Cinemax has a new "Pumping Iron" site for us Arnold fans! Click HERE to download many commercials and clips of Arnold promoting and reminiscing on the 25th anniversary special edition of Pumping Iron airing tomorrow!


In 1977, PUMPING IRON became a box-office hit, forever changing the perception of bodybuilding and weight training around the world. Probably the most famous documentary about sports ever made, the film documents the culture of bodybuilding as it follows a group of bodybuilders preparing and ultimately competing for the titles of Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia. Making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, PUMPING IRON became a critically acclaimed documentary that ultimately launched the movie career of box-office superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger.


PUMPING IRON: 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION debuts FRIDAY, NOV. 15 at 8:00 p.m. (ET), exclusively on CINEMAX.

"We are proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of PUMPING IRON, the film that led to a redefinition of the image of leading men in films," comments Jill Champtaloup, vice president, CINEMAX Program Planning and Scheduling. "The enduring appeal of PUMPING IRON, coupled with Arnold Schwarzenegger's superstar status, make this a must-see event for CINEMAX viewers."

"PUMPING IRON gave me the chance to play one of the most colorful characters and certainly the most true-to-life character to date... myself," says Schwarzenegger. "The creation of this documentary enabled us to change the world's perception of bodybuilding and the appreciation of the body. We are still seeing the cultural effects and impact PUMPING IRON has had, from health and preventive medicine to modeling, athletics, fashion and film. "I am really proud of the fact that PUMPING IRON served as the global catalyst for the art and sport of bodybuilding and fitness training," he continues. "This film has stood the test of time and proven to be one of the most important sports documentaries in history. CINEMAX had the vision to bring it back to the screen for a new generation to enjoy, and I am really excited about this digitally enhanced special edition to celebrate this milestone anniversary and the exciting lead-in featuring so many of my friends and favorite stars."

"Everyone thought I was mad to embark on this project in 1972," says producer and director George Butler. "But the fact that a motion picture not only made Arnold a star, but also created a sport and an industry all over the world is undeniable. The fact that this film was actually a low-budget documentary makes this all the more extraordinary."

Upon its release in 1977, Time heralded PUMPING IRON as "a splendidly professional film," adding, "You may have a desire when you leave to start pumping the hands of those who made it." Newsday called the film "an enterprise of wit and intelligence," and Newsweek described it as "a surprising piece of work with an easy rhythm, the right touches of irony, a sense of character and a good deal of suspense." PUMPING IRON, based on the acclaimed best seller "Pumping Iron - The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding," by Charles Gaines and George Butler, was directed by George Butler and Robert Fiore and produced by George Butler and Jerome Gary.

ALL SHOWINGS, HBO/MAX East & West

DATE/ TIME CHANNEL
Fri 11/15 08:00 PM CINEMAX - EAST
Fri 11/15 11:00 PM CINEMAX - WEST
Thu 11/21 08:35 AM 5STAR MAX - EAST
Sun 11/24 06:35 PM 5STAR MAX - EAST
Fri 11/29 08:35 AM 5STAR MAX - EAST
Tue 12/10 06:30 AM CINEMAX - EAST
Tue 12/10 09:30 AM CINEMAX - WEST
Wed 12/18 09:00 AM MORE MAX - EAST
Wed 12/18 12:00 PM MORE MAX - WEST

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René de Jong