This glorious slice of seventies exploitation is reputed to be one of Quentin Tarantino's favourite films and it's easy to see why though even Tarantino would be hard-pressed to come up with anything this mad or this subversive; it even manages to bring Maoist politics into the mix. It also manages to transcend the 'so-bad-it's-good' concept to exist in a netherworld all of its own. As you might guess from the title, this is a feminist gang-movie with the boys taking very much a back seat. Of course, 'acting' is non-existent but director Jack Hill seems to relish his casts limitations, wracking everything up to a Spinal Tap 11. Okay, it's certainly not for everyone but for those who can take it this is perversely enjoyable.

"The Jezebels" is also known as "Switchblade Sisters". And, whatever you call it, it's complete crap. Now this is NOT meant as criticism. It's obvious the folks making this wanted to make a trashy movie and boy did they make a nasty, crappy picture!! It's violent, stupid and even promotes the old rape myth! So, it certainly is not a film to show your mother or Father Jenkins.The film begins with a gang of female punks attacking Maggie in a restaurant. Next thing you know, the ladies are in jail and the leader and intended victim become best friends! Soon, when they are all out of stir, the gang welcomes the newest recruit, Maggie, by raping her. Nice folks, huh? But the victim isn't particularly put out by this and soon she helps them in a gang war. And, before you know it, Maggie is their leader and makes friends with a local lady Black Panthers group and the war is on! But there is a traitor within the gang and Maggie's reign might be coming to a swift end. And, when the film ends, it sure looks as if there will be a sequel--which there wasn't.There really isn't a lot of good in the film. It's super-violent and sadistic and unrepentantly nasty. And, because of that, the film is, in a sick way, quite entertaining---sort of a guilty pleasure if you are a bad movie buff.

Switchblade Sisters (1975) ** 1/2 (out of 4) Trashy cult classic from Jack Hill has new girl Maggie (Joanne Nail) joining up with a female gang being ran by Lace (Robbie Lee) but soon everyone's loyalty is tested when a rival gang causes trouble. If you're looking for a thought-provoking, deep and serious look at females in trouble then it's best you go check out some talky foreign film. If you want sleaze, nudity, violence, cat fights and that sort of thing then Jack Hill's film is just what you're looking for. It's easy to watch this film and realize why it has become a cult favorite over the years because there are just so many classic scenes within the genre. While the film isn't perfect and there are certainly some weak moments, there's still no question that the film contains some of the best scenes from this type of exploitation picture. One such scene happens rather early on when the girls are sentenced to a jail and they come under attack from a large woman who is the boss. What happens during the two attack scenes are just priceless and will have the viewer rolling. Another terrific scene happens towards the middle when there's a violent gun battle at a roller rink. Purely priceless this scene is. The performances aren't what we'd consider "good" but I think everyone fits their roles just fine. This is especially true of Nail and Lee. It's also fun seeing Lenny Bruce's daughter Kitty in the cast as Donut. Hill keeps the film moving at a very good pace and there's all sorts of fun to be had throughout. SWITCHBLADE SISTERS deserves its cult reputation without question.

"Switchblade Sisters" is little more than a cheaply-made 1970's exploitation movie. Quentin Tarantino may have liked it, but it's not for everyone. The main actresses, Bonnie Lee and Joanna Nail, look too pretty to be the leaders of a tough all-girl street gang. The costuming shows '70s bad taste, not likely to look tough on any gang member. And there aren't any stars to speak of that appear. Although you can see Don Stark from "That '70s Show" as Hook of the Silver Daggers, and Kitty Bruce, daughter of the late Lenny Bruce, appears as Donut of the Dagger Debs. If you're really into action movies, or 70's-era kitsch, you might enjoy it. You might even get a good laugh out of it! Otherwise, don't waste your time!