TVO's Allan Gregg Interviews Bret "Hitman" Hart

Courtesy of TVOntario:

The wrestling great discusses his new book on Allan Gregg in Conversation
Friday November 23, 2007, at 10 pm on TVO

TORONTO, Nov. 12 - One of pro wrestling's all-time greats, Canadian icon Bret "Hitman" Hart, joins Allan Gregg in Conversation Friday November 23, 2007, on TVO. Viewers sit in on a revealing discussion about Hart's legendary career, his trials and triumphs, and his recently published no-holds-barred memoir, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling.

Bret Hart was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, the son of wrestling promoter Stu Hart. He shares what it was like growing up in a family of 12, all consumed by wrestling. Hart discusses how wrestling has changed over the years - from legitimate sport to family entertainment to the "hardcore" image in the last few years. Hart also talks about the use of drugs in the sport, including his own use of steroids. He discusses, too, his massive stroke - most likely the result of a concussion he received in the ring - and the death of his younger brother Owen when a stunt went terribly wrong. A seven-time world heavyweight champion, Hart is also a champion in his arduous recovery from the stroke and his enduring integrity in an often ruthless business: "I wrestled 23 years and I never injured one guy ever."

Allan Gregg In Conversation with Bret Hart also airs Saturday November 24 at 6 pm and after midnight Sunday November 25.

Also airing on TVO: encore presentation of The View From Here documentary Hitman Hart: Wresting with Shadows

TVO will also be airing an encore presentation of The View From Here documentary Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows Friday November 23 at 10:30 pm (following Allan Gregg In Conversation with Bret Hart) and Sunday November 25 at 10:40 pm (before Allan Gregg in Conversation with Bret Hart). Directed by Paul Jay and produced by David Ostriker, this 1998 production documents Bret Hart's rise through the ranks of the World Wrestling Federation, his bitter rift with the organization, and his struggle to maintain honour and integrity.

About TVO: TVO is Ontario's public educational media organization and a trusted source of interactive educational content that informs, inspires, and stimulates curiosity and thought. We are committed to empowering people to be engaged citizens of Ontario through educational media.

For further information: Media contacts: Anne Rubenstein, (416) 484-2881, arubenstein@tvo.org or Paul Ginis, (416) 484-2600, ext. 2445, pginis@tvo.org