The Bushwhacker (1968)

"The Bushwhacker" (1968) is a rare and somewhat infamous piece of exploitation cinema directed by Byron Mabe.

The film's plot is straightforward but executed with an exploitation flair: a deranged mountain man, known as "The Bushwhacker," shoots down a small passenger plane and then proceeds to hunt, torture, and kill the survivors. It's a mix of horror, thriller, and sexploitation, with a heavy emphasis on violence and nudity.


Acting: The performances are generally considered to be of low quality, fitting the B-movie, "Z-grade" production label. Dan Martin plays the titular character with a menacing, if somewhat cartoonish, portrayal, while the other actors, including Merci Montello, Barbara Kline, and Harvey Shain, are often criticized for their wooden performances.
Direction by Byron Mabe: Mabe's direction is noted for its exploitation elements, focusing on the shock value of sex and violence rather than on storytelling or character development. The film's aesthetic is raw, with grainy film quality, minimalistic sets, and a lack of polish, which is part of its charm for some viewers.