Three homicidal maniacs embark on a murderous spree after escaping from an asylum. Meanwhile, one loony's equally unhinged brother (a creepy portrayal by director Ray Dennis Steckler) goes on a lethal rampage of his own.
Steckler, who also co-wrote the compact script with Gene Pollack, keeps the enjoyably lurid story moving along at a brisk pace, ably crafts an on the money gritty'n'pulpy tone, generates a good deal of tension, and stages the fights and chases with aplomb. The moments of brutal violence pack a fierce punch. Moreover, the game cast give it their proverbial all: Gary Kent, Herb Robbins, and Keith O'Brien have a field day as the three wackos, Carolyn Brandt and Ron Burr are appealing as a pair of imperiled newlyweds, Liz Renay really gets put through the ringer, and Joseph Bardo cuts a properly stalwart figure as struggling actor Joe Saxon. Andre Brummer's groovy bebop jazz score hits the swinging spot. Joseph V. Mascelli's crisp black and white cinematography provides a stark noir look. The tight 71 minute running time ensures that this movie never becomes dull or overstays its welcome. A real funky blast.
Steckler, who also co-wrote the compact script with Gene Pollack, keeps the enjoyably lurid story moving along at a brisk pace, ably crafts an on the money gritty'n'pulpy tone, generates a good deal of tension, and stages the fights and chases with aplomb. The moments of brutal violence pack a fierce punch. Moreover, the game cast give it their proverbial all: Gary Kent, Herb Robbins, and Keith O'Brien have a field day as the three wackos, Carolyn Brandt and Ron Burr are appealing as a pair of imperiled newlyweds, Liz Renay really gets put through the ringer, and Joseph Bardo cuts a properly stalwart figure as struggling actor Joe Saxon. Andre Brummer's groovy bebop jazz score hits the swinging spot. Joseph V. Mascelli's crisp black and white cinematography provides a stark noir look. The tight 71 minute running time ensures that this movie never becomes dull or overstays its welcome. A real funky blast.