This is not the first time an audio commentary pushed me deeper into the underground filmic rabbit hole. BLONDE AMBITION is a prime example, but unlike that rollicking sex and dance farce, THE MEATRACK and STICKS AND STONES are not pornos. They would probably fall under the category of Sexploitation, with maybe a hint of Roughie. 
THE MEATRACK (1970)
written by Joel Ensana/directed by Richard Stockton
J.C. is a wandering bisexual hustler, hitching rides and using what he’s got to get money. After a few tricks, including a bored housewife, a cynical transvestite with sailor boy dreams, and a nice guy named Ken, J.C. rescues a young woman from a lecherous photographer. Jean is also a wanderer, so they seem to be a perfect match, even though she is not an ally to “the gays.” Will their relationship survive after two drag queens force J.C and Jean at knifepoint to have sex with each other on film so the intruders can sell it as a porno? What will happen if Jean catches J.C. with a male client? All I will say is the ending shares a vibe with Andy Milligan’s FLESHPOT ON 42ND STREET.
The Andy Milligan vibe is one of the reasons I enjoyed THE MEATRACK. J.C. has been damaged by a domineering mother and a flaky father, which is a Milligan staple. The cynical transvestite, who laments the tragedy of getting old in the gay community, could be a close cousin to Cherry Lane in FLESHPOT. Hmmm…maybe Milligan was inspired by THE MEATRACK. Anyhoo, the two drag queen pornographers, who are darkly amusing, seem to have escaped from a Gregg Araki film. So it’s no wonder I enjoyed THE MEATRACK, especially with its overall downbeat tone. SIDE NOTE: I had assumed “the gays” was a 21st century turn of phrase, so I was surprised to hear it spoken in a film from 1970.
STICKS AND STONES (1970)
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| Picking up this hitchhiker may cost you 10 bucks |
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| Should we shoot from the top or bottom? |
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| Trick-or-treat? |
STICKS AND STONES (1970)
directed by Stan Lopresto (there doesn’t appear to be a writing credit)
Buddy enjoys staying out all hours of the night and Peter prefers to stay at home. What is a couple supposed to do as their relationship spirals down in flames? Throw a 4th of July party on Fire Island, of course. Inviting a leather queen, a stereotypical flamer and a new age guru should keep the party poppin’ but the couple’s tension is a total buzzkill. An impromptu striptease supposedly livens up the festivities and causes more friction between Buddy and Peter. What will happen when the party is over? Will Peter and Buddy fight it out or love it out? Maybe both? I’m not really sure, so please suffer through this film and tell me what you think.
To be honest, I was hoping STICKS AND STONES would be better. The pacing suffers from a lack of momentum and the plot is meandering around there somewhere. The acting is forgettable, with the exception of the stereotypical flamer, but even his schtick grows tired real quick. I mean, do we really need to experience him full-throttle flaming out while changing a car tire in real time? No, I think not! Then there is the monstrous story Peter tells about a puppy he found which was supposed to show how deeply the character loves, I guess. It just makes him seem like a psychopath. STICKS AND STONES feels like it wants to be THE BOYS IN THE BAND (1970) but fails to have a cohesive story or intriguing characters.
In conclusion…It’s pretty obvious which one I prefer, but I feel both films should be experienced at least once. They are early examples of openly queer cinema, which is important, now more than ever. So, if you’re in the mood for a 1970’s style of Something Weird, then stick out your thumb and hitch a ride with THE MEATRACK and then RSVP to the never-ending party of STICKS AND STONES!
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| Your hosts for the evening |
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| How many stereotypes does it take to change a car tire? |
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| He is judging their party attire |
SIDE NOTE: The bonus features on this Something Weird DVD includes an “8mm-Mail-Order Specialty” short titled JOHNNY GIANT, which stars John Holmes, who is not a stranger to this blog. (see WIDOW BLUE) Guess this legendary hetero-centric adult film actor was either “gay for pay” or there was way more to Mr. Holmes than met the eye!
Freak Out,
JLH
P.S. click a pic ⤵️ for more queer cinema… 🏳️🌈🍿
Plunge into the pleasures of lust, the pains of love and the problems of death within the tangled web of desire and deceit sequestered behind the icy gates of the Van Der Van mansion! 🩸 (Free with Kindle Unlimited) 
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