Pickup's Tricks
Pickup's Tricks is a beat documentary of Hibiscus and the Cockettes, who were pioneers of San Francisco’s underground queer theater in the early '70s. It is a multifarious blend of sexual anarchy; a raucous and unscripted mix of liberation and elation as rough and spirited as the lifestyle that created it. The film profiles Hibiscus, founding member of the Cockettes, the psychedelic drag queens that performed midnight musicals at the Palace Theater in San Francisco. The film includes a rare screen appearance of Allen Ginsberg, clean-shaven and costumed in "acute drag" as a Yiddishe Mama with a painted-on third eye. (pickupstricks.com)
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of young women are lured to a remote cabin under the pretense of a modeling job. Once there, they fall prey to a sadistic serial killer known as Pickup, who tortures and murders them one by one. The film follows the escalating terror as the remaining women desperately try to escape his clutches and survive the night.
Critical Reception
Pickup's Tricks is a notorious entry in the exploitation and slasher subgenres of the 1970s, often criticized for its gratuitous violence and low production values. While it has gained a cult following among fans of extreme cinema, it was generally poorly received by critics for its disturbing content and lack of narrative coherence.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised by some cult fans for its raw, unpretentious exploitation elements.
- Widely condemned for its excessive violence and lack of artistic merit.
- Considered a prime example of low-budget, shocking 70s horror.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's niche appeal and age. Those who appreciate it often cite its shock value and cult status, while many find it to be amateurish and overly disturbing.
Fun Fact
Director Al Adamson was known for his prolific output in the exploitation film genre, often working with minimal budgets and tight shooting schedules.
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