Simple pot-boiler finds a group of rebellious teens challenging the establishment and each other, risking their lives and those of others for the trivial kicks of speed. Leader Nicholson is borderline psychotic in his disdain for law & order, and his self-destructive behaviour threatens group cohesion as rivalries emerge in the face of reluctant newcomer Carter.
Nicholson is rehearsing for his future of unhinged characters, allied here with a cohort of relative amateurs (film students) and occasional Corman stable leading lady Carter playing a fragile outsider whose presence Nicholson opposes.
Taut anti-establishment teen tragedy distinguished by Nicholson's acting chops, elevates this minor Corman-classic beyond its rebellious youth cliche.
Nicholson is rehearsing for his future of unhinged characters, allied here with a cohort of relative amateurs (film students) and occasional Corman stable leading lady Carter playing a fragile outsider whose presence Nicholson opposes.
Taut anti-establishment teen tragedy distinguished by Nicholson's acting chops, elevates this minor Corman-classic beyond its rebellious youth cliche.