The Unholy Rollers

Synopsis

The Unholy Rollers (1972) is a gritty, action-packed drama centered around Angel, a determined and rebellious female roller derby skater played by Claudia Jennings. Set against the backdrop of the rough and colorful roller derby scene of the early 1970s, the film explores themes of ambition, freedom, and the quest for personal identity. Angel is a fiercely independent athlete who fights both on and off the track to carve out her own path in a male-dominated world. The movie offers a raw look at the sport, highlighting the physicality of the roller rink battles while also delving into the personal struggles and camaraderie among the skaters. Its blend of sports action, drama, and 1970s exploitation film aesthetics make it a unique cult classic.

Cast

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  Claudia Jennings

  Karen Walker

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  Louis Quinn

  Mr. Stern

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  Betty Anne Rees

  Mickey

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  Roberta Collins

  Jennifer

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  Alan Vint

  Greg

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  Candice Roman

  Donna

Reviews

The Unholy Rollers holds a mixed but generally positive place in cult film circles. On IMDb, it has a rating of 5.4/10, reflecting varied audience reception that ranges from appreciation of its energetic performances and period atmosphere to criticisms regarding its predictable plot and dated production values. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 71% rating, indicating a fairly favorable consensus among critics and fans of the genre. Many reviewers praise Claudia Jennings's charismatic performance, as well as the film's authentic portrayal of the roller derby subculture, noting its raw, unpolished style as a strong point. However, some critiques mention that the storyline falls into typical exploitation film tropes with a somewhat uneven script and pacing. Despite this, the film retains a nostalgic charm and is celebrated for its role in representing strong female leads in a niche sports setting. Overall, The Unholy Rollers is regarded as an entertaining, if not groundbreaking, contribution to early 70s exploitation and sports films.