CLASSIC CATFIGHT: Ann Margret vs. Juliet Prowse (Bel Air, 1961) by Jackflash

The Hollywood jet-set scene had been buzzing lately thanks to the introduction of a number of new women into the elite ranks of celebrity catfighters. Many were foreigners, which brought a welcome international flavor to the spectacle Tonight's match would see two of the newcomers facing off. Although they had only a handful of matches to their credit, each had won their respective battles quite handily, so they were both coming into the fight undefeated. Although raised in the US, Ann-Margret originally hailed from Sweden, while Juliet Prowse was a new import from South Africa. Both were dancers with similar fighting styles that took advantage of their speed, agility and endurance. The oddsmakers were calling it a statistical dead heat.

The two young beauties were introduced and they left from separate bedrooms into the spacious living room where they’d do battle. A crowd of more than thirty of Hollywood's royalty crowded around to watch the fight. Red headed Ann wore a yellow bathing suit that displayed every curve of her voluptuous frame, while brunette Juliet was attired in an equally flattering white suit. As the two women stood facing one another, the spectators took note of the size difference, with the 5'11" Prowse having nearly a six inch height advantage over her opponent. Still, Ann-Margret had already proven by defeating statuesque Julie Newmar that she could handle taller girls.

The signal was given, and Juliet cautiously began to circle her foe. But Ann, like a wildcat, raced towards her rival, throwing herself at the taller woman, sending them both to the floor. They rolled across the carpet, snarling and cursing as they scratched and clawed like feral beasts until Ann managed to gain control, grabbing Juliet by her long right leg, then twisting and bending the shapely gam. As a dancer, she knew Juliet's most formidable weapons were her legs and Ann intended to rob her of that asset. But this proved to be a mistake for Juliet's leg were muscular enough to withstand the punishment and Ann squandered her best effort to end the match quickly.

Finding an opening in the redhead's defenses, Juliet took charge of the fight, throwing Ann around the room like a rag doll by her flaming hair, bringing tears to Ann's eyes. Next, Juliet demonstrated just how lethal her legs could be by slamming one kick after another into Ann’s head, chest and belly. Ann staggered around the room, desperate to get away from the merciless onslaught and gather her wits, but Juliet was relentless. The brunette's eyes sparkled with delight as she saw Ann becoming more and more helpless - but not entirely helpless!

Drawing on her fast-dwindling strength, Ann lashed out with a kick of her own; the ball of her foot burying itself into Juliet's right breast. The South African shrieked in pain, momentarily too stunned to continue her attack. That was all the time Ann needed! She threw herself at Juliet, wrapping her arms around Juliet's waist and pulling her down to the carpet where the brunette's height advantage was negated. Sitting atop the struggling brunette, Ann began to rain down fists, hammering punches to Juliet’s jaw, as well as more blows to her still-aching right breast.

Juliet's eyes grew glassy, and she realized that if she didn't escape soon, she was done for. In desperation, she reached up and raked her nails across the redhead's eyes. Ann howled in sudden, blinding pain as she rolled off and crawled way from Juliet. Both took nearly a full minute to marshal their fading strength, then crawling on all fours, they came at one another again and the sound of their grunting and groaning filled the cavernous room as they rolled across the floor, legs entwined, hands tearing at the most vulnerable places.

Finally...perhaps inevitably...the two warriors each found themselves applying a headscissors. It was epic! Two dancers unleashing the full power of their magnificent legs on one another, their thighs locked tightly around the others head as sweat glistening on their perfect limbs. Both beauties moaned in unison as the unrelenting pressure increased. It was a historic duel that left the spectators astonished...and more than a little bit frightened. Ultimately, of course, one woman reached her threshold and, with a piteous wail, her body went limp, her legs limp and useless!

Juliet Prowse had been beaten for the first time! Between gasps for breath, Ann gave a low laugh, then calling on every last ounce of her remaining strength, the redhead got to her feet and planted one foot on Juliet's heaving chest as she struck a victory pose as the room erupted with applause and cheers.

But even amid the ovation, Ann sensed something wasn’t quite right. Scanning the crowd, she caught sight of a breathtakingly beautiful blond lounging stoically in a leather chair; her eyes shooting daggers at the redhead. Ann glared right back at her, silently accepting the unspoken challenge from this mysterious woman. Only later would Ann learn the name of this German actress, Elke Sommer. Their fight would be another day, for tonight, Ann celebrated her win over Juliet and reveled in the glory of victory! 1