Chained Girls

Chained Girls, released in 1965, is an exploitation film that delves into the burgeoning New York lesbian scene of the mid-60s. Directed by notorious exploitation filmmaker Joseph P. Mawra and written by Joel Holt and George Weiss, the movie stars Joel Holt as the Narrator, Marlene Eck as Ann, and June Roberts as Jane. Despite its vintage, it is considered a shoddy and rather outrageous film by today's standards, exploring themes filled with stereotypes and homophobic sentiments typical of the times it was created in.

The movie attempts to follow a documentary format, with Joel Holt providing an overview of the pseudo-science and sociology behind same-sex relationships between women. The film tries to shed light on the intimate and secretive lesbian world inside a supposedly modernizing society. As we venture into this film, Holt introduces us to the intricate definitions and characterizations of different types of lesbians, which include bull-dykes, femme-dykes, and baby-dykes.

Chained Girls is filled with scenes depicting the lives of lesbians, capturing their intimate moments, public encounters, and private rendezvous. Interestingly, the life of Ann, played by Marlene Eck, and Jane, portrayed by June Roberts, forms the movie's subplot. The two characters are depicted as passionate lovers, portraying contrasting characters. Ann is shown to be older, dominant and experienced while Jane is younger and more submissive.

The film moves at a slow pace, with a hefty number of presented situations built around dramatizations and staged scenarios intended to educate and shock the audience. The scenes are filled with lurid incidents and dirty secrets unveiling a portion of the then lesbian culture. The choice of black-and-white format lends an air of supposed authenticity, evoking both the era's stylized visuals and its cultural conservatism.

Chained Girls is absolutely indoctrinated with alarmist conjecture, suggesting that 1 in every 10 people, specifically women, are likely to become lesbians due to the changing societal constructs, such as the rise of women's independence and increasing gender equality. The movie emphasizes this point by presenting several suggestive theories supported by staged interviews and incidents to make its case. However, seen from a contemporary lens, the film's arguments could be laughable, if not distressing, for promoting homophobic stereotypes and misconceptions.

The film thrives on sensationalism and shock-factor, rather than making a genuine attempt to understand and portray the subtleties and complexities of lesbian relationships. Moreover, within its frazzled narrative, the film also explores topics that lie in the realm of outlandishness, such as witchcraft, nudism, and risqué parties, insinuating that such elements are deeply merged with the lesbian culture.

Joel Holt's narration, with his unchanging delivery and abrupt interjections, brings about a peculiar charm and morbid curiosity to the storyline. The characters give stiff, unpracticed performances, which seem deliberately staged to create a dramatic effect. Marlene Eck and June Roberts put up a brave effort in their roles within the restraints of a dated script and unlikely direction, adding a slice of exaggerated passion, fear, and resentment to the narrative.

Despite its offensive content, the movie has gained a cult following, often drawing film enthusiasts keen on exploring the evolution of sexual orientation portrayal in cinema. The film paints an exaggerated, fear-mongering picture of the lesbian subculture that existed in New York City in the 60s, presenting it as a fast-growing phenomenon that posed a supposed threat to society.

In conclusion, Chained Girls is an oddly interesting cinematic spectacle displaying exploitation filmmaking of the era. However, the film's sheer audacity and outdated, hyperbolic depictions of lesbianism make it a disconcerting watch. Despite its glaring flaws, the film offers an intriguing look into mid-60s era where society was shaking off the shackles of tradition and grappling to understand concepts of sexual diversity and acceptance.