The Swinging Barmaids aka Killer (1975) 1080P

The Swinging Barmaids, released in July 1975 is a potent cocktail of crime thriller, proto-slasher horror, and sexploitation, and tells the lurid tale of a serial killer preying on cocktail waitresses. It was re-released in 1980 as Eager Beavers, a title far more suggestive of its sexploitation elements, likely intended to capitalize on the home video boom or simply to give the film a second life in theaters with a more provocative hook. Another known title, Killer, emphasizes its slasher/thriller aspects. This is a well made movie.

There is very little nudity, only in conjunction with the killings, and no sexually explicit scenes. Tom (Bruce Watson) is a schizophrenic man who embarks on a killing spree targeting the cocktail waitresses of the Swing-A-Ling Club. He believes all of the girls are impure and that it is his duty to eradicate them. Tom manages to evade identification by shaving his beard and dyeing his hair. He then stalks the remaining barmaids by obtaining a job as a dishwasher at the Club. Tom develops an obsession with Jenny, one of the barmaids which he perceives as "pure". Police Lieutenant Harry White (William Smith) methodically pursues the elusive killer and the story ends with the lieutenant filling Tom full of bullets after a chase.

Gus Trikonis, the director, was an actor in the classic musical West Side Story (1961) and later moved to directing television episodes of Baywatch, Quantum Leap, and Hunter later in his career. Ed Carlin the producer was associated with Roger Corman. His filmography includes Blood and Lace (1971), Moonshine County Express (1977), The Evil (1978), and Battle Beyond the Stars (1980). Bruce Watson (Tom) died by suicide in June 2009. Laura Hippe (Jenny) also died by suicide in 1986. Katie Saylor (Susie) retired from acting due to illness. Renie Radich (Marie) had minor roles here and there. Lieutenant Harry White (William Smith) had a long career in mainstream film and television for roles in Laredo (1965-1967), Rich Man, Poor Man (1976), Any Which Way You Can (1980), and Conan the Barbarian (1982).

The most recognizable name in the cast for cult film enthusiasts is Dyanne Thorne. She was an icon of exploitation cinema due to her starring roles as “Ilsa” in the series named after her character. Her appearance in this film was probably to draw fans of her work. Another work available here where she is the godmother is Pinocchio.

Exploitation films from this period cost around $40,000 to make. Filming took place in Los Angeles, California, a common hub for low-budget productions. The film's technical specifications are standard for its era and budget: a running time of 88 minutes, shot in color (with color processing by Consolidated Film Industries - CFI), a mono sound mix, and an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, captured on 35mm film.

Reviews: About 90% of viewers find it to be "pure & unwatchable amateur trash” and 10% (grindhouse fans), call it “sheer cult/grindhouse brilliance”. I enjoyed it. The Swinging Barmaids achieved a measure of commercial success, particularly with its 1980 re-release in DVD as Eager Beavers, grossing $1,250,000 in rentals in the US and Canada. For a low-budget exploitation film, this figure is quite impressive.

Acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, a known aficionado of exploitation cinema, screened The Swinging Barmaids at his film festival in 2007. This added a degree of "cool" and encouraged re-evaluation among cinephiles. The film's place in drive-in and grindhouse history was further cemented by its inclusion in the compilation "Dusk to Dawn Drive-in Trash-o-Rama Show Vol. 3" (1996).

Digital Download is about 6GB in 1080P. Highly recommend a direct CAT5/6 line from your computer to the router and Cable internet service.