In the mid-2000s I had access to this TV channel where
I could enjoy all types of exploitation films. It was called Drive-in Classics,
and every now and then I would get caught up into some ‘70’s grindhouse movies.
Little films I would never have discovered
had it not been for that now-defunct channel. So I owe big thanks to the folks
behind Drive-in Classics for introducing me to this week’s featured title which
since then has become one of my favorite flicks to watch.
Filmed in 1976 and picked up by Roger Corman for
distribution, NASHVILLE GIRL tells
the tale of a beautiful and talented songstress who desperately wants to become
the next big thing in country music. So one day she packs up her bags and, with her precious
guitar in hand, heads off to Nashville. She soon finds out that reaching for
the top has many setbacks. Indeed, hardly a day goes by that she isn’t used by men.
At first she recoils from them but soon learns that to make it in show business
one has no way but to submit. Fortunately, this leads to a once in a lifetime
chance to work with a legendary married country star who takes her under his
wing and makes her sing with him to great success. But what starts out as a
platonic relationship soon turns to brute force when he becomes obsessed with
her to the point of raping her. Fed up with the ways of the world and now a
country star herself she vows to make it on her own. As the credits roll we are
left with the notion that she will get there.
Just like in THE
LONELY LADY, SHOWGIRLS or VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, NASHVILLE
GIRL uses the same Girl Caught in a Male
Dominating World theme and delivers a highly enjoyable exploitation flick
that has solid performances and some catchy tunes. Monica Gayle shines as the used,
abused aspiring country singer who eventually becomes wiser as the film
progresses. She may not have the aggressive spunk of a Neely O’Hara or the
slutty way of a Nomi Malone, or even the naïve streak of a Jerilee Randall but
boy does she hold her own. So good of an actress is she that she’s able to go
beyond the clichés to make her character appear sympathetic. A tough job to do
really when one is surrounded by nothing but sleaze. Moreover, what the film
achieves in the looks department despite its meager budget is worth the price of
admission alone. I’ll repeat it here: they sure don’t make them like that
anymore.
The film was a solid success at the box office, mostly due to its appeal overseas. It was then re-released in 1980 as COUNTRY MUSIC DAUGHTER to cash in on the success of the Loretta Lynn biopic COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER. It took some 30 years for me to discover NASHVILLE GIRL, and though I had also seen and enjoyed the Sissy Spacek vehicle recently, it’s Monica Gayle’s performance in NASHVILLE GIRL that stuck with me. Which makes me wonder whatever happened to her? Her IMDb bio reports that she stopped acting in the late ‘70s, which is truly a shame, for her talent should have been celebrated in the subsequent years. I hear that she’s also a blast in SWITCHBLADE SISTERS. I need to check this one out ASAP.
You can still purchase NASHVILLE GIRL on DVD or Blu-ray wherever digital films are sold.
Original Poster |
Until next post—Martin
5 comments:
Sounds like Monica Gayle is a bit of a mystery. She just abruptly stopped acting and disappeared. Makes one wonder what happened to her - did she find love, religion or just grow to be fed up with the trajectory of her career?
Just found your blog and love Cinema Trash as well. You really need to grab a copy of SWITCHBLADE SISTERS--ASAP! You will love it. Also highly recommended are THE BABY (1973) and ANDY WARHOL'S BAD (1977).
Will do. Thx for visiting, Kasey.
SWITCHBLADE SISTERS the one they call Patch ~ whooooooo weeeeeeeee
Definitely get the dvd so you can hear Tarantino’s take on her raw talent...
BEST IAGO EVER ~ ;)
Will do. Thanks for visiting.
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