I must admit, I had never heard of this movie until I discovered it on Netflix, but I am so glad I did. This movie was directed by Jack Hill (Coffey, Big Bird Cage, Foxy Brown etc.) in 1975, its an exploitation film about a gang of young girls standing up against another rival gang who has more guns and firepower than they do.
This film is definitely an over the top view of women gang members, but it does raise up some interesting ideas in the film. Here it seems the guys who are in charge are made to be seen looking like goons while the girls are always plotting away at schemes. in fact when it comes time for the men to step up and fight the women kick them out and form their own gang the Jezebels. They team up with an all black female group and take back the streets.
I must say I instantly fell in love with Robbie Lees character Lace. She was very spunky and always looking to through down for her man. She always commanded attention from her fellow gang members. Its also good to note that the character Donut is played by Kitty Bruce, Lenny Bruce’s daughter.
"Lace" teaching "Donut" a lesson in manners...
This movie also featured Kate Murtagh, who was also in Doctor Detroit. In this film she played the lesbian warden over the juvenile detention area, that the girls are kept in. Give this film a try, it was quite entertaining. Robbie Lee pumps out a great performance, so does Joanne Nail as Maggie. They proved they could be bad ass chicks with switchblades and chains.