on "The Dick Cavett Show" by author Norman Mailer, promoting his book "The Prisoner of Sex"
� Archival interviews with Greer and Mailer
� English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
� An essay by film critic Melissa Anderson

"Town Bloody Hall"
Criterion Collection Blu-ray
$31.96
https://www.criterion.com/films/30213-town-bloody-hall