SAVAGE SISTERS [DVD]

Savage Sisters is a 1974 action-comedy film directed by Eddie Romero and produced by American International Pictures (AIP). Filmed in the Philippines, the movie blends elements of the "women in prison" and jungle action genres, but leans heavily into humor rather than straightforward exploitation. The story is set in an unnamed South American-style "banana republic" undergoing a revolution. The corrupt General Balthazar (Leopoldo Salcedo) plans to flee the country with a million dollars in stolen U.S. aid money. However, revolutionary leader Ernesto (Dindo Fernando) and his tough American girlfriend, Jo Turner (Cheri Caffaro), team up with martial arts expert Mai Ling (Rosanna Ortiz) to steal the money for their cause. Their plans go awry when bandit leader Malavael (Sid Haig) and his one-eyed sidekick (Vic Diaz) double-cross them and take the cash. Meanwhile, prison officer Lynn Jackson (Gloria Hendry) gets roped into the scheme, complicating matters further? The film was marketed as an action-packed adventure, but its comedic tone often undermines the genre expectations. While there are shootouts, betrayals, and even a few martial arts sequences, much of the film plays as a parody, with exaggerated villains and over-the-top dialogue. Some critics found the humor forced, while others appreciated the campy charm. Sid Haig’s performance, in particular, stands out as both ridiculous and entertaining?