Oct 28 2009
Cut-up Pinups
CENTERFOLD GIRLS (1974)
Dir.: Michael Reeves
Cast: Andrew Prine, Jennifer Ashley, Tiffany Bolling, Teda Bracci
Plot: Three lovely ladies are stalked by a self-righteous fanatic who wants to punish them for the sin of posing nude in a magazine.
Thoughts: This exploitation thriller is a juicy slice of purely f’ed up sleaze. I think the moment that epitomizes this is a scene where B-movie veteran Aldo Ray tries to rape a girl, who is so traumatized from narrowly escaping being violated the previous night she just submits to him. He then says probably one of the most odious lines in exploitation history: “Nah, honey, when it comes that easy it ain’t worth it,” and leaves.
The anthology-like structure lends the flick a unique feel. Andrew Prine delivers a very believable psychotic performance as the killer that links the triptych, and somewhat reminds me of Joe Spinell’s sadistic turn in MANIAC. Overall, one kick-ass exploitation sickie.
Rating: ***1/2
