The Gore Gore Girls

The Gore Gore Girls is a hair-raising thriller with comedic overtones, directed by the iconic Herschell Gordon Lewis, dubbed the "Godfather of Gore." Released in 1972, this film emphasizes the approach Lewis is renowned for — mixing bloodcurdling horror with sardonic humor. The biting satire and campy elements included in the film make it a memorable addition to the genre. Starring Frank Kress and Amy Farrell, with a notable cameo by Hedda Lubin, the movie does a commendable job of continually oscillating between terror and comedy, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Set in the lively urban nightlife, The Gore Gore Girls’ gripping plot revolves around a series of brutal murders of exotic dancers, setting off a wave of fear and dread among the dancing community and patrons alike. Frank Kress plays Abraham Gentry, a suave and cynical private detective hired by a newspaper columnist to solve the horrifying killings and bring the perpetrator to justice. Gentry’s compensation for this daunting task is an eye-popping $25,000, implying the gravity of the situation and the urgency to resolve the case.

Alongside Gentry, Amy Farrell portrays the bright, albeit slightly naively enthusiastic, reporter Nancy Weston. She is persistent, insisting on accompanying Gentry to understand the intricacies of the investigation while hoping to score a career-defining scoop. In retrospect, Nancy can be taken as the movie’s silver lining, providing comedic relief and a stark contrast from the gruesome murder scenes. Meanwhile, Hedda Lubin delivers a memorable cameo as Marlene, unintentionally contributing to the film's humor quotient.

One of the 'grindhouse' genre's standout qualities is on full display in The Gore Gore Girls - the sheer audacity of its graphic violence. The film unflinchingly showcases the grotesque and disturbing act of murders, with special effects that still manage to shock, proving Lewis' genius in the field.

Cinematically, the film holds several facets that are indicative of Lewis’s signature style. The blood and gore are evidently given great emphasis. Yet, the graphic effects of violent scenes are presented in such an absurd and excessive manner that it's hard not to chuckle at the movie's outrageously campy overtones. In between its dark elements, the film is brightened by scenes revolving around everyday life, strategically inserted to break the tension and add an undercurrent of normalcy. Amidst the backdrop of this gripping whodunit, expect to get acquainted with the vibrant go-go bar scene of the ‘70s.

The Gore Gore Girls maintains a steady rhythm of suspense as Gentry progresses in his investigation, careening between the dangers of the dark night world and the relative safety of the bright daylight world. His inquiry primarily focuses on the patrons and staff of the bars where the girls work. Albeit morose, his wit is on display as he seeks to unveil the twisted murderer. His interactions with Nancy, who is often too eager and uninformed, bring an element of humor to their scenes.

With a soundtrack that successfully blends jazz and rock n' roll, The Gore Gore Girls oozes the real essence of the '70s in every frame and complements the visual aesthetics. The music is an effective counterpoint to the visual horror, reinforcing the unsettling contrast between the murders' brutality and the everyday world in which they occur.

The Gore Gore Girls exemplifies the true essence of 'splatter cinema,' combining noir-styled detective storytelling with over-the-top gruesomeness, all ornamented with shots of customary '70s go-go dancing. With the characters displaying caricaturist traits, escalatory suspense builds up intrigue, making the audience wonder who is next and, more importantly, who is the psychopath behind these horrifying murders.

Considered by some as Herschell Gordon Lewis's blood-spattered swan song before his retirement (until his unlikely return in the 2000s), The Gore Gore Girls stands as a potent blend of horror, humor, mystery, and the characteristic low-budget charms of grindhouse cinema, thereby cementing its status as a classic in the annals of cult films. It presents an extraordinary mashup of gore and laughter, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the peculiar fusion of grindhouse, horror, and comedy.