A stage in the early 20th century: eight women wrestlers demonstrate their skill and strength. Only one will win – but they remain companions. Despite performing on variety stages, these women were serious athletes. Before the First World War, women’s sport was rarely taken seriously, yet Greco-Roman wrestling enjoyed remarkable popularity.

The male referee in this film fragment has been identified as Joseph Rosenstein, impresario of a travelling troupe of women wrestlers. Around 1906/1907, in particular, impresarios like Rosenstein organised numerous international tournaments. It is very likely that one of the medal winners appearing in the film is Erika Bertram from Hamburg, who became world champion in 1907. These women were celebrities, their achievements covered by newspapers around the world.