She Mob

She Mob released in 1968 is a sensational, underground cult movie directed by the iconic filmmaker of B-Grade films, Bob Cresse. Set in a crude brave new world, the movie showcases the precarious lawlessness of the metropolitan underbelly featuring a gang of all-women criminals, led by the formidable Marni Castle who plays the stony-hearted, gravel-voiced Big Shim.

The protagonist Big Shim is a volatile, domineering character who that runs a vice ring. With her calculating instincts and ruthless courage, she rules her Blooper Gang with an iron fist. Among her associates, it is the menacing Monique Duval who plays the notorious Sweetie East, who shines the brightest. She encapsulates the raw energy and volatility required of a henchwoman, exuding evil and malice at every turn.

As for the plot, it revolves around Big Shim kidnapping a wealthy businesswoman’s gigolo boyfriend for a hefty ransom. Adam Clyde plays this devilishly charming gigolo by the name of Tony that reels in the viewers with his charisma and suave. However, Shim develops an unhealthy obsession with Tony, leading her to make rash decisions that could jeopardize their plan.

In a series of adrenaline-pumping events, the film beautifully captures the clash of egos, lust, and the power dynamics amongst the She Mob. The women are relentless, wild, and unabashed, reveling in anarchy and celebrating their lawlessness.

The film intensifies as the lives of these rich, power-hungry women entwine with an insecure, assertive gang leader, Big Shim. It takes the viewers on a rollercoaster ride of intense negotiations, surprise confessions, and unexpected alliances. It portraits a world where men are the prey, and women are predators, rendering a twist to the usual storytelling convention seen during the 1960s.

Through the course of the movie, director Bob Cresse exhibits an uncanny knack for capturing and amplifying the characters' darker side, highlighting the raw human emotions of betrayal, jealousy, and fear. He showcases women as predators, a contradictory representation for that era, and adds a wicked sense of humor to it, orchestrating a movie that splits opinions - it is either loved or hated, but never ignored.

The screenplay is blunt and audaciously provocative for its time, challenging society's gender norms. Marni Castle embodies her character’s rebellious spirit, dominating the scenes with her unabashed and unapologetic portrayal of Big Shim. Her power-packed performance, along with the intriguing storyline, makes way for unexpected turns, which contributes to the suspense theory of the movie.

The stark directness of the film holds a mirror up to society introducing them to a world they barely dared to acknowledge. The elaborate storytelling combined with distinctive characters makes She Mob an unforgettable, thrilling narrative filled with suspense and drama.

The cinematography is strikingly gritty, capturing the essence of the alleys and the dingy outskirts of a big city underbelly. The use of dark, destitute imagery throughout the film, along with its evocative background score, adds a layer of intensity and suspense to the narrative. The way every scene is illuminated with hidden shadows and the strategic use of color symbolism shows the high degree of thoughtfulness involved in the film's visual language.

She Mob is not your conventional crime movie of the 1960s. The film, filled with bombshells, plot twists, and a good dose of suspense, delivers a unique brand of explorative storytelling that still makes it a noteworthy watch for film enthusiasts interested in cinema from that era. Its visceral energy combined with an audacious portrayal of societal norms establishes She Mob as a classic movie worth revisiting.

In essence, She Mob is a daring statement of cinematography that sparks conversation long after the credits roll. With its unflinching portrayal of a world run by ruthless women, the film is a powerful, quirky demonstration of B-Grade cinema that went on to inspire a wave of similar movies that followed. Whether you're a lover of underground films or a viewer with an open mindset ready to accept distinctive narratives, She Mob is indubitably a movie you cannot afford to miss.