Switchblade Sisters (1975)

[Scottie]

Let's talk about a good bad film. When it comes to bad films we can all name a bunch. But when it comes to great bad films we may hesitate for a second. Not me. I have seen Switchblade Sisters and I know that this is as good as a film is going to get. I saw a 35mm print of this film at the Alamo Drafthouse, Ritz in Austin Texas tonight for free for the first time in a year. It is a masterpiece. It has good pacing, a great story, good acting, good direction, locations, dialogue, characters, editing, props, what have I missed? This film is just well put together. From the title sequence where we first watch Lace prettying herself up in front of the mirror for herself and for her outward appearance, to Maggie's final lines in the film, this just rocks. A person I trust called this movie the Casablanca of exploitation films and I have to agree. Absolutely everything in this film came together and made one awesome flick.

It's rare when a film, any film, can nail all of the elements of filmmaking on the head. When the direction of the actors keeps leading the viewer down the path of one character but still keeps you involved in the opposing character, it's a good film. When the editing places all the elements of the story within the character's grasps at all times, it's a great film. When you see characters resolving their differences in the way you've wanted for the entire film, it's one of the best films. And when you suddenly find yourself so engrossed in the film that you're holding back the beers you just drank, just so you can see where the next plot arc is taking you, that's when you know it's a masterpiece. I can't say much about this film because it's like talking about why I like Casablanca or Gold Diggers of '33 so much. It's just one of those films that does it right and I know it. I don't care if everyone else in the world and their mother has seen this film; it's like listening to the Beatles or Mozart: it's the best, I have to love it. It's a complete, whole piece with no missing parts. It is well thought out and well executed. It's complex and yet simple in it's direction. Like fine wine or sushi where we know of what it is made and where we have tried all the parts and pieces before, we suddenly come upon just the right combination of elements that makes the perfect piece.

I ramble, but only to accentuate my point. This movie rocks. See this movie and, in my opinion, come to understand how all of the elements that go into making a film make a good film. SEE IT!

[RCMerchant]

I saw a vhs of SWITCHBLADE SISTERS at the flea market Saterday for $2.00! I'll bet dollars to donuts it's still there...as the dealer has hundreds of movies in random order....so I kinda turned it backwords so the title is not showing....(heh,he) ,being as I ran outta cash,and figured I could pick it up later...!
My perfect good "BAD" movie...that would be the BRAIN that WOULDN'T DIE...closley tied with BRIDE of the MONSTER.

[Andrew]

There is a reader review for this one:

http://www.badmovies.org/othermovies/switchsisters/

I like it too.  Not quite sure why, but the characters do have some sort of understandable honor code that they follow and the story flows along pretty smoothly.  Plus there are double crosses, fist fights, and knife fights to keep your attention.  A girl named Robbie Lee played Lace (She also pops up in "Big Bad Mama" and even as voices in "Rainbow Brite") and her elfin figure helped a lot.  She comes across as both adult and child.