The Student Nurses

The Student Nurses is a classic, pioneering effort in the "nurses" exploitation genre of the early 1970s. This film, released in 1970, stars Elaine Giftos, Karen Carlson, and Brioni Farrell as the main female leads. It combines elements of social commentary, character-driven storytelling, and a hint of sexual intrigue, making it a representative selection of the drive-in fare of its time.

In essence, this drama emphasizes the reality of being a nursing student and portrays it through the lives of four young women - Sharon, Priscilla, Lynne, and Phred. The film navigates the everyday lives, new friendships, relationship struggles, and the intertwining romances of these four central characters while also shedding light on their journey amidst the impactful nursing profession.

Elaine Giftos stars as Sharon, a dedicated nursing student who also happens to be involved with a self-obsessed intern. The character of Sharon is gripping as she struggles to strike a balance between her personal life and her professional commitments. Giftos shines in her performance, bringing a sense of legitimacy and heartfelt emotion to her role.

Karen Carlson embodies the role of Priscilla, the more liberal and outspoken of the group, who becomes involved with a political activist. Her interactions provide some of the film's most engaging moments, bringing in a political underpinning that makes it more than just another exploitation flick.

Brioni Farrell plays the role of Lynne, a nurse who raises a healthy debate about culture and tradition, leading to some narrative high points. She is shown dealing with her attraction to a Native American, grappling with cultural barriers, laws, and biases, lending an edge to the film.

This movie infuses many societal themes running underneath the surface. There's the medical world with all its challenges, the struggle for women's independence, relationship dynamics, and intercultural exchanges, all coming together to create a narrative that's emotionally engaged and poignantly gripping. Besides, the film handles its sensitive themes with an impressive breadth and depth that feels earnest even in the setting of a hospital.

The cinematography of the movie bends towards realism, which further amplifies the narrative. It brings to life the hustle-bustle of the nursing world, the intimacy of the personal spaces, and the drama unfolding in each character's life. It's hard not to become invested in the characters, their situations, and their development throughout the film.

The Student Nurses is also noted for its impressive direction. Directed by Stephanie Rothman, one of the few women making genre films during this era, the film triumphs in creating an atmospheric setting that feels authentic to its core. Rothman not only crafts an effective exploitation film but also threads social consciousness into its narrative, making it more than just a series of sexual escapades.

Despite the suggestive exploitation aspects, the film manages to surprise its audience with deeply layered characters and moments of actual depth and intellectual jousting. While retaining the essence of what is typically associated with a drive-in flick, The Student Nurses is not completely devoid of subtlety and thematic richness.

While there are hospital scenes, compromised situations, and outfits that give an overall sensual outlook, it must be noted that this movie was less about exploiting its characters and more about exploring their personal growth. It can be perceived as a refreshing change where young women are not merely presented as objects but as complex characters who can embody different roles - as students, professionals, and individuals.

In summary, The Student Nurses is a provocative, yet sensitive portrayal of four young women grappling with the rigors of nursing school while navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships in a continually changing society. Engaging cinematic elements, socially relevant themes, credible performances fused with the right amount of melodrama make this film an intriguing watch. Whether you're a fan of classic exploitation cinema or interested in movies that subtly challenge societal norms, The Student Nurses is sure to entertain and provoke thought in equal measure.