The Great Texas Dynamite Chase

I suppose that I'm a sucker for films of this "sexy bank robbers on the run" category, but I found, to my great surprise, that I really enjoyed this minor entry to the genre. Viewers will no doubt be reminded of earlier films such as "Gun Crazy," Bonnie and Clyde" and "Butch Cassidy...," and of course the later "Thelma and Louise," as this movie enfolds. All those others are certainly superior films, but "Texas Dynamite Chase" still has a lot going for it. Claudia Jennings and Jocelyn Jones make for one sexy team, and the twangy/jangly honkytonk music, authentic-looking locations and credible script make for a very realistic experience. The only thing I had a hard time believing, actually, is just how far these gals get in their bank-robbing spree. The picture also concludes very surprisingly; I certainly did not see that one coming! Despite Danny Peary's comments to the contrary in his book "Cult Movies 2," I found Jennings' performance to be very good, indeed. What a shame that we lost her to a car accident shortly after this picture was made. Her sad real-life fate only makes the high-speed car chases in this film all the more affecting.

One thing for sure, a wild flick like this won't tax the brain. When the two slinky gals, Candy and Ellie Jo, aren't robbing banks in bra-less outfits, they're seducing random guys, or racing somebody's car, or blowing up whatever gets in their way. Need a cup of coffee, just get some dynamite and find a bank. Yeah, this is early women's lib where the girls give orders, not take them-- so move over John Wayne. And guys, you can expect a hormonal surge from the many bed, body, and nude scenes that for sure ain't the 1950's. Speaking of the 50's, is that little Johnny Crawford of The Rifleman (1958-63), now all grown up and playing Slim one of the girls' chosen male desperados. Good to see him picking up a payday. Anyway, things do move along as the production turns LA's San Fernando Valley into a plausible version of rural Texas, especially the back-roads. And brace yourself for a defiant ending that should have those censors of movies past turning in their graves. But I doubt the ending would have been audience accepted even in the '70's had the dynamiters been two guys instead of two nutty gals.

A movie like this is hard to rate since it only compares awkwardly with more conventional types. But for guys especially, the 90-minutes amounts to a slam-bang time passer, while the slam-bang isn't just limited to dynamite or cars.

This is a classic 1970's sexploitation flick.

Two chicks (sorry ladies, but it IS exploitation) rob banks with dynamite.

That premise alone sustained the film. Putting the late great Claudia Jennings (Deathsport, Gator Bait) in the lead was a stroke (hehheh) of genius. She and her cohort basically drive around in shorts and seduce the local men. Basically, they act like male stereotypes.

Anyone renting or watching this probably did so because the title was a grabber. And because of said title, you HAD to know you weren't getting a multiple Oscar nominee.

Another pizza and beer flick for men's movie night.

Starring the late, great Claudia Jennings and the very interesting Jocelyn Jones. The film has a very simple, straightforward story-2 girls rob banks using sticks of dynamite to force the tellers to hand over the cash. They then hit the road in a stolen car to do the same thing all over again somewhere else.

The film actually has some very unique ideas. I won't give those away here. What is the interest in this film though? Why has it become a cult film? I think the answer is the actors. Claudia Jennings photographed very well. Jocelyn Jones has a good screen presence in everything she does-a sort of innocence and Johnny Crawford looks very good on camera. Let's be honest here: what woman or gay man doesn't look at Johnny nude on film and find him very attractive. And a surprise-we actually see a quick glimpse of male genitalia from two different men here. Something that most actors don't allow especially once they've made a name for themselves. So, attractive actors, good acting and some chase scenes that really hold your attention, I can see why there is still interest in this.

Sure, nothing too deep here but it is obvious that Claudia Jenning's short shorts inspired the "Daisy Dukes" costume and I would imagine that the idea for Thelma and Louise was born out of a viewing of this film. It's not bad. I think most people will probably enjoy it.

This 1976 female bank robbers exploitation flick is extremely upbeat, with catchy tunes and wide open Texas vistas. Claudia Jennings is sex on wheels as the leader of a trio of bank robbers. Her partner in crime is Jocelyn Jones, and Johnny Crawford plays a "professional hostage". He also gets to share the "bridal suite" with Jennings and Jones. Not bad work for a marginal singer/television actor. It's also good to be the bellhop who delivers champagne to Jennings in the soaking tub. A trip to a fancy restaurant with a nude dancer (Alice Friedland) is memorable, and the isolated cabin shootout offers plenty of REALLY RED blood. The movie delivers, with ample bank robberies, ample explosions, and ample nudity. One final thought. You rarely see a Rolls Royce used as a getaway car. - MERK