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Action Cult Classic

One farmer, one bow, and a vendetta against coal-hungry corruption in rural Arkansas.

FIGHTING MAD

When You Push Too Far, Even A Peaceful Man Gets Fighting Mad.

1976 · 1h 30m · R · Action / Drama · IMDB TMDB

An Arkansas farmer stages a one-man war against corrupt land developers who want to evict him and his neighbors from their farms for real estate developments.

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Quick Answer

What is Fighting Mad about?

Fighting Mad is a 1976 American action-drama film directed by Jonathan Demme about a stubborn Arkansas farmer who wages a personal war against corrupt land developers threatening his family's land.

Programmer's Pick

Peter Fonda with a bow and arrow, Jonathan Demme behind the camera, and a hixploitation powder keg: Fighting Mad isn’t just about land—it’s about drawing a line in the dirt and daring greed to cross it. If rural revenge movies are your thing, this one hits the bullseye.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Fighting Mad drops viewers into the heart of rural Arkansas, where an unscrupulous corporation is determined to force local farmers and ranchers off their land for strip-mining. The Hunter family, fiercely devoted to their property and way of life, refuse to back down against mounting pressure. As corporate greed collides with small-town grit, tensions escalate into violence and tragedy. At the center of the storm stands Tom Hunter, a take-charge figure who decides to fight back using unconventional tactics—and a trusty bow and arrow. Expect a blend of action and drama that explores themes of property rights, environmental destruction, and rural resistance without pulling any punches.

Details & Specs

Director
Jonathan Demme
Writer
Jonathan Demme
Release
1976
Runtime
1h 30m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Action, Drama
Also Known As
En mand går amok, Pelos Meus Direitos, Mach ein Kreuz und fahr zur Hölle

Why This Matters

Directed by Jonathan Demme, this 1976 Southern Gothic drama-thriller features Peter Fonda as an Arkansas farmer who resorts to guerrilla tactics against corrupt land developers, blending vigilante themes with rural social conflict.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Jonathan Demme Writer: Jonathan Demme
Peter Fonda Peter Fonda Tom Hunter GF Gino Franco Dylan Hunter Harry Northup Harry Northup Sherrif Len Skerritt Philip Carey Philip Carey Pierce Crabtree Noble Willingham Noble Willingham Senator Hingle John Doucette John Doucette Jeff Hunter Scott Glenn Scott Glenn Charlie Hunter Lynn Lowry Lynn Lowry Lorene Maddox Kathleen Miller Kathleen Miller Carolee Hunter Ted Markland Ted Markland Hal Fraser LW Laura Weatherford Fraser Child GW Gerry Weatherford Fraser Child PF Peter Fain Gillette Al Wyatt Sr. Al Wyatt Sr. Judge O'Connor George Armitage George Armitage Man playing tennis (uncredited) MJ Maurice Jones Lorene Maddox's mother (uncredited)

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Why Cult

Bow-and-Arrow Justice

Tom Hunter’s preferred weapon isn’t a shotgun—expect poetic retribution delivered with a bow and arrow.

Corporate Greed vs. Farmers

Arkansas farmland becomes a battleground as a ruthless corporation tries to muscle out local families for coal.

Hixploitation Roots

This rural action-drama leans into its hixploitation pedigree, serving up property disputes, land grabs, and gritty small-town resistance.

Demme Directs Fonda

Jonathan Demme directs Peter Fonda, adding a sharp edge to this tale of revenge and rural rebellion.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Fighting Mad released? +

Fighting Mad was released in 1976.

Who directed Fighting Mad? +

Fighting Mad was directed by Jonathan Demme.

How long is Fighting Mad? +

Fighting Mad runs for 90 minutes.

What genre is Fighting Mad? +

Fighting Mad is an action-drama film.

Where can I watch Fighting Mad? +

You can watch Fighting Mad on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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