The Candy Snatchers (1973)

70s exploitation doesn't get much better than this, 4 March 2006

As she walks home from school, Candy (Susan Sennett) is kidnapped by three small-time criminals looking to make the big-time. Their plan is to hold Candy for a fortune in diamonds from the store her father manages. But when Candy's father doesn't make it to the drop-off point, things go from bad to worse for Candy.

Going into The Candy Snatchers, I wasn't expecting such a competently made, entertaining film. It's a masterpiece of 70s sleaze and exploitation. Candy's ordeal is brutal and, at times, difficult to watch. The scenes of Candy being buried alive with only a one-inch pipe for air are so real that you can't help but feel for the bound and gagged Susan Sennett. The script is surprisingly intelligent and presents some nice twists involving Candy's father (played to perfection by Ben Piazza) and his reluctance to meet the ransom demands. The script also goes out of the way to flesh-out the three would be kidnappers and gives us an insight into what makes them tick. Finally, I love the ambiguous ending as to Candy's fate. It gives you something to think about long after the movie has ended. The Candy Snatchers is very nicely done.

There's also a subplot involving a very young mute boy and his abusive parents. As bad as I felt for Candy and her predicament, I felt equally bad for little Sean. The events in the film's finale involving the little boy are amazing in their simple, but violent nature. Sean was played by the director's son, Christophe. I don't know when I've seen a better, more believable performance from someone so young.

If you're a fan of 70s drive-in fare, you must seek out The Candy Snatchers.

8/10