Episode
adopted by: RoseAnn Erks Additional info provided
by: Ron Stewart & Brian Greene
Synopsis:
When
he leaps into half of the "Battling Rooskies" tag team wrestling duo,
Sam must find a way to keep his brother from wrestling...or it will
result in a heart attack. Meanwhile, the wife of a jealous wrestler
tries to seduce Sam.
TV Guide
Synopsis (TVGuide.com): Sam
leaps into a wrestler whose brother and tag-team partner has an ailment
that could cause his death if he grapples in a championship match.
Ronnie: Jerry Bossard. Lamar: Don Hood. Sherry: Deborah Wakeham. Lotty:
Angela Paton. Sam: Scott Bakula.
TV
Guide
Synopsis (Original): Sam
(Scott
Bakula) is hurled to the canvas as a 50’s pro wrestler whose brother
and tag-team partner has an ailment that could cause his death if he
grapples in a championship match.
It's 1955 and the
middle of the cold war when Sam leaps into the body of Terry Sammis, a
professional wrestler (a.k.a. "Nikolai Russkie" and played by Jeff
Hochendoner) who, along with his brother Ronny (Jerry Bossard), form a
tag team. They're from Arkansas but their ring persona is that of
Soviets and they taunt the crowd with their pro-Russian rants.
Al tells
Sam that Terry is new to the wrestling game having just replaced an
older brother who died in a car crash. He also tells him Ronnie will
die of a heart attack in the big title match they have scheduled for
the next day, because of a heart ailment condition which had plagued
him as a child, but hasn't been properly monitored, for he hasn't had a
full examination since.
Sam, as Terry, or Nikolai, has to try to convince Ronnie to pass upon
the big match, and get a full medical checkup, but, as wrestling is in
their blood, Ronny has no intention of giving up their big chance to
win the Southeast Regional tag team championship. There's only one
thing Sam can do: fight the entire match by himself and make sure
Ronnie never enters the ring by not tagging out. One big problem being,
that Sam doesn't know how to wrestle, and isn't trained to do so, and
the other, being the opposing team is the one with big goon Carl Shilo
(played by the real life WWF —now known as the WWE— wrestler Terry
Funk), the insanely jealous husband of Sherry Shilo (played by Deborah
Wakeham), who, after Terry resists her lecherously amorous adulterous
advances, vows to have the hulking Carl rip he and brother Ronnie in
two!
After Sam, or Terry, is able to get Ronnie to agree to get a full
doctor's checkup before the two go into the ring for the big match, Sam
sticks to his plan not to tag out, and they indeed win the belts, much
to the chagrin of the wrestling promoter, who wanted Carl and his
partner, the Americans, to win, as they are more popular with the
anti-Commie crowd. When "The Russians" win, Ronnie reluctantly makes
good on his vow to get checked out, as, though he never wrestles again,
his heart defect is caught before something more tragic happens. As for
Sherry, Sam, or Terry, manages to take revenge on her for unkind
disposition and words towards he and Ronny, as he readies to give her a
swift kick in the caboose, as he leaps into his next mission! Source
Personal
Review by RoseAnn Erks:
This episode is an
excellent example of people’s view of wrestling in
the ‘50s. The wrestling business wanted you to believe that it was
real. Later it came out that they wanted to be considered as
entertainment. The episode helps people to realize that just because
you don’t feel sick, doesn’t mean your not. A simple doctor’s exam may
not find out that something is wrong unless they do a more detailed
exam. This episode is very entertaining to watch. There are some very
humorous parts and some serious parts in this episode. Over all it is
an excellent episode of Quantum Leap.
Music:
"Honky-Tonk Man" by Johnny Horton plays in the bar scene.
Project
Trivia:
The hologram effect was very well done as the wrestlers move through Al!
Sam
Trivia:
Sam is a doctor and he remembers the problems that can occur from
rheumatic fever and all the complications that it can have.
Sam
knows
nothing about wrestling.
Al’s
Outfits Worn
in the Episode:
The first outfit that Al is wearing is a royal blue shirt, black pants,
and silver vest with red, pink, blue, white, and black colors mixed in
it. He also wears a lightning bolt badge.
The
second outfit that Al wears in this episode is a lime green
shirt, emerald green hat, and emerald green pants.
Al's
Women:
“There’s women that get a big thrill out of watching men suffer." Al
says he's been married to most of them!
The
episode began filming on Wednesday February 27th 1991, on Universal’s
Stage 4. Other portions were filmed on stages 16 and 17.
The doctor’s exam
only consists of checking the blood pressure and listen to his
breathing.
When
Sam asks for the CAT scan, the doctor doesn't know what he means since
these were not used until the 70's.
Al
appeared in the episode eight times.
The
chamber door opens
twice during the episode.
Terry
Funk (Carl) is a professional wrestler in real life. Also known as
"Chainsaw Charlie", he
performed the entire wrestling scene without a stunt double.
The credits scroll at the end of this episode over a scene from the wrestling match.
Regular
Cast: Scott Bakula
Dean Stockwell
Guest Stars:
Jerry Bossard as Ronny Sammis
Don Hood as Lamar Shump (The Promoter)
Deborah Wakeham as Sheri Shilo
Angela Paton as Lottie Sammis
Rance Howard as Doctor John Griggs
Terry Funk as Carl Shilo
Susan Isaacs as Myra Sammis
Tim DeZarn as Stan
Don Dolan as Referee
Jeff Hochendoner as Terry Sammis (Mirror image)
Jay S. York as Executioner
John Kidwell as Hank Sammis
Jerry Bossard as Ronny Sammis: Jerry
Bossard was born on December 16, 1960 in Butler, New Jersey, USA. He is
an actor, known for Quantum Leap (1989), Downtown (1990) and Twogether
(1992).
Don Hood as Lamar Shump (The Promoter): Don
Hood was born on November 25, 1940 in Marks, Mississippi, USA. He was
an actor, known for The Toy (1982), Absence of Malice (1981) and
Runaway Jury (2003). He was married to Martha Seitzler and Louise Ware.
He died on March 20, 2003 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Deborah Wakeham as Sheri Shilo: Founder/Writer/Producer.
Deborah started her career as an award winning dancer, choreographer,
actor, writer and director before launching her production company,
Lucid Dreams Inc. which has offices in Vancouver, Los Angeles,
Winnipeg, and Toronto. Deborah has written, developed and is producing
a slate of projects: Buried, The Way Out, La Vida Loca, My Lucky
Regret, The GOD Project, based on the book by John Saul, Heaven, and
the animated musical Insect Idol developed with support from Canadian
majors Telefilm, Movie Central and Corus Entertainment. As a writer,
Deborah has written for TV series and feature length films which were
produced in India, S. Africa, and S. America and has just finished a
social allegorical modern fairy tale Ego and Pride which is being
adapted into an animated film. Deborah recently co-executive produced
and co-authored Sony's, Breakout, starring Brendan Fraser. In addition
to numerous film and television roles, Deborah wrote, starred in and
produced her play UNVME, which garnered Critics Choice Awards as well
as awards for Best Writer, Best Actor and Best Production. The Los
Angeles Times called her a "gifted comedian" and compared her satirical
writing to that of Woody Allen. Lucid is producing the theatrical teen
thriller, Night Wings which Deborah co-authored. Lucid Dreams secures
financing, both equity and debt and provides P&A to all Lucid's
slate of product. Deborah oversees all the business transactions and
recently set up a film fund in Asia with a pipeline of projects to be
produced as Canadian/Chinese co-productions. The Honorable John
Reynolds, PC. of Canada, has recently joined Lucid's board of advisers.
Panda Girls and Ego and Pride are currently in development and will be
Canadian Chinese Co Productions.
Angela Paton as Lottie Sammis: Paton
was described as a "natural comic" and one of the "legends of the local
stage" of San Francisco. She is a veteran of the American Conservatory
Theater (A.C.T.), and also one of A.C.T.'s leading actresses in its
first few seasons. After leaving A.C.T. in the early 1970s, Paton and
her husband founded and ran the Berkeley Stage Company for a number of
years. Since then, she and her husband, theatre director Robert
Goldsby, moved to Malibu, CA, where they lived until 2015. Paton
appeared in 38 films and over 50 TV series. She also continued her
decades-long run of regional theatre work across the country, including
her 2014 role in the Broadway play, Harvey. Died on May 26, 2016
in Oakland, California, USA.
Rance Howard as Doctor John Griggs: Rance
Howard was born on November 17, 1928 in Duncan, Oklahoma, USA. He was
an actor and writer, known for Nebraska (2013), Walk Hard: The Dewey
Cox Story (2007) and Universal Soldier (1992). He was married to Judy
Howard and Jean Speegle Howard. Father of actors Clint Howard and Ron
Howard. He has appeared in fifteen films directed by his son Ron
Howard: Grand Theft Auto (1977), Splash (1983), Cocoon (1985), Gung Ho
(1986), Parenthood (1989), Far and Away (1992), The Paper (1994),
Apollo 13 (1995), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), A Beautiful
Mind (2001), The Missing (2003), Cinderella Man (2005), Frost/Nixon
(2008), Angels & Demons (2009) and The Dilemma (2011). He appeared
in six films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: The Music
Man (1962),Chinatown (1974), Apollo 13 (1995), A Beautiful Mind (2001),
Frost/Nixon (2008) and Nebraska (2013). Of those, A Beautiful Mind
(2001) is a winner in the category. Portrayed a priest or reverend at
least once a year from 1993-1998. Grandfather of actress Bryce Dallas
Howard and Paige Howard. He died on November 25, 2017 in Los Angeles,
California, USA.
Terry Funk as Carl Shilo: Funk
has strong wrestling bloodlines. His dad, Dory Funk Sr., was a
well-known grappler from the 1940s to the 1970s, and his brother, Dory
Funk Jr., wrestled from 1963 until the early 90s, and won the National
Wrestling Alliance (NWA) world heavyweight championship in 1969. Funk,
himself, became NWA champion and thus the Funks have the distinction of
being the only brothers to win the NWA championship. Funk made his film
debut as (what else?) a wrestler in Sylvester Stallone's (a noted
wrestling fan) movie Paradise Alley (1978). Funk then did double-duty
as a pro wrestler and actor/stunt man (he was prominent in Patrick
Swayze's movie, Road House (1989)). Not technically a great wrestler,
Funk was more known for his brawling tactics, and had some great feuds
during his career with "Handsome" Harley Race, "Nature Boy" Ric Flair,
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and others. After maintaining a low
profile in wrestling, Funk resurfaced in the 90s in the new Extreme
Championship Wrestling (ECW) series and the World Wrestling Federation
(WWF), this time in his new persona as "Chainsaw Charlie". Died
on August 23, 2023.
Susan Isaacs as Myra Sammis: Susan
received her MFA in screenwriting at USC. She is an alumna of the
Groundlings Sunday Company and founded King Baby, with Tony Hale,
Jeannie Gaffigan and Todd Wilkerson. She has contributed essays to
radio's "Weekend America." Her memoir, "Angry Conversations With God,"
was named a Top Ten religion book of 2009 by Publisher's Weekly. Susan
Isaacs also appeared in the episode "The Last Gunfighter" as Lucy.
Tim DeZarn as Stan: Tim
DeZarn was born on July 11, 1952 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. He is an
actor and producer, known for The Cabin in the Woods (2011), Fight Club
(1999) and Spider-Man (2002). He has been married to Janine Venable
since 1996. They have one child. He was previously married to Gail
Marie Lucas.
Jay S. York as Executioner: Jay
S. York was born on August 4, 1938. He was an actor, known for Hellhole
(1985), The New Mike Hammer (1984) and Quantum Leap (1989). He was
married to Debi Pelletier. He wrestled under the name "The Alaskan". He
died on October 7, 1995 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Don Dolan as Referee: Don
Dolan was born on May 17, 1936 in Staten Island, New York, USA. He was
an actor, known for The Philadelphia Experiment (1984), Kojak (1973)
and The Dukes of Hazzard (1979). He was married to Janet Woodworth and
Corrinne Zylman. He died on September 22, 2020.
Jeff Hochendoner as Terry Sammis (Mirror image): Jeff
Hochendoner was born on August 31, 1964. He is an actor, known for I Am
Number Four (2011), My Bloody Valentine (2009) and Unstoppable (2010).
John Kidwell as Hank Sammis: John Kidwell is known for Quantum Leap (1989), The President's Child (1992) and Prey (1998).
Say
What?
A piece of paper thrown by a fan during the opening match, balled up,
appears in the ring. Moments later it has disappeared.
Sam getting crammed into a locker is possible, but what does that look
like for the onlookers who are seeing a much larger man being stretched
into that small space?
Quotable
Quotes:
That's the first
time I've seen a vending machine with a head on it!
-- Al, "Heart Of A Champion"
There's some women that get a thrill out of watching men suffer.
Trust me on this, I've been married to most of them.
-- Al, "Heart Of A Champion"
Your husband ... remember him, the man you're married to, the rather
large man who enjoys ripping things apart.
-- Sam to Sherrie, "Heart of a Champion"
This doctor must walk like a duck.
What?
Because he's a quack.
Oh Al.
-- Al and Sam, "Heart of a Champion"
Sam, are you OK?
Do I *look* OK?
Well, not really.
-- Al and Sam, "Heart of a Champion"
I'm gonna beat him!
Beat him? You couldn't slow him down with a tranquilizer gun!
-- Sam and Al, "Heart of a Champion"
What do you think he would do if he saw you here like this?
Before or after he killed you?
Yeah, right.
-- Sam and Sherrie, "Heart of a Champion"
Robohead is letting himself in ...
-- Al, about Carl ripping the door off, "Heart of a Champion"
There's women that get a big thrill out of watching men suffer.
Trust me on this, I've been married to most of them.
-- Al, "Heart of a Champion"
Nicholai and Ivan, THE BATTLING RUSSKIES!
-- the wrestling announcer, "Heart of a Champion"
Sure, next thing you know, you'll be telling us wrestling isn't real.
These are the kind of guys that keep those fishing shows on the air.
-- The guys in the bar and Al, "Heart of a Champion"
If I want to see violence, I'll watch the news.
-- Myra, "Heart of a Champion"
He must have picked up something.
Yeah, his medical bag. Right after he pronounced Ronnie 'fit
as a fiddle'.
-- Al and Sam, "Heart of a Champion"
That's not a plan, that's suicide.
-- Al, "Heart of a Champion"
I've got to cut off the oxygen to his brain.
Brain, what brain?
-- Sam and Al, discussing the sleeper hold, "Heart of a Champion"
You want to see the sleeper again?
-- Sam, "Heart of a Champion"
Best Line:
"You know Sam, he’s probably all talk. He’s probably just all talk.
Yeah, maybe he’s not all talk Sam. I think I’ll step down."
Best Scene:
The best scene is right before Sam leaps. Carl’s wife is nursing her
husband after the match and she is bending over. Sam goes to knock her
over but kicking her butt. Sam leaps before he makes contact.
Production Credits:
Theme by: Mike Post Music by: Velton Ray Bunch Co-Executive Producer: Deborah Pratt Co-Executive Producer: Michael Zinberg Supervising Producer: Harker Wade Co-producers: Paul Brown, Jeff Gourson Produced by: Chris Ruppenthal Created by: Donald P. Bellisario Written by:
Tommy
Thompson Directed by:Joe
Napolitano
Executive Producer: Donald P. Bellisario Associate Producer:James S. Giritlian Executive Story Editor: Tommy Thompson Director of Photography:Michael Watkins, A.S.C. Production Designer: Cameron Birnie Edited by:Robert E. Pew, Jerry Frizell, A.C.E. Unit Production Manager: Ron Grow First Assistant Director:Kevin Corcoran Second Assistant Director:Kate Yurka Casting by: Ellen Lubin Sanitsky Set Director: Robert L. Zilliox Costume Designer: Jean-Pierre Dorleac Costume Supervisors: David Rawley & Donna Roberts-Orme Sound Mixer:Barry D. Thomas Stunt Coordinator: Diamond Farnsworth Sound Editor: Paul Clay Music Editor: Donald Woods
Panaflex ® Camera and Lenses by: Panavision ®
This
motion picture is protected under laws of the United States and other
countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution or exhibition may
result in civil liability and criminal prosecution.
The
characters and events depicted in this photoplay are fictitious. Any
similarity to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Bellisarius Productions and Universal, an MCA Company
Podcasts:
Quantum Leap Podcast - Heart Of A Champion
Listen to The Quantum Leap Podcast
on this episode here:
Make way for the Battling Ruskies, because it’s time for Heart of A Champion!
Join hosts Allison Pregler, Matt Dale and Christopher DeFilippis as
they tag-team the pro wrestling episode of Quantum Leap — and usher in
the triumphant return of Quantum Leap Podcast creator Albie Burdge!
As a former professional wrestler and pro wrestling referee, Albie
brings some unique and funny insights to this episode that are not to
be missed.
We also bring you an interview with two-time Quantum Leap guest star
Susan Isaacs. Susan appeared in both Heart of a Champion and The Last
Gunfighter. She chats with Albie about her time on the show, and her
long and diverse career as a performer, writer and teacher.
Need more wrestling action? You’re in luck, because Chris interviews
Barren Space’s own Gabe LLanas about his new professional wrestling
podcast A Month of Mondays! The long-time Thinking Outside the Long Box
host talks about the inspiration that led him to embark on A Month of
Mondays, and what wrestling fans can expect from him and his co-host
Carl “Monday Night Carlo” during the new monthly show.
Listen up, or we will eat you like the capitalist pigs you are!
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