Boxcar Bertha (1972)

Boxcar Bertha (1972)

An American-loternational Picture A Roger Corman Production presented by James H. Nicholson and Samuel Z. Arkoff.

Director: Martin Scorsese. Producer: Roger Corman. Associate Producer: Julie Corman. Screenplay: Joyce H. Corrington and John William Corrington, based on "Sister of the Road" by Bertha Thompson as told to Ben L. Reitman. Cinematography: John Stephens and Gayne Rescher. Editors: Buzz Feitshans and Martin Scorsese. Music: Gib Guilbeau and Thad Maxwell. Music Production: Herb Cohen. Production Designer: David Nichols. Visual Consultant: David Nichols. Costumes: Bob Modes. Sound Mixer: Don F. Johnson. Sound: Ryder Sound Services. In Charge of Production: Paul Rapp.

Cast: Barbara Hershey (Bertha), David Carradine (Bill Shelley), Barry Primus (Rake Brown), Bernie Casey (don Morton), John Carradine (H. Buckram Sartoris), David R. Osterhout and Victor Argo (the Mclvers), Grahame Pratt (Emeric Pressburger), "Chicken" Holleman (Michael Powell), Marianne Dole (Mrs. Mailer), Harry Northup (Harvey Saunders), Doyle Hall (Dice Player), Joe Reynolds (Ioe Dreft), Martin Scorsese and Gayne Rescher (Brothel Clients).

M.P.A.A. Rating: R.
Running Time: 88 minutes.
Home Video: Vestron Video cassette and Image laserdisc.

Synopsis: Set in the Depression Era south, the film recounts the adventures of Bertha Thompson, a young woman who takes to the road with her lover, union organizer Bill Shelley. Attacked by hired union-busters, the couple is forced into a life of crime. They are joined by two unfortunates: Von Morton, a black farm worker, and Rake Brown, a gambler. They manage to outwit their pursuers for a time, but eventually fall into a trap set by the authorities. Bertha and Morton escape, but Brown is gunned down, and Shelley is captured. Though he's unable to prevent Shelley's virtual crucifixion at the hands of the authorities, who have nailed him to the side of a railway boxcar, Morton does manage to kill Shelley's executioners.