Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
Encyclopedia
Slaughter’s Big Rip-off is a 1973 Blaxploitation
film which was released during the 1970s Blaxploitation film era. It is directed by Gordon Douglass. From its famous tagline “The mob put the finger on Slaughter …so he gave them the finger right back curled around a tight trigger” the sequel is a crime/drama/action film protagonized by football legend Jim Brown
.
had ended. Slaughter, a fierce Vietnam Veteran and ex Green Beret
had avenged the death of his parents by killing the gangster/ mob member- who was responsible for their death- in Mexico
. The sequel is relocated in Los Angeles
, California
- a place that Slaughter sought to escape the past events and begin his attempt to a tranquil life in the beautiful city of angels. The film opens up with Slaughter (Jim Brown
) at a friend’s house during a lavish outdoor picnic/lunch celebration. The new crime boss, Duncan played by Ed McMahon
is now after Slaughter, for having killed ex Mafia Boss, Dominc Hoff from director Jack Starrett’s 1972 Slaughter . The viewer sees a change in theme as the mob is now after Slaughter to settle the score. The opening scene begins with and old World War One biplane flying by the outdoor celebration and then opening fire on the members at the picnic. It resulted in the graphic death by headshot of Slaughter’s friend which reignited the old spark of fury and rage that Slaughter had when he was told of the death of his parents. Duncan’s first assassination attempt in essence was a failure and only proved to wake up a sleeping beast. He therefore, hired a new hit-man named Kirk-played by Don Stroud- to bring Slaughter to his own demise. Rather than being in protective custody under the supervision of Duncan’s crooked cops Slaughter remains on the streets and is now out for his new enemy, Duncan. Slaughter’s new friend, who is a police detective, Agent Reynolds warns him of the looming danger and that his life is in peril. Slaughter also has a girlfriend named Marcia played by Gloria Hendry
, who is also being targeted by the mob under Duncan’s orders to further provoke Slaughter. Slaughter makes an agreement with Detective Reynolds played by Brock Peters
, to obtain confidential documents of the mafia’s operations. Duncan, the mobs new syndicate is the exact opposite of Slaughter. He has shaggy dog hair parted down the middle, big flashy glasses, and a beer belly. Nonetheless, Slaughter acquires a semi-sidekick pimp, who is a coke drug addict to assist him in breaking into Duncan’s safe house and successfully escape with the documents. After brutal gun fights, Slaughter and his pimp kill several of Duncan’s guards and fellow mobsters and then break into Duncan’s safe, successfully stealing the confidential documents. In response, Duncan sends out his top-ace hit man Kirk, played by Don Stroud
, to kidnap Slaughters girlfriend. Duncan’s efforts to get the documents back served to no avail. Metaphorically speaking Duncan bit off more than he could chew. Slaughter was a fierce “black buck” and successfully brought Duncan to his own demise. (Slaughters Big Rip-Off 1973)
had Shaft
, Fred Williamson
had Hammer and Jim Brown
had Slaughter. Although the football player turned thespian had a handful of film roles going back to the mid-60s, Slaughter represents his first real starring vehicle. While not critical favorites by any means, Slaughter and its sequel Slaughter’s Big Rip-off are action-jammed fun in the typical AIP (American International Pictures) tradition.”
“This go around Jim Brown
, as Slaughter, actually tightens in the reigns and proves himself the tight-lipped bad-ass we want from an action hero; a decent guy, who may mix with low-lifes but shall never be tainted by them, he is practically godly.”
“Historically and structurally speaking, this sequel is a much better film than the original 1972 Slaughter. Jim Brown plays an aggressive but also sexy character. Richard Williams stars as Creole the Pimp and Ed McMahon
is the Mr. Big Mafia Boss. Reynolds also gives a stellar performance as a hard-ass police detective. Last but not least, there is a great soundtrack by James Brown
and his band. This truly is a 70s action thriller.”
.
Tracks:
as Slaughter
Ed McMahon
as Duncan
Don Stroud
as Kirk
Brock Peters
as Reynolds
Gloria Hendry
as Marcia
Dick Anthony
as Williams Joe Creole
Art Metrano
as Mario Burtoli
Judith Brown as Norja
Jacquliene Giroux as Mrs. Duncan
Eddie Lo Russo as Arnie
Russ McGinn as Harvey Parker
Hoke Howell as Jimmy Parker
Chuck Hicks as Lyle Parker
Russ Marin
as Crowder
Nick Benedict
as Gains
USA 31 August 1973 Slaughter 2/Slaughter’s Big Rip-off
Austria March, 1977 Der Sohn des
Sweden 4 March 1974 Slaughter slar till
West Germany 18 March 1977 Der Sohn des
France 23 October 1974 Lo executer noir
Spain (not specified) Masacre Dos
On DVD/VHS:
January 9, 2001 as an entertaining 70’s action/drama movie.
Subtitles for the DVD are available in Spanish and French. However, the DVD was only distributed in the U.S. and Canada by studio MGM (video and DVD). It has a runtime of approximately 92 minutes.
• It was produced in association with the American International Pictures filming company. The majority of the filming took place in Los Angeles, California.
• It is Rated R for brief nudity, adult language, violence, and adult situations. The sequel also features and explores themes such as inner city blues, lone wolves, vigilantes/ vigilante justice, as well as heroic missions.
• Jim Brown’s “Slaughter” character is the highlight of his filming career.
film era and gave rise to several films that included black actors/actresses.
Blaxplotation movies/films, such as Hammer
, Shaft
, Slaughter’s Big Rip-off and others proved that black actors like Jim Brown
or filmmakers such as Melvin Van Peeble possessed a strong box-office appeal “and despite many of the films by white Hollywood, black audiences finally saw the recognition African American actors, directors, and writers deserved, and fought for since the early days of silent film. In retrospect, Blaxploitation
and the legacy it left behind have been acknowledged as a positive contribution to African American film history.”(www.separatecinema.com) Segregation
within the film industry was thus, also coming to an end and new foundations were being established for the African American Community within the film industry. http://www.separatecinema.com/exhibits_blaxploitation.html Opportunities that had not previously been attainable by African Americans in the post-Civil Rights decade of the 1970s were now becoming feasible for African Americans. Blaxplotation was booming during the 70’s.
“Jim Brown was able to do what many African-American males had previously been denied. He portrayed on the silver screen a black male being aggressive, hip, smart, and playing the big black buck. He was one of the first African-American actors to play romantic love scenes with white female actresses” Jim Brown made a significant cultural impact as an actor in not only Slaughter but also Slaughters Big Rip-off. For the first time on the big screen America was viewing Hero-like characters played by black actors. The genre of blaxplotation was being diffused throughout America by means of Movies and Films. Through the arts Slaughter was portrayed as a hero to not simply just end injustice but more importantly to be an icon and symbol for the African American community. As the quote mentions he was the first African American actor to play romantic barriers. He was breaking down the walls and figuratively had the power of the world in his hands. For the first time Americans were viewing a Hero who was not only respected but also accepted in all facets and social situations. Being African American did not hinder his lifestyle Slaughter was portrayed as a fierce “black buck” and nothing was going to bring him down. From this came inspiration for many African Americans that followed his footsteps in the acting industry of Hollywood. Jim Brown truly is a legend.
Blaxploitation
Blaxploitation or blacksploitation is a film genre which emerged in the United States circa 1970. It is considered an ethnic sub-genre of the general category of exploitation films. Blaxploitation films were originally made specifically for an urban black audience, although the genre's audience...
film which was released during the 1970s Blaxploitation film era. It is directed by Gordon Douglass. From its famous tagline “The mob put the finger on Slaughter …so he gave them the finger right back curled around a tight trigger” the sequel is a crime/drama/action film protagonized by football legend Jim Brown
Jim Brown
James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
.
Plot
The plot of Slaughter’s Big Rip-off begins where the original SlaughterSlaughter (film)
Slaughter is a 1972 Blaxploitation film which was released during the early 1970s Blaxploitation film era. It was directed by Jack Starrett and is stars Jim Brown as an African American Vietnam Veteran and former Green Beret captain who is referred to only by his last name Slaughter. He seeks...
had ended. Slaughter, a fierce Vietnam Veteran and ex Green Beret
Green beret
The green beret was the official headdress of the British Commandos of World War II. It is still worn with pride by members of the Royal Marines after passing the Commando Course and any member of the British Military who has passed the All Arms Commando Course.There are certain other military...
had avenged the death of his parents by killing the gangster/ mob member- who was responsible for their death- in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. The sequel is relocated in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
- a place that Slaughter sought to escape the past events and begin his attempt to a tranquil life in the beautiful city of angels. The film opens up with Slaughter (Jim Brown
Jim Brown
James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
) at a friend’s house during a lavish outdoor picnic/lunch celebration. The new crime boss, Duncan played by Ed McMahon
Ed McMahon
Edward Peter "Ed" McMahon, Jr. was an American comedian, game show host and announcer. He is most famous for his work on television as Johnny Carson's sidekick and announcer on The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992. He also hosted the original version of the talent show Star Search from 1983 to 1995...
is now after Slaughter, for having killed ex Mafia Boss, Dominc Hoff from director Jack Starrett’s 1972 Slaughter . The viewer sees a change in theme as the mob is now after Slaughter to settle the score. The opening scene begins with and old World War One biplane flying by the outdoor celebration and then opening fire on the members at the picnic. It resulted in the graphic death by headshot of Slaughter’s friend which reignited the old spark of fury and rage that Slaughter had when he was told of the death of his parents. Duncan’s first assassination attempt in essence was a failure and only proved to wake up a sleeping beast. He therefore, hired a new hit-man named Kirk-played by Don Stroud- to bring Slaughter to his own demise. Rather than being in protective custody under the supervision of Duncan’s crooked cops Slaughter remains on the streets and is now out for his new enemy, Duncan. Slaughter’s new friend, who is a police detective, Agent Reynolds warns him of the looming danger and that his life is in peril. Slaughter also has a girlfriend named Marcia played by Gloria Hendry
Gloria Hendry
Gloria Hendry is an American actress. She is sometimes credited as "Gloria Henry."-Career:Hendry began her acting career in the 1968 Sidney Poitier film For Love of Ivy....
, who is also being targeted by the mob under Duncan’s orders to further provoke Slaughter. Slaughter makes an agreement with Detective Reynolds played by Brock Peters
Brock Peters
Brock Peters was an American actor, best known for playing the role of Tom Robinson in the 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird...
, to obtain confidential documents of the mafia’s operations. Duncan, the mobs new syndicate is the exact opposite of Slaughter. He has shaggy dog hair parted down the middle, big flashy glasses, and a beer belly. Nonetheless, Slaughter acquires a semi-sidekick pimp, who is a coke drug addict to assist him in breaking into Duncan’s safe house and successfully escape with the documents. After brutal gun fights, Slaughter and his pimp kill several of Duncan’s guards and fellow mobsters and then break into Duncan’s safe, successfully stealing the confidential documents. In response, Duncan sends out his top-ace hit man Kirk, played by Don Stroud
Don Stroud
Donald Lee Stroud is an American actor and surfer who appeared in many films in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and has starred in over 100 films and 175 television shows to date.-Early life:...
, to kidnap Slaughters girlfriend. Duncan’s efforts to get the documents back served to no avail. Metaphorically speaking Duncan bit off more than he could chew. Slaughter was a fierce “black buck” and successfully brought Duncan to his own demise. (Slaughters Big Rip-Off 1973)
Critics Reviews
“Just about every tough black actor was given the opportunity to create his own blaxplotation hero in the early 70s. Ron O’Neal had Super Fly, Richard RoundtreeRichard Roundtree
Richard Roundtree is an American actor and former fashion model. He is best known for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft and in its two sequels, Shaft's Big Score and Shaft in Africa .-Personal life:Born in New Rochelle, New York, Richard Roundtree graduated from...
had Shaft
Shaft (1971 film)
Shaft is a 1971 American blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. An action film with elements of film noir, Shaft tells the story of a black private detective, John Shaft, who travels through Harlem and to the Italian mob neighborhoods in order to find the...
, Fred Williamson
Fred Williamson
Fred "The Hammer" Williamson is an American actor, architect, and former professional American football defensive back who played mainly in the American Football League during the 1960s.-Football career:...
had Hammer and Jim Brown
Jim Brown
James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
had Slaughter. Although the football player turned thespian had a handful of film roles going back to the mid-60s, Slaughter represents his first real starring vehicle. While not critical favorites by any means, Slaughter and its sequel Slaughter’s Big Rip-off are action-jammed fun in the typical AIP (American International Pictures) tradition.”
“This go around Jim Brown
Jim Brown
James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
, as Slaughter, actually tightens in the reigns and proves himself the tight-lipped bad-ass we want from an action hero; a decent guy, who may mix with low-lifes but shall never be tainted by them, he is practically godly.”
“Historically and structurally speaking, this sequel is a much better film than the original 1972 Slaughter. Jim Brown plays an aggressive but also sexy character. Richard Williams stars as Creole the Pimp and Ed McMahon
Ed McMahon
Edward Peter "Ed" McMahon, Jr. was an American comedian, game show host and announcer. He is most famous for his work on television as Johnny Carson's sidekick and announcer on The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992. He also hosted the original version of the talent show Star Search from 1983 to 1995...
is the Mr. Big Mafia Boss. Reynolds also gives a stellar performance as a hard-ass police detective. Last but not least, there is a great soundtrack by James Brown
James Brown
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
and his band. This truly is a 70s action thriller.”
Music
The album for Slaughter’s Big Rip-off and the songs associated with it were composed by James BrownJames Brown
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
.
Tracks:
- Slaughter’s Theme Song (4:01)
- Tryin’ to Get Over (2:28)
- Transmorgrapfication (2:00)
- Happy for the Poor (2:45)
- Brother Rapp (3:04)
- Big and Strong (3:19)
- Really, Really, Really (1:51)
- Sexy, Sexy, Sexy (3:11)
- Tony Brother (2:12)
- How Long Can I Keep Up (5:31)
- People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul (3:43)
- King Slaughter (2:46)
- Straight Ahead (2:45)
Cast
Jim BrownJim Brown
James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
as Slaughter
Ed McMahon
Ed McMahon
Edward Peter "Ed" McMahon, Jr. was an American comedian, game show host and announcer. He is most famous for his work on television as Johnny Carson's sidekick and announcer on The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992. He also hosted the original version of the talent show Star Search from 1983 to 1995...
as Duncan
Don Stroud
Don Stroud
Donald Lee Stroud is an American actor and surfer who appeared in many films in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and has starred in over 100 films and 175 television shows to date.-Early life:...
as Kirk
Brock Peters
Brock Peters
Brock Peters was an American actor, best known for playing the role of Tom Robinson in the 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird...
as Reynolds
Gloria Hendry
Gloria Hendry
Gloria Hendry is an American actress. She is sometimes credited as "Gloria Henry."-Career:Hendry began her acting career in the 1968 Sidney Poitier film For Love of Ivy....
as Marcia
Dick Anthony
Dick Anthony
Dick Anthony is a forensic psychologist noted for his writings on brainwashing, and one of the most prolific researchers of the social and psychological aspects of involvement in new religious movements.-Academic career:...
as Williams Joe Creole
Art Metrano
Art Metrano
Arthur "Art" Metrano is an American actor and comedian, born in Brooklyn, New York City. Metrano may be best known for his role as Lt./Capt./Cmdt. Mauser in Police Academy 2 and Police Academy 3....
as Mario Burtoli
Judith Brown as Norja
Jacquliene Giroux as Mrs. Duncan
Eddie Lo Russo as Arnie
Russ McGinn as Harvey Parker
Hoke Howell as Jimmy Parker
Chuck Hicks as Lyle Parker
Russ Marin
Russ Marin
Russ Marin was an American film and television actor active from the early 1970s to the early 1990s.Among the many shows he guest starred include Mannix, Bonanza, The Secrets of Isis, Wonder Woman, The Waltons and Falcon Crest and Murder She Wrote.-External links:...
as Crowder
Nick Benedict
Nick Benedict
Nick Benedict is an American actor. He played the role of Curtis Reed in Days of Our Lives between 1993 and 2001. He is the older half-brother of Samuel Benedict and the son of actor Richard Benedict. He made his debut in 1955 in the series Wiretapper as a child. His first performance as an adult...
as Gains
Release Dates
In theater:USA 31 August 1973 Slaughter 2/Slaughter’s Big Rip-off
Austria March, 1977 Der Sohn des
Sweden 4 March 1974 Slaughter slar till
West Germany 18 March 1977 Der Sohn des
France 23 October 1974 Lo executer noir
Spain (not specified) Masacre Dos
On DVD/VHS:
January 9, 2001 as an entertaining 70’s action/drama movie.
Subtitles for the DVD are available in Spanish and French. However, the DVD was only distributed in the U.S. and Canada by studio MGM (video and DVD). It has a runtime of approximately 92 minutes.
Filming
Gordon M. Douglas - Director Monroe Sachson - Producer Charles Johnson - Screenwriter Charles Wheeler - Cinematographer Charles Bobbitt - Songwriter James Brown - Composer (Music Score) Brown Weley - Songwriter Fred Welsey - Composer (Music Score) Fred Wesley - Composer (Music Score) Christopher Holmes - Editor Alfeo Bocchicchio - Art Director Anthony C. Montenaro - Set Designer John V. Speak - Sound/Sound Designer Logan R. Frazee - Special Effects Ray Taylor - First Assistant Director• It was produced in association with the American International Pictures filming company. The majority of the filming took place in Los Angeles, California.
• It is Rated R for brief nudity, adult language, violence, and adult situations. The sequel also features and explores themes such as inner city blues, lone wolves, vigilantes/ vigilante justice, as well as heroic missions.
• Jim Brown’s “Slaughter” character is the highlight of his filming career.
Overview/History
The 1960s were a turbulent time in American race relations. However, as the decade proceeded on to the 1970s decade and onward, black filmmakers and actors/actresses began to infiltrate Hollywood. The 1970s is the highlight of the blaxploitationBlaxploitation
Blaxploitation or blacksploitation is a film genre which emerged in the United States circa 1970. It is considered an ethnic sub-genre of the general category of exploitation films. Blaxploitation films were originally made specifically for an urban black audience, although the genre's audience...
film era and gave rise to several films that included black actors/actresses.
Blaxplotation movies/films, such as Hammer
Hammer
A hammer is a tool meant to deliver an impact to an object. The most common uses are for driving nails, fitting parts, forging metal and breaking up objects. Hammers are often designed for a specific purpose, and vary widely in their shape and structure. The usual features are a handle and a head,...
, Shaft
Shaft (1971 film)
Shaft is a 1971 American blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. An action film with elements of film noir, Shaft tells the story of a black private detective, John Shaft, who travels through Harlem and to the Italian mob neighborhoods in order to find the...
, Slaughter’s Big Rip-off and others proved that black actors like Jim Brown
Jim Brown
James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
or filmmakers such as Melvin Van Peeble possessed a strong box-office appeal “and despite many of the films by white Hollywood, black audiences finally saw the recognition African American actors, directors, and writers deserved, and fought for since the early days of silent film. In retrospect, Blaxploitation
Blaxploitation
Blaxploitation or blacksploitation is a film genre which emerged in the United States circa 1970. It is considered an ethnic sub-genre of the general category of exploitation films. Blaxploitation films were originally made specifically for an urban black audience, although the genre's audience...
and the legacy it left behind have been acknowledged as a positive contribution to African American film history.”(www.separatecinema.com) Segregation
Racial segregation in the United States
Racial segregation in the United States, as a general term, included the racial segregation or hypersegregation of facilities, services, and opportunities such as housing, medical care, education, employment, and transportation along racial lines...
within the film industry was thus, also coming to an end and new foundations were being established for the African American Community within the film industry. http://www.separatecinema.com/exhibits_blaxploitation.html Opportunities that had not previously been attainable by African Americans in the post-Civil Rights decade of the 1970s were now becoming feasible for African Americans. Blaxplotation was booming during the 70’s.
“Jim Brown was able to do what many African-American males had previously been denied. He portrayed on the silver screen a black male being aggressive, hip, smart, and playing the big black buck. He was one of the first African-American actors to play romantic love scenes with white female actresses” Jim Brown made a significant cultural impact as an actor in not only Slaughter but also Slaughters Big Rip-off. For the first time on the big screen America was viewing Hero-like characters played by black actors. The genre of blaxplotation was being diffused throughout America by means of Movies and Films. Through the arts Slaughter was portrayed as a hero to not simply just end injustice but more importantly to be an icon and symbol for the African American community. As the quote mentions he was the first African American actor to play romantic barriers. He was breaking down the walls and figuratively had the power of the world in his hands. For the first time Americans were viewing a Hero who was not only respected but also accepted in all facets and social situations. Being African American did not hinder his lifestyle Slaughter was portrayed as a fierce “black buck” and nothing was going to bring him down. From this came inspiration for many African Americans that followed his footsteps in the acting industry of Hollywood. Jim Brown truly is a legend.