Joseph Cates, an influential director in the realm of cult cinema, helmed Girl of the Night (1960) and The Fat Spy (1966). His work is characterized by a blend of provocative themes and unique storytelling that resonates within the exploitation genre. With Girl of the Night, Cates explored the gritty underbelly of urban life, while The Fat Spy offered a satirical take on the spy genre, showcasing his versatility. Cates' contributions continue to spark interest among enthusiasts of cult and grindhouse films.
Girl of the Night
A taxi driver picks up a woman running through the streets. Her name is Robin "Bobbie" Williams and, because she appears to be injured, she is taken to see a Dr. Mitchell in her apartment building, even though he is a psychologist. Reluctantly, she reveals to Dr. Mitchell that she is a high-priced call girl. Bobbie agrees to a few sessions with the doctor and tells her story. Her boyfriend, a man named Larry Taylor, was supposed to be protecting Bobbie on a job. Instead he sat in a bar, flirting with a young woman named Lisa, while an elderly john named Shelton repeatedly struck Bobbie with a cane. Rowena Claiborne, who arranges "dates" for the prostitutes, persuades Lisa to join Bobbie on a night out with two wealthy clients. One of the men, Jason Franklin, claims to be offended when he discovers that these women are hookers. He intimidates Lisa, who recoils from him and falls through a window to her death. Rather than sympathize, Larry is angry at Bobbie for costing them future earnings with Rowena. He physically assaults her. Bobbie is ashamed of her life and finds a job as a file clerk, hoping that no one in her office will discover the truth about her past.
