Ever Wanted To “Take To The Road?”
It’s the favorite mode of transportation for the young and free – stick your thumb out and see the world!
Well, that doesn’t sound nice! You see, life “on the road” isn’t all Jack Kerouac…it’s a dangerous world as well!
“Thumbs Up! Knives out!”
Time to look at the exploitation movie genre focused on hitchhiking – and just how horrifically dangerous it can be!
“The Scorching, Reckless Joy Rides Of Wild Girls Of The Road!”
As early as 1958, shrewd movie Producers figured out that women out on the road alone were great fodder for exploitation, especially when filmed in “naturama!”
And a few years earlier, Hollywood knew that life on the road was a thriller! Take a look at this film noir classic from 1952, written and directed by famous movie star Ida Lupino!
In the 70’s, the relaxation of indecency and obscenity rules meant that these hitchhiking films could get more and more outrageous!
“There Is No Such Thing As A Free Ride!”
As you can see, there is no such thing as a “safe ride”! In the 70’s, drive-in theaters were filled with wild exploitative films like this:
“It Was The Longest Ride Of Her Life!”
As you can see, the movie posters promised a film full of young women making bad decisions and paying the price – but these movies were more likely to involve lots of nudity AND revenge!
“Hitch Hike!”
European star Franco Nero starred in this cult film, now being re-discovered thanks to DVD and blu-ray! Here is the trailer for this forgotten classic:
“Hitch Hike” is a psychological thriller that is a rough 70’s gem – but perhaps the most iconic film dealing with the horror of hitchhiking is the 80’s classic “The Hitcher” with Rutger Hauer!
Take A Ride With “The Hitcher!”
This cult classic from 1986 tells a straightforward tale: a young man who escapes from a crazed hitch-hiker – then finds himself framed for the “hitchers” crimes!
As you can see, NOTHING good happens when you pick up a hitchhiker, no matter what these posters suggest!
This is just one category of exploitation film that is so much fun to watch – another classic of exploitation is this one:
Naughty Stewardesses!
Talk about having fun while flying! This genre got its start with the release of the bawdy novel “Coffee Tea or Me?” Read all about it here:
I said earlier that many of these films were actually about empowered females turning the tables on stupid guys…perhaps no more so than this genre:
“Tough as nails” biker chicks are always fun to watch, and you can see the best ones by clicking on my story here:
Sexy Chopper Chicks! “Naked” Cycle Sluts! Sex! Violence! “Hog-sploitation”!
And finally, there was one genre that was so good that even David Hasselhoff got into it!
Yes, “The Hoff” starred in a cheerleader movie! Find out which one by clicking on my story here:
Let me know what your favorite genre of exploitation is!
