Schlock-Wire: VCI Digs Deeps Into Low-Budget History For Their DRIVE-IN GRINDHOUSE Set
This 2-DVD set from VCI has been out for a little while but it's being reported on the Schlock-Wire because it's unique enough to deserve a mention. It includes letterboxed, enhanced transfers of four obscure low-budget films produced between 1965 and 1979. VCI was kind enough to send Your Humble Reviewer a copy to review so each film will get a review here. In the meantime, here's a breakdown of its contents for the curious...
VCI'S DRIVE IN GRINDHOUSE:
Not just a collection... an experience!!!
THE FARMER'S OTHER DAUGHTER (1965) “She’s a Haystack Hooker” - Salesman Jim Huckleberry (William Michael) isn’t much interested in agriculture until he meets farmer’s daughter June (Judy Pennebaker), which greatly increases his willingness to engage in a bit of plowing. He convinces June and other local lovelies to wear his newly invented bathing suits in a Fourth of July beauty contest--unaware that they disintegrate in water. Further complications result in the arrival of the militia and an unexpectedly explosive finale!Director - John HayesCast - Judy Pennebaker, William Michael, William Guhl, HarryLovejoy, and Jean Bennett1.85:1 Color Runtime: 84 minutes NR PSYCHEDELIC FEVER (1968) The generation that went to pot is profiled in this kaleidoscope of ‘60s drug culture! It’s a cross between a serious documentary and drive-in exploitation - Why lie? This isn’t good. But, there’s plenty of cool footage of San Francisco’s love generation, and it’s interspersed with scenes of randy flower children cavorting in the nude at the drop of an illicit smokeable! The financing for the “special effects” (endless LSD “trip” sequences) may have come from the refund of a bus ticket to Barstow. Hey, this is cinéma vérité, baby!Schlockumentary Rated R1.85:1 Color/Black & White Runtime: 72 minutes UP YOURS - A ROCKIN' COMEDY (1979) Story – it has one? Well, it’s supposed to be an erotic comedy smorgasboard of blackout gags inspired by goings on by the wacky tenants of an apartment hotel. The overall production makes Ed Wood seem like Stanley Kubrick. But remember there is at least one good thing -- a tripod is used to steady the camera…most of the time. A violation of the “movie lemon law,” or a cult classic? You be the judge.Director - Eddie Ryder and John HayesCast - Cindy Morgan, Eddie Ryder, Colleen Meeker, ThomasNewman, Debbie Daws1.85:1 Color Runtime: 115 minutes Rated R SUMMER SCHOOL (1979) Cut-rate “If this vans rockin’, don’t bother knockin’” classic for teensploitation schlockophiles. It’s all here: jocks, boogie boardin’, a candy ass doofus, and plenty of shag van vs. four wheelin’ gangs with elevated hormones. The “acting” makes “Police Academy” seem like “Becket” in comparison, and everything else is bottom of the barrel, too. With lines like “I’m Rachel, fly me,” you can’t miss. So what if Ms. Magazine won’t give it any awards?Director - Bethel BuckalewCast - John McLaughlin, Shelly Horner, Phoebe Schmidt, StevenRose and Verkina Flower1.85:1 Color Runtime: 84 minutes Rated R
UPC:089859061028 / ITEM #:KPF610 /ISBN: 1-55739-628-0CASE LOT QTY: 30 / ASPECT RATIO: 1.85:1/ Dolby DigitalNTSC/ All Region / English Language/ 14mm ‘Amaray ’ CaseRun Time: 186 minutes / Black and White