I recently had the chance to watch some clips of Jack Dale wrestling in France in the late 1940s and early 50s. I was extremely impressed with him as a worker, especially his incredible selling. These are short clips that aired in cinemas, but Dale's performances are electric.
How well regarded was he as a performer in the UK? It barely occurred to me before I saw this footage that he might be a great worker.
I can recall my father stating that Jack Dale was a formidable wrestler who well deserved his success. Of course he is best remembered as a promoter who took a considerable gamble when together with Les Martin they staged their first promotion at Beckenham Baths in 1948, a time of grim post war austerity. Fortunately the show was a success perhaps helped by the fact that Jack was top of the bill.
I bet when OJ started this he didn't expect Jack Dale to pop up on 2025 tv.
Here he is today, nosing into Tibor's medical check up on Talking Pictures.
The topic is of extreme interest.
Even the few remaining greats such as Bobby Barnes and Steve Viedor, could do something to venerate Jack Dale. Rather than worry about sticking plasters.
We mere punters have to make do with Mr TV's This is Your life.
He must have been very good as he worked all around the country for lots of promoters. His title seemed widely acknowledged.
I believe he was a great gentleman who never swore. He must have been greatly respected at all levels to have created so many loyal wrestlers down the years. He seemed to provide ongoing employment to scores of regulars over 20+ years.
It would be good to see him on the offence rather than just reacting to a local opponent devoid of initiative, as in that clip. This was what visitors were required to do against local heroes. Also in UK.
Here is a snippet of Dale's selling against LeDuc that Phil Lions posted on Twitter.
https://x.com/Phil_Lions/status/1926638762051698936
Only a small snap shot.
Jack Dale was often billed as European Middleweight Champion, when wrestling in France and Spain, from results I have seen.
Hi OJ,
I'm sure many of us would love to know where we too can see these matches. Then we will be able to comment and I am sure create an important thread.
Thank you.
Born Len Abbey 1912 , the A-Z certainly gives him great coverage.