Boxcar Bertha Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A girl with a dead pilot dad teams up with a communist to rob trains and then things get really, REALLY messy.

🍿 Boxcar Bertha: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Bertha’s Journey Begins

Set in the Depression-era South, the film introduces Bertha Thompson after her father’s tragic death. Bereft and alone, she embarks on a journey, hopping trains and encountering various characters who shape her path. This sets the stage for her involvement in the turbulent world of union organizing and crime.

Union and Rebellion

Bertha becomes entangled with ‘Big’ Bill Shelly, a charismatic union leader fighting against the corrupt railroad establishment. Their shared values and growing affection lead them to challenge the system through increasingly illicit means. The film highlights the social unrest and economic desperation of the era.

Descent into Crime

Driven by injustice and circumstance, Bertha and Bill, along with their companions, turn to train robbery as a form of rebellion and survival. As they gain notoriety, they attract the attention of ruthless railroad officials and law enforcement. The stakes escalate, pushing them further into a life of violence and desperation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Boxcar Bertha (Barbara Hershey): A young woman who becomes a transient and outlaw during the Great Depression after the death of her father.
• Big Bill Shelly (David Carradine): A charismatic union leader who fights for workers’ rights and becomes Bertha’s lover and partner in crime.
• Rake Brown (Barry Primus): A con artist and gambler who joins Bertha and Bill, adding a layer of deception to their activities.
• Von Morton (Bernie Casey): A skilled mechanic and loyal friend who becomes an accomplice in Bertha and Bill’s criminal endeavors.
• H. Buckram Sartoris (John Carradine): The ruthless railroad owner who becomes a primary antagonist, representing the oppressive establishment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Boxcar Bertha: “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” – Bertha says this, in an ironic nod to ‘The Wizard of Oz’, during one of their escapades, highlighting the deception and illusion of power.
• Big Bill Shelly: “I don’t wanna steal your watch, I just wanna smash your railroad” – Big Bill states his real motivation for the robberies is to harm the railroad company, not personal gain.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $600,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $6,443

💥 Boxcar Bertha Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Boxcar Bertha expecting something typical of Roger Corman. What I found was a movie with a surprising amount of depth and emotional resonance. Barbara Hershey’s performance is incredible, and it’s amazing to see Scorsese experimenting with his style so early in his career. The ending was brutal and stuck with me for days; it’s not your average feel-good movie, but definitely worth the watch. It made me want to explore more of Scorsese’s early work.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Martin Scorsese’s early work”
  • “Those interested in Depression-era dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate films about social injustice and rebellion”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• CBR: “While not a masterpiece, Boxcar Bertha offers a fascinating glimpse into the early work of a cinematic genius. The film is a must-see for any fan of Scorsese or anyone interested in the evolution of the New Hollywood era. It showcases many of the director’s stylistic trademarks and is worth watching if you appreciate a good crime drama with a historical backdrop.
• MovieWeb: “Boxcar Bertha is an underrated Martin Scorsese film that showcases his early talent and eye for crime and social issues. The film’s performances from Barbara Hershey and David Carradine are stellar, and the film’s depiction of the Great Depression is a compelling look at a tumultuous time in American history.
• IMDb: “Boxcar Bertha isn’t one of Scorsese’s greatest achievements, but it’s far from an embarrassment. With strong performances from Barbara Hershey and David Carradine, it’s an above-average B-movie that offers more entertainment than you might expect. Check it out if you’re curious about early Scorsese and exploitation films with style.

Audience Reactions

Hershey and Carradine’s chemistry brought a raw and authentic feel to the screen.: The realistic portrayal of the Great Depression and the raw, emotional performances are standout elements.

The movie’s unhinged violence in the climax was unforgettable and shocking, adding a powerful punch.: Scorsese’s ability to blend violence with social commentary, making it more than just a typical action film.

Overall Consensus: Boxcar Bertha is a solid, albeit raw, early effort by Martin Scorsese. Its portrayal of the Great Depression and strong performances are praised, though some find it falls short of his later masterpieces. Recommended for Scorsese fans and those interested in exploitation films with substance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Cassavetes told Martin Scorsese after seeing ‘Boxcar Bertha’ that he had just wasted a year making a piece of garbage and that he should make more personal films. This inspired Scorsese to make ‘Mean Streets’.”
• “Martin Scorsese has referred to this film as his “exploitation picture,” made quickly for Roger Corman.”
• “Barbara Hershey and David Carradine were in a real-life relationship during the filming of ‘Boxcar Bertha’, which added to their on-screen chemistry.”

🖥️ How to Watch Boxcar Bertha?

As of October 2024, ‘Boxcar Bertha’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Boxcar Bertha, you might like these similar films:

• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Both films depict a glamorous but violent outlaw couple during the Depression era, romanticizing crime and rebellion.
• Bloody Mama (1970): Another Roger Corman production also set during the Depression, focusing on a family of criminals.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Explores the dark side of the American Dream and the destructive pursuit of wealth, sharing themes of ambition and moral decay.

🛒 Boxcar Bertha Related Products

• Martin Scorsese: A Retrospective: A collection of Scorsese’s best films and documentaries, providing insight into his directing style and influences, perfect for understanding the director’s evolution post Boxcar Bertha.
• The American Cinema Directors and Directions 1929-1968: This book provides key insights from expert historians, from before and around the new wave of American auteurs.
• Vintage Style 1930s Women’s Fashion: High-quality vintage-inspired clothing, enabling fans to dress like Boxcar Bertha herself or capture the essence of the Depression era.
• The Killing Floor(1984): Insightful film set around the stockyard workers during World War I, this film presents many similar themes regarding the unionizing of exploited workers.

🎧 Soundtrack

Boxcar Bertha features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Piano Sonata no. 11 in A, K. 331, Mov. 3” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• “Main theme” – performed by Gib Guilbeau and Thad Maxwell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Boxcar Bertha’s Barbara Hershey SHOCKED everyone when she PULLED HERS OUT on live TV & did this!

Can you believe what Barbara Hershey did on live TV to promote Boxcar Bertha? This video dives into that crazy moment and how it impacted her career. It’s wild!

Every GREAT Director’s WORST Movie Explained In 6 Minutes (Part I)

Ever wondered what Martin Scorsese’s *worst* film is? This video argues it’s Boxcar Bertha! See why one critic thinks so, you might be surprised.

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