Boxcar Bertha (1972)

RATING:	60%
FORMAT:	DVD

(http://www.notrecinema.com)

Hershey Bar

Basically silly movie that uses many very good actors to less effect than should otherwise have been the case. Yet Barbara HERSHEY is fabulous in the lead role and clearly relishes the attention: She never seems to be acting and is effortlessly sensual.

The plot is fine but the lack of any thematic content makes for a less than emotional melodrama: Nineteen thirties Depression-era politics are alluded to but never properly explored. Along with various culture clashes - Northern US Whites versus Southern; Black versus White - this could have been a better movie with more vivid characters.

The film’s modish violence; following in the wake of the earlier and better Bonnie & Clyde; makes the reasons for its being made clear. Nevertheless, it never outstays its welcome, the actors are engaging and they look like they are enjoying themselves: Rather jolly, exploitation fun.

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