Maggie's Stiletto Sisters (1975)

The leader of an inner city girl gang is challenged when a new girl moves into the neighbourhood.

Director:

Jack Hill

Writers:

Jack Hill (story), F.X. Maier (screenplay)

Stars:

Robbie Lee, Joanne Nail, Monica Gayle

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robbie Lee	...	Lace
Joanne Nail	...	Maggie
Monica Gayle	...	Patch
Asher Brauner	...	Dominic
Chase Newhart	...	Crabs
Marlene Clark	...	Muff
Kitty Bruce	...	Donut
Janice Karman	...	Bunny
Don Stark	...	Hook
Don Marino	...	Guido
Helene Nelson	...	Cherry
Bill Adler	...	Fingers
Paul Lichtman	...	Mr. Clutch
J.S. Johnson	...	Principal Weasel
Kate Murtagh	...	Mom Smackley

Storyline

The "Dagger Debs" are a gang of snarling girls, and Maggie is their newest member. Lace, the ever tooth-gritting leader, befriends her but soon has doubts --it seems Lace's man, Dominic, head of the "Silver Daggers" fancies the new recruit. Lace struggles to keep control of the Debs, and a handle on Nick, as they face off against the rival gang of pushers lead by Crabs.

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Plot Keywords:

lesbianism | grindhouse | grindhouse film | drive in classic | unwanted pregnancy | 

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Taglines:

Lace... Maggie... Patch... Donut... Bunny... The wildest girl gang that ever blasted the streets!

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 May 1975 (USA)

Also Known As:

Playgirl Gang

Filming Locations:

Moonlight Rollerway - 5110 San Fernando Road, Glendale, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$320,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$51,264

Company Credits

Production Co:

Centaur Pictures Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Jack Hill, when interviewed at the 1996 re-release of the film, pointed out that it did have some authenticity - he interviewed girl gang members and rewrote the script. "But the idea of doing a realistic movie about street gangs with beautiful blondes in hot pants was preposterous, so we tried to make it a wacky fantasy."

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Goofs

Lace cuts the necktie from the man in the elevator leaving about 6 inches of tie. When he identifies the ladies with the police moments later his tie is much longer.

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Quotes

Lace: If you go, it's gonna turn out *baaaaad*!

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Connections

Featured in American Grindhouse (2010)

User Reviews

Top notch trash.

Predating the cycle of gang movies by a few years, "The Jezebels" (a.k.a. "Switchblade Sisters") by exploitation icon Jack Hill really is a whole lot of fun. It's colourful entertainment that actually manages to be campy and serious in equal doses. And it does come complete with a feminist statement.

Robbie Lee is Lace, the leader of a girl gang dubbed The Dagger Debs, who are affiliated with a male gang known as the Silver Daggers. She's sweet on Dominic (Asher Brauner), their leader. Laces' world starts falling apart when Maggie (Joanne Nail), a loner, attracts the attention of the gangs (especially Dominic) and rises within the ranks - and gains influence - a little too quickly. Amid the personal problems of the main characters, they must go to war with a gang that masquerades as community activists.

Considering the fact that some of these actresses don't really convince at all as tough gals (especially Lee), and are clearly too old for their roles, they really are a whole lot of fun. Monica Gayle delivers a standout performance as Patch, a gang member who comes to distrust and despise Maggie. A rich assortment of familiar actors in the supporting roles include Marlene Clark as black revolutionary Muff, Don Stark as Hook, Bill Adler as Fingers, Kate Murtagh as butch lesbian prison guard Mom Smackley, and Bob Minor as police officer Parker. Nail definitely looks very hot in various sexy outfits. Co-star Kitty Bruce, who plays the put-upon Donut, is the daughter of Lenny Bruce.

The movie contains some absolute gems of dialogue thanks to screenwriter F.X. Maier; the viewer will find them very quotable. Nails' speech to the cops right before the end credits is hilarious. There's sex and plenty of violence, and some eye catching costumes by Jodie Tillen. And you just know that this is going to a be a most enjoyable film because of the tune "Black Hearted Woman" that's belted out during the opening credits. Many fine scenes include the clichéd action in the penitentiary and the gunfights at the roller rink and in the streets.

Fans of this kind of thing would be well advised to seek it out. It really hits the spot in terms of all of its exploitative elements.

Nine out of 10.