White dilettante Carol Lee Byrd (a solid performance by Sheila Britt) and her two friends are arrested by mean racist Sheriff Engstrom (a superbly slimy portrayal by Derek Crane) in the deep south for encouraging browbeaten black locals to become registered voters. After both of her friends are killed, Carol winds up being abducted by two sleazy rednecks who keep her at a secluded cabin so they can use her as their own personal sex slave.
Director Joseph P. Mawra, working from a bold script by Herbert S. Altman, tackles the explosive subject matter head-on with unflinchingly confrontational bluntness, maintains a tough seamy tone throughout, and vividly captures the seething racial tension, foul bigotry, and gross intolerance that was sadly prevalent at the time. Moreover, the strong underlying theme about civil rights gives this picture extra provocative substance. The moments of harsh violence pack a fierce punch. Otis Young contributes a powerful turn as determined and impassioned crusader Paul Jackson. Joseph Lesko's rough cinematography gives the movie a certain scrappy authenticity. William Rose's spirited score does the rousing trick. Worth a watch.
Director Joseph P. Mawra, working from a bold script by Herbert S. Altman, tackles the explosive subject matter head-on with unflinchingly confrontational bluntness, maintains a tough seamy tone throughout, and vividly captures the seething racial tension, foul bigotry, and gross intolerance that was sadly prevalent at the time. Moreover, the strong underlying theme about civil rights gives this picture extra provocative substance. The moments of harsh violence pack a fierce punch. Otis Young contributes a powerful turn as determined and impassioned crusader Paul Jackson. Joseph Lesko's rough cinematography gives the movie a certain scrappy authenticity. William Rose's spirited score does the rousing trick. Worth a watch.