Another 70s Drive-In Exploitation Film
I Just recently watched a decent drive-in exploitation movie featuring Pam Grier called Black Mama, White Mama from 1973. Often, I know very little about these movies and I watch and base my choice on some consistent things. One, particular actresses or actors. Two, the year the movie was made. For me, if it’s not 90s or before I’m probably not going to watch. Finally, the poster art. When I see that old school hand painted stuff, I’m at least going to see what the first few minutes of the film feel like. Black Mama, White Mama turned about to be a good choice. Let’s talk about this groovy 70s flick.
In the case of this movie blog, it is necessary to touch on the plot. Y’all know this ain’t my purpose with blogs but, you need to know a little to follow some of the stuff I’m going to talk about. Two ladies, Black Mama (Pam Grier) and White Mama (Margaret Markov) are sent to a women’s prison where they don’t get along. When being transported, for spite and security reasons, they are chained together at the wrist which creates an interesting dynamic that permeates the rest of this 70s exploitation film. Yes, it is exploration but not too much. The story quickly becomes good, and the focus is on our characters’ individual and conflicting personal escape missions. You realize in a situation like this where you are chained to someone, you are only as strong, capable, quick, etc. as they are.
Analogous Color Use in Black Mama, White Mama is Amazing
I should know this, but I don’t. Green, yellow, and blue are analogous colors, I think. If they are not, they are close. Why are we talking about color theory in a blog on a 1970s film? Well, first because I’m an artist and I pay attention to things like that. Second, they use this a lot in Black Mama, White Mama. A large portion of this movie is 2 chicks wearing yellow dresses on the run through bright green fields and jungles against a bright tropical blue sky. Thus, you have the yellow, blue, and green color scheme. It honestly is very beautiful, and intriguing, and it creates a great feel and mood for Black Mama, White Mama. This was among my favorite parts. Black Mama, White Mama was filmed in the Philippines so, there was plenty of great sky and greenery.
Car Enthusiast Might Dig the VW in This
As usual, I want to talk about vehicles. I don’t know why these stand out to me but, they do. I’m not a car guy at all and must use the internet to identify most vehicles. So, you can go to the link here to see this movie and the complete list of cars in it on the Internet Movie Car Database. Anyway, there are some 40s Jeeps, a lot of Jeepneys, a VW bus I think, and some rare Volkswagen Country Buggies in Black Mama, White Mama. These reminded me of VW things but, they are a little different. According to IMDB, these were made in Australia from 1967 to 1968 and only 2K were made so, they are sought-after collector cars. A Jeepney, I learned, is a vehicle specific to the Philippines and they are custom. You can read more about these here. They are super interesting rides.
Guns, Guns, and More Guns in Black Mama, White Mama
Black Mama, White Mama features a lot of guns. Several scenes are what appear to be two small militias fighting against each other in armed battles. There are vehicle-mounted machine guns, M4 carbine rifles, and what looks like the drum magazine gun from COD mobile. I can’t remember the name of this rifle because I didn’t use or like it but, anyway, there are a lot of guns. The blood reminds me of Hammer Films in its color and use – bright red and over the top. Black Mama, White Mama’s action is consistent with the period and flows well.
We are in 1973 so, let’s look around. This movie had one of the coolest 70s shirts I’ve ever seen on a female – it looked like it was straight out of Scooby Doo, Where Are You. The iconic collar was there, and it was green on a yellow and green striped shirt. Wow, this shirt was awesome. White Mama has some impressively long straight, blonde, 70s hair that was picturesque. I’m so glad my wife has hair like this. Pam Grier is rocking some awesome threads too. One of the closing scenes has the tight bellbottoms, floral print top, and afro. The screenshots below will let you in on these great blasts from the past.
Black Mama, White Mama & Captain Spaulding?
There were some big names from the 70s in this flick which always helps. Not that this must happen but, it’s like purebred dogs, you know what you’re going to get. Black Mama is Pam Grier, White Mama is Margaret Markov, and Sig Haig is even in this one as a cowboy gangster guy who is one of the coolest characters in the movie. He even carries two 6-shooter cowboy-style pistols. Margaret, like Grier, was a big name for drive-in 70s exploitation movies. Haig was most well-known for his work many years later with Rob Zombie as Captain Spaulding, which I’ve painted and sold twice.
Symbolism and the Revolution Ideas of 1970s in Black Mama, White Mama
The end wasn’t what I expected or wanted but almost fitting of a revolutionary. Again, touching on the story here, White Mama is fighting in a revolution on the island and is assisting a guerilla force. She is the go-between for their weapons and crucial to their mission. White Mama’s guerilla friends are the ones that spring the escape for the 2 chained females to begin their adventure. How unfortunate it is that revolutionaries always seem to die and in Black Mama, White Mama this holds true. That cool Scooby Doo shirt doesn’t look as cool with a blood stain and bullet hole through the center of it. I mean, it’s still a cool shirt but that did change it a little.
From what I know about the culture of the 1970s, the idea of “Revolution” seemed to be prevalent. It was fitting that this would be a theme of Black Mama, White Mama. Also, the idea of the chain finally being broken at the end adds to the revolution theme too. Perhaps there was some symbolism here? I’m not in high school English class any longer so I’m not going down that rabbit hole. If you dig 70s drive-in exploitation, Pam Grier, cool 70s stuff, retro movies, etc. then Black Mama, White Mama is worth a watch. I enjoyed this movie and would certainly watch it again. The plot is cool, the movie is well-written, the scenery is beautiful, and it holds your attention.
Break the Chains and Close Out Black Mama, White Mama
For the Pam Grier fans out there – what is the best movie she was in? I’d love to hear your opinions on this. I’ve seen a lot of her work but not all of it. I have to say that I enjoyed Coffee and Foxy Brown quite a lot. There is some Pam Grier fan art on deck too. I really need to paint her on something – let the quest for the right canvas begin! Keep your eyes peeled because I’ll post on social media when the project begins. While you’re here on my page, you can link up with me on all social media here, read more of my blogs on oddball stuff and movies here, and check out my art here. All likes, follows, shares, and comments are appreciated.