Two Japanese men help a Vietnam war deserter escape from Japan for Sweden. They plan to fund the escape by selling 500 LSD pills in Yokohama. The Alleycats led by Meiko Kaji initially harass and attempt to steal from the trio, but the girls become more sympathetic once they realize what they’re actually trying to do. Things get into trouble when a rival male motorcycle gang called The Dragons tries to steal the LSD. Then begins a series of double crosses, kidnapping, hostage exchanges, and motorcycle chases. Will the trio manage to sell their stuff, get enough money to leave Japan before the military police get their hands on the war deserter?
The 4th Stray Cat Rock movie is yet another solid entry in the series. Whilst it doesn’t change that much plot-wise from the other three, it is still an entertaining and exciting movie for those that have followed them. The trademarks from previous movies (great funky music, colourful 70’s fashion and more singing inside a groovy nightclub) all appear once again and we even get to hear Meiko Kaji’s dulcet tones. By now Kaji had established herself as the star of the series and pulls in another fine performance although her role isn’t as strong as the previous movie (Sex Hunter) as the plot doesn’t directly concern her character. She still looks great in her white dress and black hat though. The supporting cast contribute hugely to the enjoyment of this movie especially Bunjaku Han, Eiji Go and Tatsuya Fuji who plays a nicer character to the one he played in Sex Hunter. So far the series has been rather tragic in it’s plotlines and that continues here. You didn’t expect a happy ending did you!!! One of the highlights is a rather cool sequence as the Alleycats head off to a Honda motorbike dealer and come back out in their mopeds and give chase to the Dragons’ leader Sakura in his side-car through various outdoor and inside locations.
You’d have thought that perhaps by the 4th movie, there would be a slight dip in the series especially as the first 4 Stray Cat Rock movies were all released in 1970 one after another and shot very quickly in succession but the quality in the scripts and stories stayed consistent and this one is definitely worth watching.
No trailer I’m afraid.
Sadako’s Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5