Angel Unchained
Angel Unchained (also known as Hell's Angels Unchained) is a 1970 American action film directed by Lee Madden for American International Pictures and starring Don Stroud as the title character Angel. It was released in the United States on September 2, 1970.[1]
Angel Unchained | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Lee Madden |
Produced by | American International Pictures |
Screenplay by | Jeffrey Alan Fiskin |
Starring | Don Stroud Luke Askew Larry Bishop Tyne Daly Aldo Ray |
Music by | Randy Sparks |
Cinematography | Irving Lippman |
Edited by | Fred R. Feitshans Jr. |
Distributed by | American International Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 86 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Premise
Following a gang fight, biker Angel, calls it quits and leaves his gang, the Exiles MC, (Nomad Chapter), in pursuit of a new life. He meets hippie community leader Jonathan Tremaine, who is running from the anti-hippie townsfolk. Angel is quick to fall in love with another hippie, Merilee. When the situation becomes too tough to handle, Angel is forced to ask the Exiles MC to help out the hippies.
Cast
- Don Stroud as Angel
- Luke Askew as Jonathan Tremaine
- Larry Bishop as Pilot
- Tyne Daly as Merilee
- Aldo Ray as Sheriff
- T. Max Graham as Magician
Production
Also known as Hell's Angels Unchained, Angel Unchained was directed by Lee Madden, written by Jeffrey Alan Fiskin, and produced by American International Pictures.[2] Filming locations included Phoenix, Arizona, and real-life bikers were recruited for the film.[3] Angel Unchained marked the film debut of T. Max Graham, who played Magician.[4]
Release
The film had its United States premiere in August 1970,[5] before being theatrically released nationwide on September 2, 1970.[6] Up till at least December 1971, there were still screenings of Angel Unchained in Gadsden, Alabama.[7] A soundtrack recording was released in 1970 on American International Records featuring music composed and sung by Randy Sparks.
Reception
A reviewer of The Nevada Daily Mail considered the film to be an unsuccessful attempt to combine elements of both The Wild Angels and Easy Rider. Although offering that the film was not quite meaningful, he found it to be a "fair motorcycle picture".[8]
References
- Gary A. Smith, The American International Pictures Video Guide, McFarland 2009 p 13
- Irv Slifkin (January 2004). VideoHound's Groovy Movies: Far-out Films of the Psychedelic Era. Visible Ink Press. pp. 254–255. ISBN 978-1-57859-155-8.
- Hillis, Aaron (August 7, 2008). "Interview: Larry Bishop on "Hell Ride"". IFC. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
- Trussell, Robert (October 28, 2011). "Popular local actor T. Max Graham dies". The Kansas City Star.
- McKninnon, George (August 27, 1970). "'Angel Unchained' opens at Center". Boston Globe. pp. 43—.
- ""Unchained" Due Citywide Today". Los Angeles Times. September 2, 1970. pp. H14—.
- "[Advertisements]". Gadsden Times. December 6, 1971. pp. 6—.
- "Movie Reviews". The Nevada Daily Mail. May 26, 1971. pp. 29—.