The Big Bird Cage (DVD 2003)

Roger Corman's third WIP (women in chains) movie is in my humble opinion the best film in the subgenre; a sort of slimy magnum opus. There is something here to offend all kinds of viewers. Jack Hill wrote and directed the film and he pretty much creates the ultimate word in misogynous sleaziness. Despite the high level of cruelty, the tone of the movie remains self-spoofing, and a bit reverential. Neither Hill nor the cast seem to be taken the movie seriously, so I don't see why anyone should take it seriously either. Anitra Ford is the nominal star and she cannot say a single line with a straight face. The same goes for the rest of the cast. Pam Grier (she also sings here) and Sid Haig steal many scenes as a couple of revolutionaries. Gratuitous violence and nudity, and even a bit of animal cruelty, will keep viewers glued to the screen while the story moves at unbelievably fast pace. It just does not get better than this. It is a lot of fun.