Film Review: Outlaw Blues (1977)
Gun violence as the result of a dispute within music industry is phenomenon usually associated with rap music, but other genres may also be affected. At least this is impression taken from the plot of Outlaw Blues, 1977 action comedy directed by Richard T. Heffron. Protagonist, played by Peter Fonda, is Bobby Ogden, man who has developed singing and songwriting talent while serving six years in prison. He is just about to be paroled when the prison is visited by Garland Dupree (played by James T. Callahan), country star who wants to hold concert for prisoners. Bobby is introduced to Garland and plays one of his songs. Later he finds that Dupree stole his song and, after being released, goes to confront him. In the resulting scuffle Dupree is accidentally shot in leg and Bobby becomes fugitive. He hides in the car, and later in the house of Tina Waters (played by Susan Saint James), one of Dupree’s back-up singers who dreams of becoming music promoter. When she finds Bobby, she decides to manage his career and series of risky stunts works, turning fugitive ex convict into major star. Bobby and Tina become involved romantically, while the Austin police led by Commissioner Cavenaugh (played by John Crawford) does everything in its power to put Bobby back behind the bars.
Basic plot premise about criminal fugitive becoming music star might look preposterous to some viewers, but in 1970s it was quite in line with anti-establishment views of the audience and general disdain for the authority. Script by Bill L. Norton isn’t particularly deep, but it provides enough satirical insight into sleaziness of music industry, especially when it is embodied by music producer played by Michael Lerner. Music, partially composed by John Oates of Hall and Oates fame, is mostly good and very relaxed Peter Fonda turns out to be adequate singer. Susan Saint james has decent chemistry with him and that chemistry survives even some uninspired jokes about venereal diseases. Callahan and Crawford, on the other hand, go slightly overboard as comical villains. Director tries to fill the emptiness with series of car chases and ends it all with not particularly inspired boat chase. Outlaw Blues, despite that, provides enough comedy, action and good music for audience that wants solid entertainment.
RATING: 6/10 (+++)
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