If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do?

If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do? is a deeply intense and controversial film that was directed by Ron Ormond and released in 1971. The film starred Judy Creech, Cecil Scaiffe, and Gene McFall while also featuring narration from Estus Pirkle – a renowned Baptist minister whose sermon was the central source material for the film's substance.

True to the nature of exploitation films, If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do? relies heavily on elements of shock, fear, and provocative thematic content to elicit reactions from its audience. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the film is often perceived as a commentary on religious oppression, communism, and Christian fundamentalism.

Judy Creech takes on the leading role of Judy Perliski, a representative of the average American citizen. The struggles and introspections of Judy form an important part of the narrative, acting as a bridge between the larger socio-political themes of the movie and their impact on the lives of everyday people. Cecil Scaiffe, in contrast, embodies a different perspective. He portrays a soldier of the impending communist regime, being set as an antagonistic force. Gene McFall, adds more depth and dimension to the narrative as he portrays himself in the film.

Estus Pirkle, as the narrator, presents the fascinating premise of the film inspired by one of his own sermons. His narration allows the film to examine the possible consequences if America was to fall under communist rule, a concern that was highly pervasive during the period of the Cold War. The film introduces viewers to a hauntingly possible dystopian future, intended to prompt introspection about societal values, faith, and freedom.

Director Ron Ormond is known for his ability to blend controversial subjects with an exploitative style of film-making, and If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do? is no exception. It explores the deeply rooted fears and insecurities in society, woven through a narrative filled with religious allegories, symbolic characters, and evocative storytelling.

The film also examines faith, not solely as a religious institution, but as a deeply personal experience that shapes identities, relationships, and worldviews. It delves into questions regarding freedom, the nature of evil, the manipulation of power, and the overarching struggle between faith and doubt.

It's important to mention the film's abrasively gruesome depictions of persecution and religious oppression. It's these very scenes, while unsettling to some, that serve to underline the severity and dire nature of the film's core message, intending to provoke a reaction from the audience – to make them think, question, and fear the possibility of what they have seen becoming reality.

If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do? possesses a unique place in film history. Akin to many exploitation films of the time, it thrived on the boundaries of mainstream cinema, pushing the envelope and daring to explore taboo and divisive themes. It blurs the line between propaganda and entertainment, and raises widely varying responses from its audience.

The brilliance of If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do? lies in its raw, unadulterated representation of a hypothetical scenario that could change the very fabric of American society. Creators' influence by the zeitgeist of the time, the fear of communism overrunning a capitalist framework, provides the movie its grit and gripping narrative.

In summary, If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do? from 1971 is a unique film experience sure to leave viewers deep in thought and introspection about the complex interplay of freedom, faith, and power. It's a bold exploration of fear as it was experienced during one of the most volatile periods in American history, speculation of a dystopian future and is an unforgettable addition to the annals of exploitation cinema.