Hollywood driving test instructor Rafferty (Alan Arkin) is a 20 years veteran former Marine and lives a sad lonely life. He's drinking in the park when he's approached by McKinley 'Mac' Beachwood (Sally Kellerman) and Rita 'Frisbee' Sykes (Mackenzie Phillips). Frisbee pulls a gun and forces him to drive them to New Orleans.
It's a road trip of petty crimes and misadventures. The movie is interesting for the actors. Mackenzie Phillips is only about 15 and the movie was released before her big break on One Day at a Time. Alan Arkin and Sally Kellerman are both very good. It also has some good support actors. I do wonder if Mac and Frisbee should be lovers. The movie would function better with a love triangle and some more jealousy. Frisbee jumping out of the car is a good scene but it would be even better if her motive has some sexual tension. The trio turns more into an odd little crime family. It is interesting that so many older men turn into creepy sleaze around her. It points to some unresolved sexual abuse in her past considering her anger issue. She needs a heart-to-heart with Rafferty about that. The ending could be improved. The three of them should drive away into the sunset together and there is no way the nun would just let her go with some guy claiming to be her dad. At least, Rafferty should show a fake ID. This is a fascinating little grimy 70's road trip indie.
It's a road trip of petty crimes and misadventures. The movie is interesting for the actors. Mackenzie Phillips is only about 15 and the movie was released before her big break on One Day at a Time. Alan Arkin and Sally Kellerman are both very good. It also has some good support actors. I do wonder if Mac and Frisbee should be lovers. The movie would function better with a love triangle and some more jealousy. Frisbee jumping out of the car is a good scene but it would be even better if her motive has some sexual tension. The trio turns more into an odd little crime family. It is interesting that so many older men turn into creepy sleaze around her. It points to some unresolved sexual abuse in her past considering her anger issue. She needs a heart-to-heart with Rafferty about that. The ending could be improved. The three of them should drive away into the sunset together and there is no way the nun would just let her go with some guy claiming to be her dad. At least, Rafferty should show a fake ID. This is a fascinating little grimy 70's road trip indie.