Shanty Tramp, produced and directed by Joseph G. Prieto, was a low-budget exploitation film from 1967. The film focuses on the story of a promiscuous and manipulative white-trash woman, played by Eleanor Vaill, who seduces a local preacher in her small Southern town. The film opens with a shot of a group of lower-class people seemingly having a party.
Vaill's character, Emily, is a troubled and promiscuous young woman who spends her days drinking and sleeping around with the men in the town. She has a volatile relationship with her father, who is an alcoholic and a generally unpleasant man. Emily's behavior is a source of scandal and gossip in the town; she is referred to as the "shanty tramp" by the townspeople.
Despite her reputation, Emily is able to manipulate the weak-willed preacher, played by Otto Schlessinger, into having an affair with her. The affair is short-lived, however, as Emily becomes pregnant and the preacher abandons her. Emily is devastated by the betrayal and seeks revenge by seducing and then dumping every man in town.
The film is a dark and often disturbing portrayal of small-town Southern life. The characters are all flawed and damaged, and their interactions are frequently unpleasant and violent. The film deals with themes of sex, race, and class, and includes graphic scenes of violence and sex. The cinematography is gritty and unpolished, adding to the overall sense of unease.
The acting in the film is uneven, with some performances being over-the-top and melodramatic, while others are more understated. Eleanor Vaill's performance as Emily is particularly compelling; she portrays the character as both vulnerable and manipulative, making her a sympathetic but also dangerous figure.
Despite its flaws, Shanty Tramp has become something of a cult classic in the years since its release. The film's frank depiction of sex and violence was shocking at the time, and it is still a challenging and unsettling viewing experience today. While it is certainly not a film for everyone, those who are interested in gritty, low-budget exploitation films from the 1960s may find it to be a rewarding watch.
Shanty Tramp is a 1967 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.
