C.C. and Company

C.C. and Company is an exhilarating, action-packed exploitation film released in 1970. Featuring a star-studded ensemble, including the celebrated football star Joe Namath, the talented and versatile actress, Ann-Margret, and the iconic character actor, William Smith, this movie is truly breath-taking and appealing on different fronts.

Joe Namath, in his first starring role, plays the character of C.C. Ryder, a motorcycle mechanic and amateur racer. Known for his charm and charismatic personality, Namath brings a distinct style and sophistication to his character that is hard to ignore. His performance as an easy-going bad boy attracted to danger injects a palpable sense of grit and authentic liberalism into the narrative.

Co-starring along with Namath is the radiant Ann-Margret, portraying the character of a fashion journalist, Ann McCalley. She shines in her role and adds a touch of romance to the narrative. The chemistry between Namath and Ann-Margret is powerful and lights up the screen. William Smith, on the other hand, plays the role of Moon, the aggressive leader of a biker gang named "Heads". Smith's intimidating character adds a thrilling antagonistic edge to the proceedings. It’s more than obvious that so many distinctive characters give the film a dash of flamboyance.

The film's story is an exciting mix of action, romance, and adventure. It revolves around the carefree motorcycle racer C.C. (Namath), whose life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Ann (Ann-Margret), a fashion journalist who’s been kidnapped by a notorious biker gang. The thrilling narrative unfolds as their paths cross and both are thrown into a world of pandemonium.

Directed by Seymour Robbie, the film showcases a raw and audacious representation of the biker culture in the 70s. Robbie ingeniously crafts a film that is testosterone-fueled, rampant with bike races, bar fights, chases, and rebellious vibes, all of which were a significant part of the biker culture.

In terms of setting, C.C. and Company takes us back to the era of the 70s and brings in a nostalgia for a time when free spirits roared on the open roads, creating their own rules. The open highways, arid landscapes, and the nocturnal bar scenes are depicted in such a way that they become characters on their own, embodying the essence of freedom and rebellion that biker culture symbolized during that era.

The scripts and dialogues, by Roger Smith, are snappy, filled with biker jargons, and relatable humor, further propelling the narrative. He successfully blends suspense, machismo, romance, and action in a captivating mix that keeps the audience thoroughly entertained and engaged throughout.

The film’s music, composed by Lenny Stack, superbly builds up the narrative tension in high-octane scenes while also beautifully underscoring the budding romance. From rock 'n' roll to soulful ballads, the film’s score is a definitive soundtrack of the era, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the 70s.

Cinematography by Lionel Lindon becomes one of the major highlights of the film. Bike races and chase sequences are framed with an authentic eye for movement and pace, adding a thrilling dimension to the film. The attention to detail in action scenes, the play of light in intimate moments, and the vivid portrayal of landscapes, all contribute in creating a visually striking cinematic experience.

If you're a fan of exploitation cinema, 70s biker culture, or are simply enamored by the charm of Joe Namath and the charisma of Ann-Margret, C.C. and Company is bound to captivate you. From its engaging performances and gripping narrative to its memorable soundtrack and compelling visuals, the film promises to take viewers on an exhilarating ride filled with thrill, adventure, and romance. This movie, in all its essence, remains a cinematic jewel of the 70s.