Albert T. Viola, an influential figure in cult cinema, made his mark as both an actor and filmmaker in the 1970s. He directed the provocative One Naked Night (1965), which highlights his unique vision and storytelling style. In Preacherman (1971), Viola not only acted but also took on the roles of director and writer, blending elements of exploitation and social commentary. His work in these films contributes to the rich tapestry of grindhouse cinema, making him a notable presence in the SassyFlix catalog.
Preacherman
After having sex with a girl who turns out to be the daughter of White Oak County sheriff Zero Bull, self-proclaimed Preacherman Amos Huxley (Viola), is beaten by the sheriff and his deputy and left outside the county line, warned never to return. He is unwittingly brought back into the sheriff's jurisdiction by local farmer Judd Crabtree (Esty F. Davis Jr.), who picks up the unconscious Huxley and takes him to his home. Aware there is a countywide roadblock looking for escaped convicts (and likely himself), Huxley decides to stay with Crabtree, especially after meeting his daughter Mary Lou (Ilene Kristen), who has been fooling around with multiple boys in the area. Under pretense of baptizing Mary Lou and curbing her lascivious behavior, Huxley fools her into multiple sexual encounters and diverts Judd from noticing by sending him outside to watch for "the Angel Leroy." Judd confesses to Huxley that instead of farming, he has generated income through an illegal moonshine still, a business sanctioned with Sheriff Bull and Bull's shopkeeper brother-in-law. Huxley, seeing a chance to make money and get revenge on Bull, suggests Judd can continue the business as a revenue-generator to build a new church, using travelling saleswoman Martha (who is attracted to Judd) as the new supplier instead of the sheriff's infrastructure. Other locals are brought into the operation, which becomes a success. The new venture draws the attention of Clyde Massingale (Adam Hesse), one of Mary Lou's former paramours, jealous at no longer having sexual access to the now "saved" girl. Huxley tries to recruit Clyde into the business to keep him quiet, but Sheriff Bull, noticing that Clyde is now working for Judd despite their history of animosity, senses the boy may know about either Huxley or the loss of his former bootlegging revenue, and alerts him to Huxley's criminal past. The prisoner dragnet now ended, Huxley sees a chance to flee the county with Mary Lou, but convinces Judd and Martha to stage a large revival event, where he can proceed to rake in more cash. Clyde rats out Huxley to Bull, who raids the meeting. Judd distracts Bull long enough for Huxley and Mary Lou to escape, but as they run, Mary Lou admits to Huxley she loves Clyde. Huxley, somewhat relieved, tells Mary Lou he has left a large share of the profits in her bedroom for herself and Judd, and runs off alone. Clyde, upon reuniting with Mary Lou, misleads Bull and his deputy, allowing Huxley to make it to the next county free and clear.
