Boxcar Bertha
| Boxcar Bertha | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Martin Scorsese |
| Produced by |
Roger Corman Samuel Z. Arkoff (uncredited) |
| Screenplay by |
Joyce H. Corrington John William Corrington Martin Scorsese (uncredited) |
| Based on |
Sister of the Road by Ben L. Reitman |
| Starring |
Barbara Hershey David Carradine Barry Primus Bernie Casey John Carradine |
| Music by |
Gib Guilbeau Thad Maxwell |
| Cinematography | John Stephens |
| Edited by | Buzz Feitshans |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | American International Pictures |
Release dates | June 14, 1972 |
Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $600,000 |
Boxcar Bertha is a 1972 American film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a loose adaptation of Sister of the Road, a pseudo-autobiographical account of the fictional character Bertha Thompson, written by Ben L. Reitman.[1] It was Scorsese's second feature film.
Plot
The film tells the story of Bertha Thompson (played by Barbara Hershey) and "Big" Bill Shelly (played by David Carradine), two train robbers and lovers who are caught up in the plight of railroad workers in the American South. When Bertha is implicated in the murder of a wealthy gambler, the pair become fugitives.
Cast
- Barbara Hershey as Boxcar Bertha
- David Carradine as Big Bill Shelly
- Barry Primus as Rake Brown
- Bernie Casey as Von Morton
- John Carradine as H. Buckram Sartoris
- Harry Northup as Harvey Hall
- Victor Argo as First McIver
- David Osterhout as Second McIver
- Ann Morell as Tillie Parr
- Marianne Dole as Mrs Mailler
- Joe Reynolds as Joe Cox
- Grahame Pratt as Emeric Pressburger
- 'Chicken' Holleman as M. Powell
Production
After the success of Bloody Mama, Roger Corman wanted to make another female gangster film. Julie Corman researched female gangsters and came across the story of Boxcar Bertha. Martin Scorsese was hired to direct on the strength of his first feature. He was given the lead actors, including Barbara Hershey, David Carradine, and Barry Primus, and a shooting schedule of 24 days in Arkansas.[2] The Reader Railroad was used for the train scenes.
Scorsese makes a cameo in the film as one of Bertha's clients during the brothel montage.[3]
See also
References
- ↑ Thompson, Howard (August 18, 1972). "The Screen: 'Boxcar Bertha' Tops Local Double Bill". The New York Times.
- ↑ Chris Nashawaty, Crab Monsters, Teenage Cavemen and Candy Stripe Nurses - Roger Corman: King of the B Movie, Abrams, 2013 p 120
- ↑ Gary A. Smith, The American International Pictures Video Guide, McFarland 2009 p 33
External links
- Boxcar Bertha at the Internet Movie Database
- Boxcar Bertha at AllMovie
- Boxcar Bertha at the TCM Movie Database
- Boxcar Bertha at Rotten Tomatoes