Vietnam Vet Vigilantes double bill
“…Line?!”
Film #23 - American Commandos - first viewing - Back in the early to mid 80s, the Vietnam vet turned action hero/vigilante genre was huge (Uncommon Valor, Chuck Norris MIA movies, Rambo, A-Team on TV etc etc) and it seemed like everyone started making them. That included two cult film actors from the 60s/70s: Chris Mitchum (star of Summertime Killer/son of Bob, brother of Jim) and John Philip Law (Death Rides a Horse, Diabolik). This movie was directed by Bobby Suarez who I knew of from his Phillipino grindhouse classic The One Armed Executioner (the poster art might look familiar) that starred Franco Guerrero who happens to co-star in this movie. The main question is: Was this any good? Id say not really. The story begins with Chris Mitchums wife getting raped (after which she takes her own life) and little son murdered by some street trash/drug dealers in Los Angeles (actually the Philippines). So of course hes out for revenge but then we switch to him suddenly being given a secret mission from the CIA to bust up a heroin smuggling operation back in Nam. Next thing ya know he’s recruiting his old Vietnam vet pals to help him. The movies sort of a mess and the acting is atrocious. Chris Mitchums emotional range is equal to a loaf of stale bread. I dont think either guy (Chris, John) were particularly great actors anyway but in this one they just left any artistic ambition behind and didnt GAF. Maybe they had fun making the movie but it doesnt translate to the screen. As someone that grew up on these kind of movies, I wasnt too impressed by it. It had some OK action sequences (my fave parts of the film) and I liked the armored truck thing they had but beyond that it was a pretty forgettable installment in the genre. Skip it. Played the Apollo in 1986.
“Which way do we shoot guys?”
Film #24 - The Annihilators - first viewing - Released in 1985 by New World Pictures. A group of Vietnam vets return home from the war and one of them, Joe Nace has lost the use of his legs (now in a wheelchair) due to some chinaman taking them from him. Since getting back hes been running a grocery store in downtown Atlanta and trying to rid the neighborhood of crime (from his wheelchair…?) cuz theres like 5 diff criminal gangs operating there. One day the most feared gang leader of the area, the infamous “ROY BOY” lol, Roy Boy? really? yes really (played by Paul Koslo, a fave 70s actor of mine, who you’ll def know from The Omega Man, The Losers, Vanishing Point, Mr Majestyk, Freebie and the Bean etc etc) shows up with his gang and whoa baby, the shit hits the fan. These guys mean business. After punching Joe in the face (hes crippled dude!), they kill a shopper (they rip her top off 
then stab her in the belly with a knife) and then kill Joe. When his old buddies hear about this they come running to finish the job Joe started. They are Used Cars’ Gerrit Graham, Chris Stone (Dee Wallace’s hubby, The Howling), Welcome Back Kotter’s Lawrence Hilton Jacobs and Andy Wood. As I was watching the film I kept trying to figure out where I had seen Andy Wood. I realized that hes the main POW Rambo rescues in First Blood Pt 2 (the first R rated action film I saw in a theater, also from 1985). In this he plays the bummy drunk member of the squad (see Dude in Rio Bravo). Sadly its just a big watered down version of a Magnificent Seven (only 4 here) or A-Team type storyline. The main problem is none of the characters are very interesting or cool. They dont have special combat skills like Rambo or Chuck, no awesome weapons to use. No crazy rogue character that goes nutty and kills people. The useless drunk dude doesnt redeem himself with some long forgotten hat trick move he used in Nam. The overall tone isnt 100% serious or 100% comedic. Its a mix of both only its not very good on either level. Gerrit Graham is sorta funny but even hes not at his best. IMO Death Wish 3 Paul Kersey by himself is better than all these dudes combined. This shouldve been a really kickass Vietnam vet vigilante squad film classic (The title alone promises something great) but it just didnt wanna go there. There was such a nice set up (all the gangs couldve been taken out in so many cool ways). But instead we get mediocre weaksauce war antics. For example, in one scene big bad Roy Boy has a flamethrower and he doesnt even use it. OK, we see a burst of fire. But no burning a bunch of people alive? No torching a car, building or house at least? Nope, he gets shot at so he just drops the thing and runs. WTF? LAME! Roy Boy you’re a Doy Boy! This one doesnt get a Grindhouse Gold Star. Played the Apollo in 1986.
Film #25 - Alice, Sweet Alice aka Holy Terror aka Communion - rewatch - A regional exploitation horror film set in early 60s New Jersey (Paterson specifically). A young Brooke Shields (her childish whining is hilarious) who plays Karen is getting ready for her first communion. Meanwhile her ultra bratty sister Alice (Paula Sheppard, playing a pre-teen but was actually 19 years old!) is a problem child that is constantly causing trouble in the family and picking on Karen out of jealousy. When Karen is suddenly murdered (IN CHURCH no less) by a yellow raincoated, masked psycho (clearly inspired by Dont Look Now), the whole town is shocked. Soon more grisly murders and knife attacks occur that have the neighborhood on edge, the police buzzing and crazy Alice as the main culprit. Look for some disturbing scenes with a morbidly obese, cat loving, deranged landlord (Alfonso De Noble) who Alice harasses and teases. This is a grindhouse horror classic that both giallo and slasher fans will enjoy for its twisted depiction of religion, dark humor, weirdness, graphic violence and low budget but stylish, period authentic aesthetic. Played the Times Sq in 1981.
Film #26 - Hi-Riders - rewatch - a classic carsploitation film I discovered back in 2015. I love this one. my full review is at the site. Played the Selwyn in 1979.
Excerpt: With Hi-Riders, Writer/Director Greydon Clark basically remade The Wild One but with muscle cars (actually there are bikes AND cars in it). Two teenagers Mark (Darby Hinton) and his auto-saavy girlfriend Lynn (Diane Peterson) come across one of the brothers in the Hi-Riders car gang, hold a race, and Mark wins. Instead of the gang leader TJ (William Beaudine) sticking up for the loser Billy (the husky wild n crazy, beer swigging member) he takes sides with Mark. This is where Greydon Clark decided to not have his gang be the typical two faced thugs you’d see in most biker films, but instead have The HRs be an honorable, likeable gang that audiences would want to hang out with. I think that was a great choice!
Film #27: Trial of Billy Jack - rewatch - In this follow up to the 1971 smash indie hit, Tom Laughlin returns as writer/director/star. The story picks up after the events of the first film where Billy was arrested and put in jail for defending The Freedom School. More of Billy’s insurgency, counterculture youth protesting and violence ensues with the schools expansion and influence. Like the first Billy Jack film, theres some moments of humor and music performances to break up the darker aspects. Id say this film is even more militant and aggressive than the original, also filled with more of the Native American ideals and spirituality as Billy tries to reach new awareness by practicing ancient tribal rituals. The film again focuses on rightwing corruption and oppression of the leftist youth and Native Americans. It also deals with the massacre of young people by the military, echoing the tragedies at places like Kent State and other college campuses. For action fans theres some cool martial arts sequences w/ Billy kicking ass too. As a big Billy Jack fan, I think its a really good sequel. Played Cine 42 in 1974.
Fun fact: The first film to be launched in a wide release in the modern fashion, debuting simultaneously at over 1,000 theaters, and booked by the filmmakers on a four-wall basis, renting the theaters and controlling the box-office receipts
Film #28: Sweet Jesus Preacherman - rewatch - Roger E. Mosley (The Mack, I first knew him as Magnum PI’s buddy T.C.) stars as Holmes, a hitman who works for underworld crime boss Mr. Martelli (Big Bill Smith). All his hits go as planned (seen in the opening scenes) and then hes given a new assignment: he has to pose as a preacher (we learn it was his fathers occupation, so he has some knowledge) in South Central L.A. and take down a group of vigilantes trying to clean up the area which is ruining his boss’ profitable crime biz. In between spreading the good word, Holmes aka Reverend Lee starts taking over the rackets but is torn between being owned by the “Man” and helping his people and himself. Holmes finally discovers hes being swindled by Martelli and of course he has to get into hitman mode once again to set things right. While this one doesnt break into my Top 20 favorites in the genre (points deducted for its non super funky soundtrack), its still a solid action movie with an interesting plot/story that stands out in the Blaxploitation canon. Played the Times Sq. in 1973
Film #29: Cleopatra Jones - rewatch - “6 ft 2” and all of it Dynamite!" - Tamara Dobson stars as the sexy and supercool undercover model/secret agent whos out to take down an underworld heroin biz run by the diabolical and deadly “MOMMY” (Shelly Winters of Bloody Mama). Thats right, in this film, MOMMY IS DA MAN. Shelly is in full over the top villain mode here and its really entertaining to watch, esp when shes yelling at everyone, kicking the guys’ asses (Paul Koslo is one of her soldiers that gets bitchslapped) and flirting with her chicky tricks. Unlike most Blaxploitation films, Cleo Jones had a pretty big budget and was produced by Warner Brothers as a way to compete and win during the early Blaxploitation boom (it was a critical and financial success). If you compare it to a movie like Coffy (same year), you can clearly see the difference in production value, everythings bigger (overall scale, sets, Shelly etc). Theres shootouts, car chases, kung fu fights and it really doesnt stop the action, comedy and drama from beginning to end. Played the New Amsterdam in 1974.
The sequel Cleo Jones and the Casino of Gold (another solid action film and a fave) was my intro to the genre back in the early 90s.
Fun Facts: Cleo was Co-Written by Max Julien (The Mack) and was orig meant to star his gf Vonetta McGee (shoutout to The Great Silence) who would go on to co star with him in another fave of mine, Blaxploitation’s answer to Bonnie & Clyde: Thomasine & Bushrod.
Film #30: Rape Squad aka Act of Vengeance - rewatch - When the police fail to come through for them, a group of rape victims (led by Jo Ann Harris who costarred in The Beguiled) form a vigilante squad to take down a serial rapist (Peter Brown of Foxy Brown) nicknamed “Jingle Bells” due to him forcing them to sing the holiday song during his attacks. The rapes are of course disturbing as they should be, and we get a sense of what drives rapists to commit these acts. It seems to be about having control over the opposite sex (Jingle is egomaniac that fancies himself a sexual dynamo) and exacting revenge for failures with females (if youre so attractive, why the need to rape?). What made this film extra interesting from a film geek pov was the fact Jingle Bells is dressed like Jason (hockey mask, one piece jumpsuit). Makes you wonder if the producers of F13th had seen this film and took the costume idea from it. Maybe, maybe not. As far as the film goes, it has a very straight forward, tightly lensed/paced Jack Hill style/approach to it (Count Yorga’s Bob Kelljan directed it for AIP). Its almost like it could be taking place in the same city as Foxy Brown across town. Overall its a solid rape revenge grindhouse film. Not an A (I Spit on Your Grave, Ms 45) but maybe a B or C+. Played the Lyric in 1975.
Film #31 - Christmas Evil- rewatch - A toy factory worker becomes a strange kind of Travis Bickle-esque vigilante Santa in this darkly funny Xmas themed slasher (one of my faves in the subgenre). Played the Harris 1984
Film #32 - Women in Cages- rewatch - This is one of my top fave WiP grindhouse films (and trailers which i first saw on the Jackie Brown CE DVD) and I would recommend it to other film fans if they are brand new to the genre. I love the whole grungy, look/tone of it. Cool camerawork. Sadistic prison guard Pam Grier and smack junkie Roberta Collins are the highlights for me. Played the New Amsterdam 1971
Fun Fact: Pam Griers character is named Alabama, where have I heard that name used again…? 
Film #33 - Shogun Assassin - rewatch- If you’ve never seen a chambara film before this would be a perfect introduction. My full review is at GCDb. Played the Selwyn 1980. Was a big hit w/ grindhouse audiences.
Film 34 - Death Race 2000 - rewatch - Paul Bartel’s hilarious road race action film filled with zany car drivin’ characters. Featuring an early Sly Stallone performance that makes Rocky look like King Lear. A New World Pictures/grindhouse/drive-in classic. Played the Lyric 1975
Film #35 - Last House on the Left - rewatch - One of the most infamous 70s grindhouse films. Filmed on a low budget in semi documentary style that gives it a realistic feel. I love the music in the movie composed/played by main villain David Hess. The movies weird mix of goofy humor and extremely disturbing violence is what I like most about it. Played the Anco 1973
Film #36 - Death Collector - rewatch - A regional New Jersey mobsploitation film (a dash of Mean Streets w/ a pinch of Sopranos) that Ive always been a fan of since I first saw it. Featuring an early Joe Pesci performance that helped get him the part in Raging Bull. Quentin T. introduced film fans to this during his QT Film Fest (which is when I first heard about it). Full review is at GCDb. Played the Lyric 1976
Film #37 - Slithis aka Spawn of the Slithis - first viewing - For a low budget 70s sci fi mutated muck monster movie I thought this was really good. It was one of those things where the actors took the film seriously when they couldve just turned it into a big joke (Horror of Party Beach style). So as hokey as the plot/set up is, you start spending time w/ the diff supporting characters and get to know them while watching them behave realistically to the crazy situation going on. It was shot around Venice, CA in 1977-78 and it acts as a fun cultural period time capsule look at the area. Another one covered by the Video Archives gang I just caught up with. Played the Selwyn in 1978.
Film #38 - Basket Case - rewatch - If Evil Dead is my favorite Midwest produced low budget comedy gore movie, this film is def my favorite NYC set version of that idea. Super quirky, funny, gory and charming in that DIY film geek way. Played the Lyric in 1985.
Fun Facts: You can see a clip from the Sonny Chiba film The Bodyguard in this.
From movie-locations.com
Duane and his trusty basket wander the old 42nd Street of porno theatres before the city’s big clean-up. Don’t believe the end credits, which seem to have been designed to fool location hounds. There was no ‘Hotel Broslin’.
The exterior of the seedy ‘hotel’ was an office building at 80 Franklin Street, Tribeca, where the service elevator was temporarily converted into a hotel reception desk.
The neon ‘Broslin’ sign, from which Duane dangles, was attached to a fire escape on Hubert Street at Hudson Street, a few blocks to the east.
As with every Deucember Ill end the year with this final film
Film #39:
Played the Times Square in 1984
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!! — Pete
It culminated with all the Jonestown citizens (men, women, children) drinking poisonous Kool Aid (where the term “drinking the Kool Aid” comes from, it was really “Flavor Aid” to be precise) and they all committed mass suicide. Moral of the story: Cults never end well, so dont follow leaders that are insane kids. The movie is more like a play by play exploitationized version of what happened. Its paced well, it doesnt take a long time to get into the craziness which was good. Co-starring Joseph Cotten (The Hellbenders), Bradford Dillman (Piranha), Robert DoQui (Coffy) and Hugo Stiglitz (Nightmare City). Overall it was ok, not one of my faves of the fest but I wanted to mix it up and watch diff genres along with the normal crime, kung fu and horror. Played the Harris in 1981.
