Truck Stop Women

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!

source: Truck Stop Women

Why would I be awake at 2:51 AM on a school night watching a movie called Truck Stop Women - as well as Road Angels - when I could just as easily be in bed? Well, some would say it's a devotion to our readers who demand to know more about mid-70's truck driving action films. But we all. know it's because this movie has Claudia Jennings in it and that name is enough to make me say, "Well, I'll at least watch this for a few minutes." Before you know it, the sun is coming up and I've spent all of my beauty sleep hours watching the dearly departed Ms. Jennings skate roller derby or fight the syndicate or play post-apocalyptic games with David Carradine. Tonight is no different. What can you say about a movie that starts with two gangsters assassinating a naked couple in a bathtub? You roped me in again, Mark Lester, director of Commando, Firestarter, Class of 1984, Bobbi Joe and the Outlaw, Roller Boogie and so many other movies that have also kept me awake late into the small hours. Anna (Lieux Dressler, Grave of the Vampire) runs a brothel for truckers - yes, there was once a thing and I bet there probably still is - in New Mexico. He daughter Rose (Jennings) is one of her girls (so is Uschi Digard!) but she's tired of her mom running her life and dreams of more money, so she starts working with the Eastern Mafia - led by Smith (John Martino, Paulie Gatto from The Godfather) and Rusty (Speed Stearns, Eat My Dust!) - to take over the racket. Oddly enough, $15,000 of this film's budget came from politician Phil Gramm. There were some articles that made a big stink about it being an adult film,but it's honestly softcore at best. Look, any movie where Claudia Jennings yells, "Would Jackie Onassis eat chicken fried steak!?" is going to be one that I end up watching. Whether or not you have the same bad taste as me will determine whether or not you should watch this movie. Does it help if I tell you that the entire movie stops dead for a montage of an 18 wheeler going across the entire country to the tune of "I'm a Truck," sung from the POV of the truck itself? Because wow, that totally happens. Hey - Dennis Fimple is in it, so maybe you really should stay up all night. I know that I did.

After the infamous bubble bath slaughter sequence, TRUCK STOP WOMEN begins. Rose (Claudia Jennings) is just a fun-loving gal, working for her mom, Anna (Lieux Dressler) at her truck stop / brothel. Uh oh! Mob types are trying to muscle in for a piece of the action! They can't resist the allure of the truck stop industry. Also, it seems that Rose has joined forces with these gangsters! Now, it's the sex-starved country folk vs. The malevolent mafia! Much naked frivolity ensues. If topless lasses are your forte, then you've just pulled into heaven! If instead, you're looking for a deep film, full of philosophical discussions, then you should have looked more closely at the title! Fans of Ms. Jennings rejoice! She appears, and the angels doth sing! Is it hot in here? PLUS: The theme song and soundtrack music are toe tapping awesomeness! And, who among us would pass up a chance to see any movie with Dennis Fimple in it? EXTRA POINTS FOR: Anyone who can count the number of times the mobster known as Smith says, "Fuggettaboutit!"...

Don't expect this sleazy Drive-in gem to show up at a high-brow awards ceremony. Nonetheless, it's got everything needed for a camp classic: naked women, non-stop action, monster trucks, some high-speed fornication, and even a few surprises. And, wow, where did actress Dressler (Anna) come from. Her gargoyle boss-woman dominates the screen like none of the many ugly guys, and kept me wishing for more of Jennings' lovely eye relief. And how about all that dry New Mexico scenery with its ghost-town from heck- I sure hope the crew took a canteen with them. So, will Anna be able to keep her truck-stop brothel locally owned or will the eastern Mafia gobble it up. After all the long-haul guys do need occasional relief. More importantly, which side will Rose, Anna's rebellious daughter, end up taking, now that she's charmed by a snazzy eastern suit. Anyway, I didn't see the ending coming and a provocative one it is. In my little book, a zany flick like this is hard to rate, but if you're in the mood to dodge monster trucks, duck flying bullets, shower with naked girls, and follow a pacing that never drags, then give it a try.

For nine months in my early 20's, I ran a hardware store next to one of the largest truck stops in the US. I'd regularly come across stuff that would make me feel physically ill. Truck Stop Women was, for me, a little too reminiscent of those sights/experiences. Maybe it was the casting that hit a little too close to home, the prostitutes in this movie definitely looked like lot lizards. The story would have been interesting had there been any character development to support it. Instead, this movie is propelled by mounds of greasy, hairy, unappealing human flesh undulating to the brink of hardcore, without the slightest attempt at generating any pathos towards the central characters. This was pretty much the kind of movie I was looking for when I went down my 70's Drive-In / Exploitation rabbit hole. Now that I've experienced it, I kinda wish I hadn't. Four stars for being shot in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

I watched this movie for three reasons. The first being Claudia Jennings. She's one of the the hottest women ever. The second being John Martino, "Paulie" from The Godfather. He's a cool actor; I also liked him in "Dillinger" where his death scene is one of the best ever. The third being a friend of mine has a cameo, playing a girl who witnesses a truck crashing with her boyfriend in a very memorable, and entertaining, scene. And I really like this movie. The acting is actually good. Dennis Fimple stands out as the likable sidekick. The camera-work flows well, with some creative shots. The story is interesting, and for a drive-in flick, quite complex... so much so I had to watch it a few times to keep up. That's the only low-point though. I kind of wish it were more simple. Not simplistic, simple. But the pace is high and the woman are plenty-hot and the music is enjoyably bad. I recommend this for anyone who wants to turn off, tune out, and have a whiskey or two in the process.

"Anna" (Lieux Dressler) operates a truck stop in rural New Mexico which doubles as a small brothel. She and her daughter, "Rose" (Claudia Jennings) have also taken up hijacking some of the trucks and selling the cargo to some organized racketeers in Los Angeles. However, because they are so successful other racketeers decide to move in and take over. And they won't take "no" for an answer. What they fail to realize is just how adamant Anna is about keeping what is hers and the plans that Rose has for the truck stop once her mother finally relinquishes it to her. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie I will just say that it was a bit heavy on action but rather light on reality. Of course, as a grade-B, drive-in movie it was never meant to be taken seriously anyway so I guess that's okay. Be that as it may, the acting wasn't great and it was clearly lacking in badly needed drama and suspense. Even so, Claudia Jennings looked great and the surprise twist at the end certainly didn't hurt either. Unfortunately, neither of these assets were enough to adequately zero-out the balance sheet and I have rated this movie accordingly. Slightly below average.

When there's 3 murders and 2 * women before the opening credits end, you know you're in for a treat. This was the first movie I saw in a long time where they re-used a chase scene. I always love when that happens. This movie is definitely worth watching.

I can't think of any titles that fit 1970s drive in movies better than "Truck Stop Women". It immediately brings to mind women, trucks, and bad acting. If it were not for Claudia Jennings, this film would have been long buried with the thousands like it. Besides the snappy title and Claudia Jennings, the movie does have some lively country and western songs, but that's about it. You get the expected nudity and truck chases, but surprisingly no explosions (guess it wasn't in the budget). "Truck Stop Women" is truly a 1970s curiosity, that has somehow survived. This will never be confused with a good movie, but is watchable right up to the surprise ending, due to the presence of Claudia Jennings. - MERK