John Arnold, an influential figure in 1970s exploitation cinema, directed and wrote The Young Cycle Girls (1977), a film that captures the rebellious spirit of youth culture. Set against a backdrop of counterculture, the film delves into the lives of young women navigating freedom and societal expectations. Arnold's unique vision in The Young Cycle Girls showcases his commitment to exploring unconventional narratives, making him a notable contributor to the cult film landscape.
The Young Cycle Girls
Three teenage girls run away from home because they have become jaded by their lives, and their dream is to see the ocean in California. Along the way they face getting drugged, raped and attacked by outlaw bikers. They finally make it to the beach and the peeping-tom pervert from the opening scene blows them away with a shotgun. Then their ghosts dance together in the surf. This movie not only illustrates some of the bad things that can happen to youth on the road, it also shows that no matter how much you travel, no matter how street-wise you become, you don't even have to leave home to be victimized. Their death followed them halfway across the country from their hometown.
