Hollywood Man

Sadistic William Smith vehicle stars Smith as the brawny B-movie actor Rafe Stoker, whose invested heavily in making a biker film, until he runs out of money. He seeks an injection of cash from shady characters who force him to sign away his possessions as collateral - then they hire a loser (Girardin) and his motley crew of misfits to disturb filming so they can collect.

There's some interest in seeing the "film about a film" theme unfold, with the behind-the-scenes type narrative fictionalising the trials of making a B-movie for next to nothing. The tone shifts considerably at midway, as Girardin's gang begin to affect the schedule, their crimes becoming increasingly more daring and deadly. Aside from Smith in the lead role, Mary Woronov is his supportive love-interest, Don Stroud as the easy-going stuntman and Tom Simcox as the no-nonsense lawman. Relative unknown Jude Farese almost steals the picture as the docile thug whose Buddy Hackett-like face belies his killer capability. Interestingly, Woronov co-starred in another "B-film about a B-film" in 1976 titled "Hollywood Boulevard", although the similarities end with her presence.

While the film begins in a relatively tame fashion, the violence escalates to full-blown R-rated status with beatings, murders and rape becoming commonplace, and an unexpected ending that will make some audiences gasp. The beach scene late in the movie where Girardin is emasculated by his disloyal gang leaves an impression, and despite its excess, is quite effective. If you're looking for something a bit different to your average biker film, and don't mind a bit of gratuitous violence, then "Hollywood Man" might fit the bill.