Amici per la pelle

I can only imagine what the drive-in crowd thought of Best Friends on its original release: it's a downbeat drama that is a far cry from Crown International's usual breezy/cheezy output.

Richard Hatch and Doug Chapin play long-time pals and ex-army buddies Jesse and Pat, who, together with their partners Kathy (Susanne Benton) and Jo Ella (Ann Noland) embark on a cross-country road-trip in a rented Winnebago. Once the trip is over, Jesse intends to marry his girlfriend and get a job, but Pat has different ideas: he wants to continue his care-free friendship with his old buddy and proceeds to try and ruin Jesse's relationship with Kathy. Naturally, things spiral out of control for the foursome, with an unexpectedly tragic ending.

Competently directed, with reasonable performances from its leads, Best Friends isn't a bad movie, but hardly makes for fun viewing. Avid Crown International fans might struggle with the film's rather depressing nature, but will at least appreciate Jo Ella's topless dance at a strip bar and Kathy's shower scene.