She-Devils on Wheels

She-Devils on Wheels is a rebellious adventure from the late 1960s that vividly captures the counterculture spirit of the era. Directed by infamous exploitation king Herschell Gordon Lewis, the film tells the often chaotic tale of an all-female biker gang, offering up a feminist slant to the typically male-dominated biker film genre. Serving as an exploitation film, it presents a gritty but empowering look at the social and lifestyle dynamics of the time period.

Betty Connell leads the cast as the unmistakable Queen, the fierce leader of an all-woman motorcycle gang known as the Man-Eaters. Queen is irrepressible and unapologetic, her sheer will and determination evident from the initial frames. Connell’s portrayal is intense and confrontational, embodying the rebel ethos that permeates the film.

Opposite Connell is Nancy Lee Noble, who delivers a standout performance as Karen, a newcomer to the gang who quickly learns the ropes. Karen proves herself to be as tough as anyone else in the gang, providing a contrasting perspective to Queen’s more experienced outlook. Accompanying her are Christie Wagner and other female performers, who each serve to create a rich tapestry of distinct and captivating personalities within the Man-Eaters group.

She-Devils on Wheels boldly subverts the traditional gender roles prevalent in the conservative backdrop of the 1960s. The Man-Eaters’ brazen independence rejects mainstream societal norms, as they relish their autonomy while intimidating their male counterparts. This defiant gung-ho attitude serves as the gang's emblem, representing a provocative assertion of women's empowerment.

The day-to-day of the Man-Eaters revolve around bike riding, partying, and challenging themselves with wild and often dangerous pursuits. Herschell Gordon Lewis reinforces the feminist angle by focusing on the ladies' solidarity, their daredevil attitude, the male hazing rituals they perform, and their zest for freedom and excitement.

Importantly, the Man-Eaters’ social life is an integral part of She-Devils on Wheels, reflecting the hedonistic spirit of the late 1960s. The women embrace their love for thrill and enjoyment, living each day to the fullest. They party hard but work harder, often engaging in wild races called “studruns” that underline their tough-as-nails character and fearlessness.

But the film is not without conflict. The Man-Eaters often find themselves at odds with rival male bikers, introducing a conflict that exposes society's disturbing willingness to suppress assertive, liberated women. This battle of the sexes on wheels forms the pulsating core of the film, providing gripping action as well as deep-rooted social commentary.

Shot on a shoestring budget, She-Devils on Wheels' production value might be deemed inferior by modern standards. Yet, it's important to remember the movie's zeitgeist; its frantic energy, and daredevil stunts are all achieved through old-school, creative filmmaking.

Mysteriously, there's an element of camp and absurdity in She-Devils on Wheels, one that is a trademark of Herschell Gordon Lewis’ films. This contributes to the film's charm and unique allure, making it a memorable, if not slightly absurd, viewing experience. There's a reason why Lewis was often considered a pioneer of the exploitation genre, and She-Devils on Wheels is a prime example of his inimitable style.

The raw energy and excitement of She-Devils on Wheels continue to resonate today, making it a fascinating relic from the era of countercultural revolution. While it may be a product of its time, the themes of autonomy, empowerment, and defiance against the status quo continue to reverberate with modern viewers.

With She-Devils on Wheels, Herschell Gordon Lewis offers us a wild ride, one of brittled social norms, unashamed rebellion, and fiercely empowered femininity. One cannot walk away from this movie unscathed or unchanged as it challenges perceptions, provokes thought, and entertains in a way only a 1960s' exploitation movie can.