Synopsis
David Carradine headlines yet another Roger Corman-produced action comedy. Here he’s the good seller of moonshine, up against the bad seller of same, who also happens to be the fater of Carradine’s girlfriend (Kate Jackson). Daddy is in bed with the mob, and is cheerfully selling rotgut on the streets (some of which as been fermenting in a tank with a car battery – blechhh). A battle for supremacy ensues, complete with many boat and car chases and plenty of fisticuffs.
Well, it ain…t Bergman, but at least it ain’t Ed Wood either. The backwoods stereotypes fly thick and fast, but not without a certain degree of quirkiness (like the alligator-wrestling minister). The film doesn’t have a thought in its head, but it passes by relatively painlessly. Oh, hell, I’ll admit it, there’s some pretty funny stuff here. One of the film’s most interesting aspects lies behind the scenes: the screenplay is by William Hjortsberg, a fine novelist who gave us Falling Angel (which was filmed as Angel Heart).
Audio
The sound options are both 2.0 stereo and mono. You’d be hard pressed to tell the difference. There are some faint mutterings from the rear speakers on the stereo track, but there really isn’t much of a surround experience at all. There is a bit of buzz going on, too, though this is really a result of the film’s age and overall economy than a fault of the transfer. Nonetheless, it must be said the that the audio is distinctly muzzy at times (if I can so coin an oxymoron).
Video
Both fullscreen and 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen versions of the picture are present. The print is in very fine shape (which is more than can be said for the sound). The image is sharp, and the colorus and blacks are very strong. There is no grain, and no visible edge enhancement. So very little evidence of the aging process here. It all looks good, which helps make up for the sound.
Special Features
Nothing here except the trailer. The menu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
Pure drive-in fodder, 70s style. Nuthin’ special here at any level, but if you’re picking up this disc, then you probably already have a fair idea of what you’re in for.
Special Features List
- Trailer
