Robert Duranton

Robert Duranton vs Michel Chaisne, 2 December 1960, Dijon, France

Born in Paris in 1926, Duranton (5'11", 224#), with the lighter hair and in the darker trunks, was a bodybuilder, then a professional wrestler, then a movie star, notably in 1967's Woman Times Seven, with Shirley MacLaine. He was an astounding ring performer. In this match he is devious, brutal, and unremitting. In 1962, he wrestled for Stampede Wrestling in Calgary as "Robert of Paris." This earlier match finds him assuming the heel role at age 34, transforming from gentleman to villain in the blink of an eye.  I'm disappointed in the ending - or lack of an ending - but this nevertheless is a classic match I am sure to return to (in years to come). Seven years ago I gushed over Duranton's effete villainy here. I am gushing still.