Macon County Line

When actor Max Baer found himself not just unemployed but unemployable after playing Jethro for nine years on The Beverly Hillbillies, he co-wrote, produced, and starred in Macon County Line, a low-budget, independently-made thriller set in the 1950s Deep South. Although the opening credits claim it is based on a true story, this is a purely fictional drama about two Chicago brothers (Alan Vint and Jesse Vint) embarked on a road trip before reporting to basic training, a pair of criminal drifters (Timothy Scott and James Gammon) who recall the killers of In Cold Blood, and a deputy sheriff (Baer) who mistakenly targets the innocent brothers while on a rage-fueled mission of revenge. The film meanders through the first hour, establishing the brothers as reckless but mostly harmless troublemakers and the deputy as a loving husband and father as well as an unapologetic bigot. He hassles the brothers when their car breaks down and gently makes the case for racial segregation to his son (Leif Garrett) as a life lesson. But then director Richard Compton abruptly shifts into high gear to create a riveting, adrenaline-boosted thriller in its final act. Macon County Line has its roots in the drive-in culture of ‘50s nostalgia and redneck action movies but its nuanced portrait of an openly racist police deputy and the effective direction of the nightmarish finale puts it a cut above the rest of the pack. A huge hit in 1974, it has since become a cult film and remains an interesting example of ‘70s exploitation filmmaking. Extras include an audio commentary with Compton, an interview with film editor Tina Hirsch, and a vintage featurette. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)