Review of Boxcar Bertha (1972) by Robbie M — 08 Jan 2009

Starring Barbara Hershey, and Barbara Hershey's left breast, and Barbara Hershey's right breast. The performances of the latter two are incredibly naturalistic, unfettered, unconstrained. Hershey is another story: she is cheerfully plucky, all right, but the charm of her simplicity and multiregion accent wears thin.

Film buffs are so Scorsese-focussed on this film, but honestly there is little here to hint at the genius forthcoming. This is a bad movie, and its attractiveness derives from its badness. I delight in a crucifixion on a train car as much as the next guy, but let's be honest: sensationalism doesn't equate with brilliance, even if that brilliance is subsequently abundant.

Martin Scorsese made at least one bad movie. Here's the proof.