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Directed by Curt Mcdowell and written by zany, noted underground film-maker George Kuchar, "Thundercrack!" (midnight) is erotica at its most hilarious —and long-winded (two and one-half hours). An outrageous parody of "The Old Dark House" plot —i.e., a group of people forced to take refuge in a remote, creepy estate during a storm—"Thundercrack!" features about half a dozen young people who are as uninhibited as they are attractive. Sex is great fun in this film—which is absolutely, definitely not for prudes. Filmex Reviews, Los Angeles Times (1976)
Thundercrack! is an awful sexpo spoof that suggests Russ Meyer trying to do a Tennesse Williams subject. Only viewers with highly developed camp sensibility will find amusement in the grotesque antics devised by scripter George Kuchar, who also plays the role of a man enamored of a gorilla.
Daily Variety (1975)
"A lot of Thunder and a lot of Crack!"
Fan comment (1995)
If you're at all familiar with underground cinema, then you've probably heard tales about this flick for years. But actually seeing the thing is a different matter entirely. Crass, sick and hilarious, this no-budget b&w feature is filled with the essence of pure, undiluted cinematic derangement. Like the earliest works of John Waters, it revels in taboo-shattering shocks and an undying love for Hollywood kitsch. Gloriously overwritten by George Kuchar, and directed by the late Curt McDowell (who was one of Kuchar's first students), it's a torrent of comically-lit cliches, heated to the point of lurid parody. The time: A dark and stormy night. The setting: An old, secluded mansion-the home of the terrifically obscene Mrs. Gert Hammond (Marion Eaton), who staggers about the place with heavy, mismatched eyebrows and a vomit-caked wig. And as the night progresses, more and more visitors arrive at her doorstep, stranded by the inclement weather. One guy has a fear of ladies' girdles, another is the Christian wife of a country-western singer, a few more were in a car wreck, and George Kuchar himself shows up (and steals the show) while transporting circus animals....
Without question, Thundercrack! is one of the great underground sleaze epics, and a touchstone for all independent filmmakers to come. Not for the faint of heart — don't say we didn't warn you!
Steven Puchalski, SHOCKCIN
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