Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill!
Overview
Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill! is a 1965 American exploitation film directed by Russ Meyer and co-written by Meyer and Jack Moran. This cult classic is known for its over-the-top style, strong female characters, and a plot that combines elements of violence, sex, and adventure. The film follows three go-go dancers who embark on a spree of kidnapping and murder in the California desert.
Plot Summary
The movie begins with an introduction to the three main characters: Varla (Tura Satana), Rosie (Haji), and Billie (Lori Williams). These go-go dancers are known for their provocative performances at a club in California. After their shift, they decide to spend their free time racing their sports cars across the desert salt flats. During one of these high-speed games of chicken, they encounter a young couple, Tommy (Ray Barlow) and Linda (Susan Bernard), who are out to run a timed trial of Tommy’s car.
The encounter escalates into a fight, and Varla breaks Tommy’s neck. The three dancers then kidnap and drug Linda, planning to leave her on a bus out of town. However, they need to fuel up first, which leads them to a gas station where they meet a wheelchair-using old man and his muscular, dim-witted son. The gas station attendant informs them that the old man received a large insurance payout after a railway accident and is believed to be hiding the money somewhere on his decrepit ranch in the desert.
Intrigued by this information, Varla suggests they visit the ranch to search for the money. The group heads to the ranch, where they encounter the old man, his younger son (known as The Vegetable due to his feeblemindedness), and his elder son, Kirk. The dynamics between the characters become increasingly complicated as they try to outsmart each other and find the hidden cash.
Key Characters
Varla (Tura Satana): The lead character, known for her tough and seductive nature. She is described as a velvet glove cast in iron and is the driving force behind the group’s actions.
Rosie (Haji): One of the go-go dancers who is equally seductive and dangerous. She plays a significant role in the plot, especially in her interactions with Kirk.
Billie (Lori Williams): The third go-go dancer who is more innocent and naive compared to Varla and Rosie. She is also the first to be eliminated by Varla.
Linda (Susan Bernard): The kidnapped girlfriend of Tommy. She starts off as an innocent and naive character but evolves into a more desperate and determined survivor.
Kirk (Paul Trinka): The elder son of the old man who is initially portrayed as weak but eventually shows strength and determination.
The Old Man (Stuart Lancaster): A reclusive and lecherous old man who is believed to be hiding a large sum of money. He is eventually killed by Varla and Rosie.
Cast and Crew
Director: Russ Meyer
Screenplay: Jack Moran
Story: Russ Meyer
Cinematography: Walter Schenk
Edited by: Russ Meyer
Starring:
Tura Satana as Varla
Haji as Rosie
Lori Williams as Billie
Ray Barlow as Tommy
Susan Bernard as Linda
Paul Trinka as Kirk
Stuart Lancaster as The Old Man
Film Posters and Artwork
The film’s posters and artwork are iconic and have contributed significantly to its cult status. The original poster features the three lead actresses in provocative poses, emphasizing their curves and seductive nature. The artwork often includes elements of violence and sex, reflecting the film’s themes.
For those interested in owning a piece of this cinematic history, the film’s posters can be found in various formats, including framed prints and canvas prints. These make for unique additions to any film enthusiast’s collection, serving as a visual representation of the film’s bold and provocative style.
Reception and Legacy
Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill! has been praised for its bold direction and strong female characters. The film’s blend of violence, sex, and adventure has made it a cult classic, appealing to audiences who appreciate exploitation cinema. The film’s legacy extends beyond its initial release, with it being re-released in 1995 and continuing to influence filmmakers and artists.
The film’s lead actress, Tura Satana, was known for owning her image and likeness, which sometimes led to disputes over the use of her image in promotional materials. This aspect of her career highlights the complexities involved in managing one’s image in the entertainment industry.
Technical Specifications
Release Date: 1965
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $45,000
Running Time: 83 minutes
Production Companies: EVE Productions
Distributed by: RM Films International
Box Office Performance
The film’s box office performance was modest, with a reported $36,122 in revenue from the 1995 re-release. Despite this, the film’s cult status and influence on exploitation cinema have made it a significant contribution to the genre.
User Reviews and Interpretations
The film has been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing it as a feminist statement and others as a commentary on human sexuality. The characters each represent different aspects of female sexuality, from innocence to dominance, and the men are portrayed as symbols of power and emasculation.
User reviews often praise the film’s cinematography and fight scenes, noting the real skill displayed by the director and cast. The story is described as brilliant and reminiscent of Greek tragedies and Shakespearean lessons, with new symbols of human sexuality emerging with each viewing.
Conclusion
Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill! is a classic exploitation film that continues to captivate audiences with its bold direction, strong female characters, and provocative themes. The film’s legacy extends beyond its initial release, influencing filmmakers and artists with its unique blend of violence, sex, and adventure. For those interested in owning a piece of this cinematic history, the film’s posters and artwork are available in various formats, including framed prints and canvas prints, making for unique additions to any film enthusiast’s collection.
Related Works
For those interested in exploring more of Russ Meyer’s work or similar exploitation films, there are several recommendations:
Motorpsycho (1965)
Vixen (1968)
Supervixens (1975)
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)
Mudhoney (1965)
These films share similar themes and styles, making them great additions to any collection of exploitation cinema.
Final Thoughts
Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill! is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploitation cinema or the work of Russ Meyer. The film’s bold direction, strong female characters, and provocative themes make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences. Whether you’re a film enthusiast looking to add to your collection or simply interested in exploring this cult classic, Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill! is an experience you won’t want to miss.
