Revenge of the Virgins

Revenge of the Virgins is a 1959 western exploitation film directed by Peter Perry Jr., starring Charles Veltmann Jr. (as Charles Robert Jennings), Jodean Lawrence, and Stanton Pritchard. This black-and-white B-movie production takes a bold approach for its time, blending the traditional western genre with eccentric narrative arcs and unexpected elements of titillation, unique to the late 50s exploitation style.

The film opens in the rugged landscapes of the southwestern United States, with a plot centered around a Greedy Railroad Syndicate's efforts to construct a railway line through the heart of Gold Strike country. Charles Veltmann Jr., playing the part of a rugged Old West cartographer, is strong-armed by the Railway Syndicate into drawing the shortest route across the untamed country.

Jodean Lawrence, Veltmann's devoted and spunky wife, supports her husband's pursuit of justice against the ruthless railroad corporates. She serves up a dash of love interest and character compass, standing stalwart by her husband's side while imparting her strong moral values throughout the film.

Stanton Pritchard's portrayal of the unscrupulous head of the Railroad Syndicate adds a dark, menacing contrast to Veltmann's steadfastness, intertwining the strands of greed and power-play prominent in the plot.

As one might expect from the title, 'Revenge of the Virgins' charts an unconventional path amidst the Western genre landscapes. The mysterious tribe of gold-protecting Native American women introduces an unusual twist, further complicating the film's plotline. Immersed in a mythos of their own, these native women are determined to protect their land's precious gold from the impending encroachment.

Contrary to preconceptions, the reference to 'Virgins' in the movie title does not pertain to purity but rather alludes to the untouched gold mines in the territory. These women, endowed with primitive weapons and garbed in gold nuggets, exemplify a stubborn resistance against the industrial-age intruders, daring to protect their land, their gold, and their way of life at all costs.

The cinematography of Revenge of the Virgins, although rooted in the 1950s standards, lends a gritty ambiance to the narrative and does an admirable job of capturing the uniqueness of the plot. The movie employs atmospheric night scenes, suspenseful close-ups, and an array of mid-shots to signify emotive dialogues and dramatic confrontations.

Notably, the film's incorporation of real-life locations adds an authentic charm to its visual composition, allowing viewers to experience the uncompromising expanses of the desert terrain alongside its characters. From high cliffs to desolate flatlands, the natural elements play a pivotal role in establishing the dramatic tension in the film.

The soundtrack, meanwhile, perfectly complements the visual storytelling. Combining traditional, folksy scores with suspenseful undertones, it builds anticipation and adds further texture to the film's drama-filled sequences.

Overall, Revenge of the Virgins comes across as a unique piece, a curious blend of the classic western and late 50s exploitation genres. While it may not conform to conventional cinema, it is characteristic of the daring experimentation and eccentricities often associated with B-movies of this era. It is an interesting exploration of themes such as corporate greed, cultural clashes, rugged individualism, and female empowerment.

Even furthermore, it is a testament to an age where filmmakers dared to explore topics that were generally considered off-limits. Revenge of the Virgins, thereby, serves as an artifact reflecting the edgy, rebellious side of a bygone era in film history. It is undoubtedly a rarity worth watching for film enthusiasts who appreciate old-school charm and peculiarities in cinema.