Devil's Angels

First there are no Hell's Angels as in mentioned in the main summery, the MC is the Skulls for you trivia lovers. As is so often the case in many of these summaries their weakness makes me wonder if they actually watched the movie. The movie does have a common plot for the genre, the beat music and slang of the Sixties fills the movie. The leader, John Cassavetes, is one of the not really bad guys, just a guy trying to find his way. So his performance is above what one often sees in these types of movies. Over another normal 60s biker "gang" stereotypes in plot but without the why so common death ending so in so many of films. At least more of a more positive ending

Roger Corman's Devil's Angels which was made at the height of the movie-biker craze in 1967 has three qualities which make this "B" film a devilish good time.

Starring the late-great John Cassavetes as motorcycle gang leader Cody. Cassavates was one of the best actors of the 1960s, yet never really became popular with the mainstream movie goer. He brings a complexity to his character. Torn between "doing-your-own-thing" or "selling-out". As his sidekick is the beautiful and lovely Beverly Adams. Ms. Adams is best known for playing Dean Martin's sexy secretary in the Matt Helm series, Lovely Kravezit. Looking earthy, but sexy, she excels in one of his best on-screen roles.

A fine supporting cast is lead by Mimsy Farmer and veteran character actor/writer Leo Gordon. Out-dated today, but for the times it must rate as one of the top 5 biker films of the decade.

Interesting side note, the movie poster for Devil's Angels is one of the best there is.

This is not a great movie, and it never was. But today, the period foolishness in telling the story of poor, misunderstood counterculture bikers is a hoot! The bikers flaunt their bad-boys image and behavior, but then bemoan the harsh treatment they get from the "citizens" they despise. They--and this film--want it both ways. If this was a new film, I would be more critical of it, but as it is, it's a wonderful time capsule of '60s film-making and ideology. The acting and dialog continually swing from wooden and contrived to endearing and dramatically believable. Cassavetes was truly a talented actor, and this otherwise low-grade movie proves it. I am much more fond his gang leader character than the script or production warrant.

A quickly made follow-up to AIP'S ''The Wild Angels'', ''Devil's Angels''nevertheless provides solid entertainment, as well as some good acting from a game cast. John Cassavetes stars as the craggy head of a motorcycle gang who decides to lead his fun-loving bunch to a mythical place he calls ''Hole In The Wall''.This Nirvana is supposedly a hide-out he has heard of, where they won't be bothered by the outside world of ''Squares'' and can happily debauch to their heart's content. This group, however, is nowhere near as savage as ''The Wild Angels'', and their idea of fun is taking apart a little country store, stiffing the owner, and setting fire to the camper of a couple unlucky enough to accidentally knock over one of their ''Hogs''. But the story turns ugly when they stop in a small town and are accused of rape by the local yokels. Cassavetes brings a certain likability (and even a sense of honor) to his part, Leo Gordon is his usual proficient self as the local Sheriff, and, as a nice, but reckless girl who chooses to party with the gang, Mimsy Farmer (in the second of three films she made for AIP) is lovely and persuasive. The gang members are mostly convincing as well, though Beverly Adams, sporting a Vidal Sassoon haircut (courtesy of her future husband)and an enormous pair of false eyelashes, simply looks ridiculous as Cassavetes main squeeze. The widescreen photography is great, as is Mike Curb's music score, with many numbers performed by ''Angels'' alumni,Davie Allan And The Arrows. ''Devil's Angels'' has just been officially released on DVD by ''MGM'S Limited Edition'' label, and it's uncut, in widescreen, and looks fine. Previously available only as a full-screen VHS tape, double billed with a forgettable TV-movie, ''Return Of The Rebels'', this DVD is a welcome addition to any ''Biker Film''collection.

It's Roger Corman's follow-up to his successful The Wild Angels. Cody (John Cassavetes) leads what's left of his motorcycle gang called the Skulls. They are continuously on the run from The Man. Cody recounts the story of Butch Cassidy's hideout, the Hole-in-the-Wall, and vows to find their own secret place.

Cassavetes should get a bit more gruffy to be a biker. He's too clean. I know that he never has facial hair but this role needs some. Maybe he could have a few day's growth. I am surprised with the humor and it's somewhat too broad. I like the rough general tone of this gang but the almost-rape scene does get very creepy. I don't mind going negative on the bikers as long as the movie doesn't keep trying to push the discrimination narrative. Despite the problematic rooting interest, I would like going apocalyptic on the town. If only they actually did it. The budget would have a problem burning down a town.