Review of Vixen! (1968) by Ashley S — 12 Jun 2007

Erica Gavin in 'that' role! Despite the typical B Movie aesthetics, of cheesy humour and unrealistic plots, this film stands the test of time as it deals with a lot of contemporary issues. Firstly the title character is a self confessed racist.

She despises 'the black race'. This actually makes the character stronger. Russ drops in some knowledge, and deals with the differences between America and Canada in handling racism. The heightened tensions regarding The Cold War and Communism are also evident.

We meet an Irishman off to Cuba to support the revolution. As an admirer of 'El Che' I was finding myself questioning Communist beliefs. Russ was obviously a liberal and I truly believe he was fighting with himself to address the many various binary opposites; Canada and the US, Black and White, Communism and Capitalism, Monogamy and Free Love, Man and Woman, Human and Animal.

Erica Gavin is so perfect in this role. Despite all her foul mouthed antics and self absorbed lifestyle, she makes the film what it is, with oozing sex appeal. A well made socially conscious movie by the master of the 60's 'nudie cuties'.