The 1970s was a fascinating time for horror. Filmmaking was entering a new, experimental era, influenced by the uptick of recreational drug usage and the loosening of societal morals and expectations that had begun in the 1960s. The result was dozens of surreal, independent films exploring new territory while still tentatively moored to traditional techniques and schools of thought.
A casebook example of this is the 1977 fever dream-esque Satan’s Cheerleaders. Trying to be both a sex comedy and horror film, the plot basically boils down to a group of cheerleaders being chased by a bumbling satanic cult hell-bent (haha) on sacrificing them to the devil.
The result is a badly acted train wreck filled with poorly aged SA jokes and a barebones plot filled with more holes than a moth-eaten coat. Dialogue is clunky as well; the characters seem to have a tough time finishing a coherent thought.
On the other hand, the virulent absurdity of the entire film is charming in its own way. The group of sex-crazed teenagers and their bumbling teacher feel like the cast of a 60s beach movie on enormous amounts of drugs. It tries to to meld the newly-embraced sexuality of the 1970s with the slapstick and the old-hat comedic wit of yesteryear. The result is clunky, yet oddly entertaining. Further than that, it is filmed relatively well, with clear shots and decent sound; that is more that can be said of many of its contemporaries.
Do I recommend Satan’s Cheerleaders? Not for most people. But for those who enjoy this specific brand of 70s trash cinema, it has a strange allure. Since it is currently free to watch on YouTube, you might find it fun– though being stoned certainly helps.
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