This low-budget strange film (released in '67), but probably made in '63 has a phenomenal opening shot with the main woman strolling down the wooden boulevard to the strains of "When The Saints Go Marching In" while she proceeds to (on high heels) mess with folk who are already where she has been.
Throw in a corrupt minister, a naive black (young) guy, and a lecherous drunken father and the title of the movie hits you like a rock. But, well-filmed cinematography (B/W); some bikers (who are punks), great locales where they filmed it (Florida or California) and you have a fascinating piece of American Pie with actors who never acted again....but I liked it (and the poster is cool). Can't imagine what people thought when they saw it in a theatre (drive-in or otherwise; in any state) back in the 60's, but well worth the trip. A 5 out 10. Best performance = lead actress (can't remember her name). Check it for gator, cajun, preacher, high-heeled, b/w, jumbo, almost-educational morality types, and just plain American tale of woe and excitement on a Saturday night below the Mason-Dixon Line. Thoroughly captivating and choice, but not a great film.
Plot summary
On a hot night in Dixie, the local shanty tramp heads out for adventure and leaves disaster in her wake. The lust she excites in the local men leads to fights, murders, lynch mobs, ruined reputations, and broken homes.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
April 19, 2023 at 12:44 AM
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B/W Sleaze with Potential! (Spoilers)
Good B movie
The end credits reveal that the original print was burned in a fire and the film was digitally remastered in 2018. It is noticeable with the choppy editing quality and one hour and twelve minute running time.
In spite of those issues, this black and white curiosity is quite entertaining. Eleanor Vaill is Emily, the title character and she is very good here. Miss Vaill must be a ghost because an internet search reveals no biographical information on the actress other than a listing of two other roles in 1967.
A holy roller Joel Osteen type of BS preacher rolls into town and cons the locals into handing over their cash. He spots Emily in the crowd and arranges a hookup with the siren.
In the meantime, a Black man has the misfortune of running into the tramp and he and Emily do not live happily ever after in the deep South of the 1960's.
Do not expect Elmer Gantry but for a quickie low budget effort, Shanty Tramp is worth a viewing.
A great "party film"
This film is so sleazy that you'll want to take a shower after watching it--and that's exactly what makes it so much fun. There's something here to offend and repulse everyone. It's the story of a southern white trash party girl looking for thrills, who lures a virtuous young black guy into destruction, along the way having some unforgettable sexual encounters with (a) a crooked tent-revival preacher, (b) a sadistic motorcycle gang leader, and (c) her own alcoholic father. Cheap production values and obvious first-timer acting only add to the sleazy atmosphere. Crack open a beer and enjoy!