I first saw this movie at the Jericho drive-in near Albany, New York, probably around 1974.
It was shown at least once every summer after that for at least 5 years, sometimes as the second movie, but always the most popular one. (And not just for the skinny-dipping scene!)
Buster was the most popular boy in school, but not because he went along with the others,but because he wouldn't... so they usually had to go along with him. He considered Whitey to be a real friend, and not just fun to have around to make the butt of all their jokes.
Billie was different, too, and, yes, at first Buster just wanted some real action (he was a male, after all), but he liked her differences, and her shyness. He obviously wasn't like the other boys who would "visit" her at night, and then ignore her in school.
He was intrigued by her, because she gave everything and asked for nothing. Just about every scene his "real" girl-friend is in, she's pouting, or demanding, or trying to make him toe a line she sets. That's what he was used to, and expected, because she was a "nice" girl.
After a few dates with Billie, the demands of his girl-friend pall, he breaks up with her, and he sees Billie in public.
A scene at their church underscores the public hypocrisy of their friends when Buster brings Billie to church and his ex-girlfriend flounces past, making a rude remark, while clinging to the arm of one of the "better" boys in town (who is one of Billie's night-time visitors).
Apparently his guy friends felt it was OK to screw Billie, (and they were annoyed he wouldn't go with them, but went by himself to see her), but to BRING HER OUT IN FULL DAYLIGHT! TO CHURCH!! Completely unacceptable, according to their superior standards. Oh, yeah, and she wasn't putting out anymore for them. Obviously that wouldn't do.
So his "friends" took advantage of a situation and did what they wanted with Billie.
Buster took care of her, and then took care of them.
Most women don't want to have fighting around - but if it's FOR them - well, that's a different matter. (Think of the fight scene at the end of Footloose.)
Now, ladies, be honest - if you'd been treated like Billie, wouldn't you want your boyfriend to defend you? And who cares if he gets a little carried away bashing their heads in?
And stealing all those flowers for her grave was wonderfully romantic.
My only complaint is I haven't been able to find it yet on DVD. I only have an old videotaped copy from the late show one night. Blurry, dark, and chopped to shreds by the editors. It's still a great movie.
It was shown at least once every summer after that for at least 5 years, sometimes as the second movie, but always the most popular one. (And not just for the skinny-dipping scene!)
Buster was the most popular boy in school, but not because he went along with the others,but because he wouldn't... so they usually had to go along with him. He considered Whitey to be a real friend, and not just fun to have around to make the butt of all their jokes.
Billie was different, too, and, yes, at first Buster just wanted some real action (he was a male, after all), but he liked her differences, and her shyness. He obviously wasn't like the other boys who would "visit" her at night, and then ignore her in school.
He was intrigued by her, because she gave everything and asked for nothing. Just about every scene his "real" girl-friend is in, she's pouting, or demanding, or trying to make him toe a line she sets. That's what he was used to, and expected, because she was a "nice" girl.
After a few dates with Billie, the demands of his girl-friend pall, he breaks up with her, and he sees Billie in public.
A scene at their church underscores the public hypocrisy of their friends when Buster brings Billie to church and his ex-girlfriend flounces past, making a rude remark, while clinging to the arm of one of the "better" boys in town (who is one of Billie's night-time visitors).
Apparently his guy friends felt it was OK to screw Billie, (and they were annoyed he wouldn't go with them, but went by himself to see her), but to BRING HER OUT IN FULL DAYLIGHT! TO CHURCH!! Completely unacceptable, according to their superior standards. Oh, yeah, and she wasn't putting out anymore for them. Obviously that wouldn't do.
So his "friends" took advantage of a situation and did what they wanted with Billie.
Buster took care of her, and then took care of them.
Most women don't want to have fighting around - but if it's FOR them - well, that's a different matter. (Think of the fight scene at the end of Footloose.)
Now, ladies, be honest - if you'd been treated like Billie, wouldn't you want your boyfriend to defend you? And who cares if he gets a little carried away bashing their heads in?
And stealing all those flowers for her grave was wonderfully romantic.
My only complaint is I haven't been able to find it yet on DVD. I only have an old videotaped copy from the late show one night. Blurry, dark, and chopped to shreds by the editors. It's still a great movie.