Real-Life Davids vs. Goliaths

When amateurs take on the American Gladiators, it makes for a TV show, toys and -- who knows? -- maybe even a movie

We don't know about Elvis, but Walter Mitty lives. You can find him poised atop a 7-ft. platform swinging a big stick at a muscle-bound giant with a name like Laser or Nitro. Or swooping through the air on a bungee cord 15 ft. above the ground, trying to master a kind of aerial basketball. Sound like Mitty's fantasies have got a little outrageous? Obviously, you haven't seen American Gladiators, the syndicated television show on which ordinary, albeit very physically fit, people compete in athletic events against a squad of professional male and female athletes and body builders.

A wacky hybrid...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!