Daughters of the Sexual Revolution: The Untold Story of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Daughters of the Sexual Revolution: The Untold Story of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is a riveting documentary film that dives into the sensational history behind one of America's most iconic cheerleading squads. Released in 2018, this documentary elevates the traditional image of cheerleading by unraveling a significant part of modern American social and cultural history through the lens of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

Directed by Dana Adam Shapiro, the film lays the glamorous and scandalous journey of the cheerleader team on the table who became national celebrities in their right, influencing popular culture in unforseen ways.. Cindy Bennett, Muhammad Ali, and Vonciel Baker appear in the film, adding depth and authenticity to the powerful narrative. The documentary does a brilliant job of demonstrating how these cheerleaders became a cultural phenomenon and a recognizable brand on an international level.

The film begins with painting a picture of the gloomy state of affairs the Dallas Cowboys football team found itself in during the late 1960s. At this point in time, the team was struggling with poor results and significantly diminishing popularity. Spectator stands were virtually empty, and the squad was in desperate need of a way to rekindle the public’s interest.

Enter, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. The film dives into the transformation of the cheerleading squad when Tex Schramm, then the team's general manager, decided to jazz up the squad's uniforms and routines. Little did he know, this move would not only revolutionize the cheerleading industry but would also come to redefine the team's identity. Cheerleading was no longer only about supporting the team from the sidelines; instead, it became about beauty, glamour, and sex appeal. The change did not only succeed in attracting back the audience, but created a completely new and massive fan base for the Cowboys.

What the film does so effectively is showcase the very human story behind the glamour. The cheerleaders were held to incredibly high standards both on and off the field, being idealized as the epitome of beauty, grace, and wholesomeness. Behind the scenes, they were silently dealing with the pressures of fame, grueling work hours, and the contradictions of being sexual symbols while also being expected to behave with utmost moral propriety. At times, the cheerleaders found themselves at the center of controversies, including expensive lawsuits and allegations of exploitation.

A crucial moment in the film also opens a window to the world of the cheerleaders during the feminist movements of the 70s and 80s. The team was caught in the crossfire between the traditional values of “America's Team” and the rising questions on women's rights, sexual exploitation, and increasing commercialization. This period marks a significant turning point as the cheerleaders start fighting for their rights, challenging the male-dominated management, and ultimately, asserting their agency in a world that had, until then, undermined their voices.

The film manages to weave a dense fabric of personal experiences, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and historical snippets. Through the chronicles of Cindy Bennett, Muhammad Ali, and Vonciel Baker, we're presented with the challenging transition and growth that these cheerleaders experienced as they moved on from their cheerleading tenure. These real-life accounts reveal the cheerleaders' perseverance, courage, and resilience that helped them navigate the world.

Daughters of the Sexual Revolution: The Untold Story of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is, therefore, not merely a behind-the-scenes look at a cheerleading squad; it encompasses a broader narrative of the cultural, social, and sexual revolutions America has undergone. It provides an in-depth exploration of the role these cheerleaders played in shaping modern pop culture. The film is unflinching in its commentary on the complexities of female empowerment and exploitation in the entertainment industry, making it a must-watch for not only sports enthusiasts but also anyone invested in understanding the complexities of social change and women's history.