Cleveronix A different way of telling a story
Plustown A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.
Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Caryl It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
Woodyanders Vietnam war veteran Mike (a solid and engaging performance by Tom Stern) returns home and becomes president of the local top biker gang. However, problems with the police ultimately leads to all-out war between the bikers and the cops. Director Bruce Kessler maintains a snappy pace throughout, stages the requisite rough'n'tumble fights with aplomb, and provides a few startling moments of raw violence. The Harley hounds are a quirky and colorful bunch: Ted Markland as the easygoing Smiley, Paul Bertoya as the jolly, yet crazy and dangerous Nutty Norman, Jimmy Murphy as amiable runt Tiny Tim, and Stephen Oliver as the scruffy Speed. Jack Starrett does his customary professional job as pragmatic police captain Bingham, who tries to keep the peace to increasingly minute avail. Fetching brunette Arlene Martel also registers well as sassy and enticing free spirit Ginger. Jerome Wish's compact script offers a nice central theme on how straight society goes out of its way to persecute anybody who's different. Herman Knox's vibrant cinematography gives the picture a pleasing bright look. The get-down groovy soundtrack by Stu Phillips and the cool soundtrack both hit the way funky spot. A fun drive-in romp.
Michael O'Keefe A motorcycle gang flick that has very little to offer. A heroic Vietnam vet Mike(Tom Stern)returns home bitter, cynical and ready to ride. Mike thinks his bad ass military training will help him as he takes back most of his former gang of bikers. He is in no mood to get along with the local sheriff Bingham(Jack Starrett); Mike is obsessed with "sticking it to the man". When one of the gang members is blatantly gunned down by the fuzz; Mike has his gang ready to raise hell after the funeral; big dreams of organizing numerous California gangs to a total of 500 bikers does not seem to bother Bingham. How this movie got its R rating is somewhat odd; violence is all but nil, maybe 20 gang members, no foul language, some pretty girls...but no nudity. This is not even close to a run-of-the-mill motorcycle gang movie. Other members of the cast: Arlene Martel, Ted Markham, Steve Oliver, Suzy Walters, Sandra Bettin, Paul Bertoya, Jay S. York and Dirty Denny.
angelsunchained Tom Stern plays a Viet-Nam veteran who comes home with the dream of forming the most powerful biker gang around. His "wild bunch" consists of such immortals as Smiley, Nutty Norman, Tiny Tim, and Angry Annie. Turns out most of the cast are real bikers and their performances steal the show from the real actors.Stern however reminds one of a young Nick Adams or Steve McQueen. He doesn't overplay his role; just giving it the sharp edge it needs to be realistic. His anger is a product of his war experiences and his frustrations are those of a man who is powerless to control the events happening around him. For a "minor" film, Stern does an outstanding job. It makes you wonder why this talented actor/director never made it to super-stardom.
propsguy AIP does what it does best, exploitation of stereotypes. Good fun though with the real bikers being used. The real actors aren't as good as them. Incredibly terrible soundtrack.
