Truck Stop Women (1974)

Gripping story with well-crafted characters

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Lieux Dressler ("Kingdom of the Spiders") plays Anna, an enterprising sort of woman who runs a prostitution and hijacking business out of a truck stop. And business is definitely good. Good enough that the Eastern mob steps in, determined to have a piece of that pie. Unfortunately, what's working against Anna is that her daughter Rose (drive-in goddess Claudia Jennings, "Gator Bait") is rebellious and making time with the enemy.There is no shortage of colorful and seedy characters in this lively example of the drive-in movie genre. The script by Paul Deason and producer-director Mark L. Lester ("Class of 1984", "Commando") nicely sets up a bunch of stirring action set pieces and a respectable level of sleaze. One can hardly fail to notice how often Ms. Jennings shows off the goods. The film also has a decent sense of humor and is on occasion serious without ever getting TOO serious. It's extremely well shot in Techniscope widescreen by John Arthur Morrill, and features a flavorful assortment of music composed by Big Mack & The Truckstoppers. It begins with a bang - several, actually - and there's rarely a let-up until the abrupt and downbeat conclusion.Jennings delivers a standout performance, but the entire main cast is engaging: Dressler as the fiery Anna, John Martino (Paulie Gatto in "The Godfather") as mafia goon Mr. Smith, Paul Carr ("Brute Corps") as the easygoing Seago, Dennis Fimple ("House of 1000 Corpses") as worry-wart Curly, Gene Drew ("Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw") as the ornery Mac, Jennifer Burton as Tina, Dolores Dorn ("The Candy Snatchers") as Trish, Len Lesser ('Seinfeld') as the playful Winter, and stunt coordinator "Speed" Stearns as Smiths' flunky Rusty.In general, this is agreeable formula entertainment: fast-paced, fairly violent, sexy, and funny. Good fun for fans of the genre.Seven out of 10.

Regarding the production of Truck Stop Women. Has anyone seen the news lately? Phil Gramm, yes, that Phil Gramm, the former Senator and now MCCain adviser was one of the producers of this schlock. ( schlock in the most favorable connotation possible. )Also, he apparently kicked in about $15 grand or so for the production. Doesn't this suggest he might not be the best candidate for a cabinet position under John MCCain?I wonder if Mr. Gramm invested in this film as a pure business decision without regard to the moral implications. Time will tell!Amazed on the East Coast!

I watched this movie for three reasons. The first being Claudia Jennings. She's one of the the hottest women ever. The second being John Martino, "Paulie" from The Godfather. He's a cool actor; I also liked him in "Dillinger" where his death scene is one of the best ever. The third being a friend of mine has a cameo, playing a girl who witnesses a truck crashing with her boyfriend in a very memorable, and entertaining, scene. And I really like this movie. The acting is actually good. Dennis Fimple stands out as the likable sidekick. The camera-work flows well, with some creative shots. The story is interesting, and for a drive-in flick, quite complex... so much so I had to watch it a few times to keep up. That's the only low-point though. I kind of wish it were more simple. Not simplistic, simple. But the pace is high and the woman are plenty-hot and the music is enjoyably bad. I recommend this for anyone who wants to turn off, tune out, and have a whiskey or two in the process.

this movie falls in to the"its so bad its good catergory" bad acting,terrible corny dialog,a first class laugh riot!! pick it up if you get a chance.this film is blessed by the presence of the great john martino, and i couid never figure out why he disapeared after just a handful of movies,i thought he was great in this film,and as joey amato in capone, and of course paulie gatto in the godfather.