Big Doll House, The (1971)

“Their bodies were caged . . . but not their desires”

An early example of the women-in-prison picture, a 1970s genre that was generally regarded as too hot for the UK.

The extremely popular Pam Grier is a tough lesbian hooker named Grear – and also sings the theme song, Long Time Woman. It was her first major role after being in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.

Grear and four other tough ladies – including Collier, played by top-billed redhead, Judith Brown – generally do what is expected of them: fight, have showers, try to escape and so on.

Roger Corman protégé Jack Hill shot it cheaply in the Philippines, the location for many exploitation films of the period.

Unwatchable trash or a cult classic, depending on your attitude.

The Big Bird Cage (1972) was a follow-up with most of the same cast.

Collier
Judith Brown
Alcott
Roberta Collins
Grear
Pam Grier
Harrad
Brooke Mills
Bodine
Pat Woodell
Harry
Sid Haig
Miss Dietrich
Christiane Schmidtmer

Director
Jack Hill

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