Boxcar Bertha

Boxcar Bertha from 1972 is an action-packed drama, directed by the esteemed Martin Scorsese. This film is a notable stepping-stone in Scorsese's career as it showcases the initiation of his distinctive storytelling approach and his predilection for exploring characters surviving on the fringes of society. Its stars include the sublime Barbara Hershey, the magnetic David Carradine, and the talented Barry Primus.

Backdropped by the desperation and hardship of the Great Depression, Boxcar Bertha tells an engrossing story inspired by the true-life adventures of Barbara Hershey’s character Bertha Thompson. The poor, destitute characters exist within a landscape of social and economic turmoil—ridden with strikes, labor unrest, prohibition, and the prevalent American Railway Union Movement's struggle. Their experiences are reflective of the era, resonating a sense of despair and determination to survive despite the odds.

Primarily, the story unravels the life of Bertha Thompson, the eponymous protagonist, a young woman forced onto a path of itinerancy following the sudden death of her father. Hershey offers a nuanced performance, presenting Bertha as strong, independent, and resourceful, yet equally tender and passionate when entwined in a romantic liaison with David Carradine’s character, Big Bill. From a young naïve woman, Bertha's character metamorphosizes into a train robber and wanted fugitive, reflective of the harsh choices she's to take to survive.

David Carradine’s portrayal of union man Big Bill Shelly is equally appealing. He is presented as an idealistic, passionate, and robust anti-establishment character that falls into the dangerous world of criminality in retaliatory defiance to the brutalities of the oppressive ruling elite. His deep-seated concern for workers' rights, stern opposition to the unscrupulous capitalist world, and his intimate relationship with Bertha are dominant strands that shape his character, making him a prominent force in the narrative.

The film also introduces us to Rake Brown, played by Barry Primus, a New York gambler. He adds an element of the unpredictable and morally complex to the narrative. Rake, along with the characters of Bertha and Big Bill, form a unique triad, navigating the dire realities of the depression era, reflecting on the profound impacts of poverty, and challenging society’s economic disparities.

Boxcar Bertha is no conventional run-of-the-mill action-drama. It is an amalgamation of various elements, including romance, social critique, and action, making it an engaging viewing experience. It is richly infused with railroad imagery, symbolizing the broader narrative of the mobility of life and its simultaneous disarray given the socio-economic context of the film. It presents a series of train heists, gunfights, jailbreaks, and raw violence that adds to the intensity of the story, paired beautifully with the romance and camaraderie that breathes life into the characters.

Being an early work of Scorsese, Boxcar Bertha might lack some of the signature directorial flourishes that later characterized Scorsese’s work. Yet, it bears the roots of his unique storytelling approach, blending an exploration of morally complex characters, social commentary, and intense action sequences, which became dominant attributes of his later offerings. This film also shows an early glimpse of Scorsese's deftness in handling ensemble casts and the simultaneous development of multiple story arcs. His knack for atmosphere creation stands out, evident in his careful execution of the film, making it a must for cinephiles looking to trace the evolution of Scorsese's filmmaking style.

One must also commend John M. Stephens's cinematography for the authentic visuals it offers that help deepen the narrative. The sound design, editing, and other technical aspects of the film contribute significantly to the film's overall appeal. Moreover, Hershey and Carradine's performances, backed by their incredible chemistry, light up the screen, engraining this film in the viewers' memory.

Boxcar Bertha unravels a powerful story beautifully set against the backdrop of the debilitating Great Depression. It is a testament to both Scorsese's potential as an emerging filmmaker and the acting prowess of its lead cast. Interlaced with gripping action sequences, the film offers viewers a glance into the despairing yet resilient human spirit, making it a captivating cinematic experience.