Two scumbag criminals steal a cab and go out for a joyride. They pick up Valarie (Denise Coward), a young and successful businesswoman, and beat, rob, and rape her. Unsatisfied with the police’s progress and determined not to become just another victim, Valarie buys a gun and goes into the city looking for her attackers. Along the way, she is attacked and molested by even more rapists and sickos, all of whom she gleefully blows away using homemade exploding bullets. Because of her choice of weapon, the media dubs her “The Dum-Dum Killer”.
As far as Rape n’ Revenge pictures go, Sudden Death is better than some, but it’s still only about half as good as say, Ms. 45. (I guess that would make this Ms. 22 ½?) It’s anchored by a tough performance by Coward, who makes for a credible action heroine, and is quite strong in her dramatic scenes. I also give the film credit for exploring some territory that many more exploitative examples of the genre neglect to tread. Namely, the fact that her asshole fiancée just wants her to get over the attack and move on. However, it doesn’t have enough action to cut it as an action flick and it isn’t quite trashy enough to make it as a grindhouse movie.
The writer/director was Sig Shore. He also produced the original Super Fly and directed the sequel, The Return of Superfly. He does a decent job all things considered, although the film does kind of lapse into a repetitive rhythm about halfway through. (An attacker forces himself on Valarie, she fights back, and eventually pretends to relent before gunning them down.) That is more of scripting issue than a directing criticism.
The title was changed in the UK to the hilarious Dirty Harriet. While that title is good for a giggle, it kind of betrays the seriousness in which the material is handled and makes it sound like some sort of Airplane!-inspired parody. Although that seriousness is appreciated in something like this, it doesn’t quite singlehandedly excuse its shortcomings.
The biggest drawback is the subplot with the cop (Frank Runyeon) trying to bring the rapists down. The film is noticeably less effective whenever he shows up. In fact, when he and his partner take center stage late in the third act, it brings Sudden Death to a sudden halt. Fortunately, Coward returns for the final showdown, but whenever she isn’t on screen, her absence is really felt.
AKA: Dirty Harriet.
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