The Jezebels
aka Switchblade Sisters – 1975
Director
Jack Hill

Writers
Jack Hill (story)
F.X. Maier (screenplay)

Cast
Robbie Lee
Joanne Nail
Monica Gayle

Review by Wayne Malin

Excellent drive-in trash,

Film focuses on two gangs–the Silver Daggers lead by Dominic (Asher Brauner) and the Dagger Debs lead by Dominic’s girlfriend, Lace (Robbie Lee). A new girl in town Maggie (Joanne Nail) joins the Debs and becomes friends with Lace–but Dominic wants Maggie. Evil Deb Patch (Monica Gayle) knows this and manipulates Lace into hating Maggie. Also there’s a rival gang, the Crabs, who are trying to take over.

Silly but very engaging trash movie–it’s really an excellent movie OF ITS TYPE! There’s prison fights, lesbian guards, rape, prostitution, feminism, politics, a black female gang and tons of violence and action. There’s also a hilarious (and exciting) shoot out at a skating rink! There was a twist halfway through the movie that I didn’t see coming and it all ends up with a climatic switchblade fight. I can honestly say I was never bored and enjoyed this thoroughly. The script is terrible but it never takes itself too seriously.

As for the acting–Brauner is OK as Dom; Nail is lousy as Maggie and Lee is TERRIBLE as Lace–easily one of the worst acting jobs I’ve ever seen in a movie (and that’s saying something). Gayle was actually pretty good as Patch. Also of note is Kitty Bruce (Lenny Bruce’s daughter) who’s character (Donut) is treated like dirt.

The is NOT a good movie but an excellent trash film. Next to “Coffy” and “Foxy Brown” probably director/writer Jack Hill’s best film… although he DOES call this a piece of trash. He’s right!