Truck Stop Women (1974)

Lieux Dressler ("Kingdom of the Spiders") plays Anna, an enterprising sort of woman who runs a prostitution and hijacking business out of a truck stop. And business is definitely good. Good enough that the Eastern mob steps in, determined to have a piece of that pie. Unfortunately, what's working against Anna is that her daughter Rose (drive-in goddess Claudia Jennings, "Gator Bait") is rebellious and making time with the enemy.There is no shortage of colorful and seedy characters in this lively example of the drive-in movie genre. The script by Paul Deason and producer-director Mark L. Lester ("Class of 1984", "Commando") nicely sets up a bunch of stirring action set pieces and a respectable level of sleaze. One can hardly fail to notice how often Ms. Jennings shows off the goods. The film also has a decent sense of humor and is on occasion serious without ever getting TOO serious. It's extremely well shot in Techniscope widescreen by John Arthur Morrill, and features a flavorful assortment of music composed by Big Mack & The Truckstoppers. It begins with a bang - several, actually - and there's rarely a let-up until the abrupt and downbeat conclusion.Jennings delivers a standout performance, but the entire main cast is engaging: Dressler as the fiery Anna, John Martino (Paulie Gatto in "The Godfather") as mafia goon Mr. Smith, Paul Carr ("Brute Corps") as the easygoing Seago, Dennis Fimple ("House of 1000 Corpses") as worry-wart Curly, Gene Drew ("Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw") as the ornery Mac, Jennifer Burton as Tina, Dolores Dorn ("The Candy Snatchers") as Trish, Len Lesser ('Seinfeld') as the playful Winter, and stunt coordinator "Speed" Stearns as Smiths' flunky Rusty.In general, this is agreeable formula entertainment: fast-paced, fairly violent, sexy, and funny. Good fun for fans of the genre.Seven out of 10.

This is a cola and popcorn movie, to be enjoyed, not criticised for its 'artistic' quality. It is one to pass time with, not scrutinise.The plot was simple and plausible. While some say the acting was bad, I would disagree. The characters were portrayed well. Besides, the actors were from 1974, not 2009. I assume the acting was up to the standards of the days, especially so for a mindless action movie.There was a bit of suspense, too, although not enough to change the genre of the movie. We more or less knew who was on which side.The chase sequences were picturised well. Of course, being a 1974 film, the action was of a class of that era, not today's. So, no hi-fi gadgetry here. Pure rustic truck-boy action.Enjoy!

Regarding the production of Truck Stop Women. Has anyone seen the news lately? Phil Gramm, yes, that Phil Gramm, the former Senator and now MCCain adviser was one of the producers of this schlock. ( schlock in the most favorable connotation possible. )Also, he apparently kicked in about $15 grand or so for the production. Doesn't this suggest he might not be the best candidate for a cabinet position under John MCCain?I wonder if Mr. Gramm invested in this film as a pure business decision without regard to the moral implications. Time will tell!Amazed on the East Coast!

A great piece of early 70's film: this gem has it all.Some special moments:•The beautiful Claudia Jennings in go-go boots or naked throughout most of the film!•The truckin' music video inserted about mid film!•The overt violence peppered throughout (from the opening execution in a bathtub, to the final battle featuring machine gun toting hookers and lots of tragic death)... all set to some great CB-era country music and a few bit that they had left over from "Land of the Lost"!•The southern New Mexico locations that cradle our heroes in their struggle!•The turncoat, Seago, getting trampled by 30 head of cattle in the back of a weaving truck!Any way you slice it, this movie has it all. Sex, violence, bad acting, found locations, and a wacky plot that just keeps coming. I watch it often and inflict it on friends as a sort of, "bad-movie baptism".As long as I can watch Truck Stop Women, Gator Bait, and Unholy Rollers, Ms. Jennings will not be forgotten.