This is truly one of the most original, clever, and genuinely funny documentaries you will ever see. I had the fortune (no pun intended) of seeing it before it was given its cease-and-desist order from Merv Griffin Enterprises. Consequently, it may never be publicly shown again. That's because it focuses on Milwaukee Steve Burrows' exploits on the show - twice. After losing on the first day, he was given a reprieve and a chance to play again after a technical error allowed all three players back. The story is told by Steve, in the setting of an old war veteran, as if his life has suffered the shell-shock similar to many war veterans. He tells his tale with a seriousness as "flashbacks" (actual footage from the shows) provide the visuals. The analogies, metaphors, and general poking-fun of the Wheel of Fortune establishment are all worth the price of admission; but again, you'll probably never get to see it. So, just take my word for it!
2 Reviews
Mockumentary based on a true story
wisconsinscott14 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Milwaukee Steve Burrows short mockumentary documentary about how he, as a new actor in Los Angeles, couldn't find work, but was able to became a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune. Steve retells his trials and tribulations on the show ("I'd like to buy a 'Y'." Y Isn't a vowel Steve. "Sometimes it is, like in 'Try'."), and became the lowest earning winner on the show's history.
Bonus Notes: After this mocumentary made the film festival circuit, the Merv Griffin lawyers (producers of The Wheel of Fortune) sent a cease & desist letter to Steve. This made Steve a minor celebrity of sorts for a short time in Hollywood. Steve eventually made a award winning comedy feature-length, 35-mm motion picture film about his life during this period in the hysterical movie "CHUMP CHANGE", co-starring Traci Lords, Tim Matheson, Jerry Stiller, Fred Willard, Clancy Brown, Abe Vigoda, and many, many more.
Bonus Notes: After this mocumentary made the film festival circuit, the Merv Griffin lawyers (producers of The Wheel of Fortune) sent a cease & desist letter to Steve. This made Steve a minor celebrity of sorts for a short time in Hollywood. Steve eventually made a award winning comedy feature-length, 35-mm motion picture film about his life during this period in the hysterical movie "CHUMP CHANGE", co-starring Traci Lords, Tim Matheson, Jerry Stiller, Fred Willard, Clancy Brown, Abe Vigoda, and many, many more.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews