Review of Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971) by Terry G — 09 Jul 2014

After seeing Gene Roddenberry's name in the credits as writer/producer, I'm surprised I never went out of my way to watch this film. Directed by Roger Vadim, this film is a sly black comedy about a series of murders on a high school campus of pretty young school girls during the hight of the sexual revolution.

Rock Hudson plays coach/guidance counselor Michael "Tiger" McDrew, who charms all the women around him and also helps out one sexually frustrated student, mostly by playing matchmaker between him and hot young (and recently broken up) teacher Angie Dickinson.

It's pretty fun to see the normally straight laced Hudson playing more of a sleazy lothario. Telly Savalas plays the detective investigating the murders and the cast of suspects also includes Roddy McDowall, Keenan Wynn and "Star Trek" alumni, James Doohan.

Lalo Schifrin provided the lively score. It's not a classic, but it's a smart and twisted comedy that is also something of a period timecapsule.