Switchblade Sisters

source: Switchblade Sisters

Trailer—The Jezebels

The Jezebels

The Dagger Debs are a gang of snarling girls, and Maggie (Joanne Nail) is their newest member. Lace (Robbie Lee), the ever tooth-gritting leader, befriends her but soon has doubts -- it seems Lace's man Dominic (Asher Brauner), head of the Silver Daggers, fancies the new recruit. Director Jack Hill, one of my idols and a swell guy, has had some strange things to say about this film. He has said the script was inspired by "Othello", and has also claimed to interview real female gang members before making the movie. And yet, he readily admits the whole thing is a "wacky fantasy"... The film not only has jail, gang fights and more... it has a pregnancy subplot! How do you beat that? While this may be no social commentary, it really does its best to be an exploitation classic (and it comes as no surprise that Quentin Tarantino has been the biggest supporter of this film.)

This glorious slice of seventies exploitation is reputed to be one of Quentin Tarantino's favourite films and it's easy to see why though even Tarantino would be hard-pressed to come up with anything this mad or this subversive; it even manages to bring Maoist politics into the mix. It also manages to transcend the 'so-bad-it's-good' concept to exist in a netherworld all of its own. As you might guess from the title, this is a feminist gang-movie with the boys taking very much a back seat. Of course, 'acting' is non-existent but director Jack Hill seems to relish his casts limitations, wracking everything up to a Spinal Tap 11. Okay, it's certainly not for everyone but for those who can take it this is perversely enjoyable.

A persons impression of a movie sometimes depends on what they're expecting before they see it. You gotta go into this one expecting a low budget poorly acted 70's action film. If you do, you'll be quite impressed! The acting isn't all that bad. Lace can get a little annoying, talking through clenched teeth like she does, but she acts pretty well during her softer parts. And the movie is funny! I was not expecting to actually laugh out loud during it, but I did in several spots. This movie is kind of like The Warriors meets Fast Times at Ridgemont High meets L7. :') And there were even a couple touching moments to the film that I wasn't expecting. The characters are interesting too. I can see why Quentin Tarantino likes this film. If you are a fan of his, and don't mind B movies, I think you'll like this.

As in all thing's this was not made for everyone, it was intended to latch onto a genre that makes money, however, I think Jack Hill has done some great work with this, if one has an open mind, they just cant help but feel for the characters as the story develops, it's interesting the whole way thru, with lots of humor violence & sex involved.

It's a VERY cheesy movie, but in a great way that makes you laugh WITH the movie and not feel stupid. The movie is entertaining all the way and there's not one boring moment in it. I just love this movie! The fact that it's old only makes it look more stylish. Just wait untill you meet those nasty gang girls! Rent the movie and see it with your friends for a great night at home!

Sure this is a really, really stupid movie, but you've got to see it to believe it. The story of the toughest girls ever, The Jezebels, will leave you on the floor in a fit of laughter. Performed totally straight, this is like a really bad comic book brought to lurid life, complete with ear-wiltingly stupid dialogue. The action is so improbable that it may as well be taking place on another planet! Don't miss it, and look for Don Stark (Bob Pinciotti on "That '70's Show") in an early role as gang member "Hook"(so called because a unique anatomical feature). Drink a six pack of tall-boys and get ready to crack up; you won't be disappointed!