THE CANDY SNATCHERS (1973)

Directed By: Guerdon Trueblood
Written By: Bryan Gindoff
Cinematography By: Robert Maxwell
Editor: Richard Greer

Cast: Tiffany Bolling, Ben Piazza, Susan Sennett, Brad David, Jerry Butts,Bonnie Boland


An abused autistic boy is the sole witness to the kidnapping of a teenage heiress.
Though this film comes off as sleazy and more like an exploitation film. The film is shockingly well made, Better then it should. Watching it I was reminded of the film LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. The character are almost perfect copies of the 3 villians of the other film. Except in last house they more or less followed the KRUG character and were loyal here they are all untrustworthy and in a shifting alliance. Also there is no similar third act.

Most of the characters in this film are unlikeable. The few innocents are all victims or become just as sinister as the others involved.

The ending is a huge shocker that wouldn’t get made today. The twists are what keep the film interesting. I find it interesting that our anti-hero does dispicible things but seems to be one of the few characters who has somewhat of a heart. That might be because he has no problem victimizing others like himself, Yet when it comes to hurting those who are truly innocent he has a problem with it.

I had avoided this film for a while as the story was interesting. The film just seemed too tawdry and nasty for me to really enjoy. It is as Exploitive as the movie it seems to emulate. Though this film is a lot less violent it has the same mood yet not the tone.

I liked that we were not left with the kidnappers the whole film and follow others involved in the caper. To see their role in the overall outcome of it. The step-father. The mute witness. Though I really felt sorry for the kidnapped girl most of all as she is made to suffer throughout the whole film, With no sign of her getting to her safety. The film is left open ended yet still it feels more like a downer.

I don’t want to say too much as this is a gem of a film that deserves to be discovered and get more notoriety . Develop a following. Though I will warn you it’s not a pretty picture and is misogynistic. Every one in this film get’s dirty. The most shocking part is in the midst of all this ruthlessness of the film. Is a child actor whose character witnesses everything and has to deal with all these despicable characters.

GRADE: B