 Most people usually think of Star Wars, Disco, and polyester leisure suits when they think of the 1970's. Me? I think of the seventies as "The Age of Jethro," the era when that great cinematic autuer, Max Baer Jr. did his critical work. That's right, Max Baer Jr. Specifically, I am thinking of two movies. Macon County Line (written, produced, and starring Max Baer, jr.) and Ode To Billy Joe (DIRECTED by Max Baer jr.), mainly for their linking of Jethro and Bobby Gentry, but also because of that quaint atmosphere of seventies Southern Gothic. Everything is here...corrupt police, neurotic suicides, bad California actors doing bad southern accents (singled out for particular honors are Robby Benson, Glynis O'Connor and (drum roll please) Leif Garrett). It's like Faulkner, only without the talent. Plus, you get the Bobby Gentry music...and who hasn't longed for that simpler age when "Ode to Billy Joe" played sweetly on a beat up car radio during a dulcet summer evening just before the demolition derby...yessireee bob, Jethro's contributions to American culture are important indeed. A word to the wise... About the author: Makes his own moonshine when he isn't hiding out from the revenuers...send all correspondence to cbenedict@socket.net. You may read another review, submit your own, or return home. |
