Pumping Iron is a 1977 docudrama about the world of bodybuilding focusing on the 1975 IFBB Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia competitions. Pumping Iron documents the “The Golden Age” of bodybuilding, a time when competitors still looked like Greek gods with perfect mass, size, symmetry, and definition. Shot during the 100 days leading up to the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia competitions and during the competitions themselves, the film focuses largely on Arnold Schwarzenegger and his competitors, Lou Ferrigno and Franco Columbu, but also includes plenty of appearances of Mike Katz, Ken Waller, Ed Corney, Serge Nubret, and other famous bodybuilders of the era.
This film propelled Arnold Schwarzenegger into the public spotlight and finally gained him a real notoriety outside of bodybuilding circles. Arnold had already won the Mr. Olympia title six times in a row and this film documents his training for his seventh victory before planning to retire and pursue his acting career.
The documentary was co-directed by Robert Fiore and George Butler.
Watch the entire Pumping Iron movie online for free!