Mother, Jugs & Speed
Picture: B- Sound: B-
Extras: B Film: B-
It is probably safe to say
that very few films deal with ambulance drivers and the ones that do, you most
likely never heard of. With exception of
the more recent Bringing Out the Dead
(1999), I can only think of Mother, Jugs
& Speed (1976) starring the beautiful Raquel Welch, Bill Cosby, Harvey
Keitel, with some notable appearances by Dick Butkus and Larry Hagman.
I remember the first time
I stumbled across this film, which the title alone had my curiosity flying
high. Add to that some of the cast and I
was tempted beyond belief to see what this film was all about. I suppose it’s safe to say that my first
viewing and my most recent viewing (the DVD debut issue) are relatively
different. My initial viewing I only saw
the surface level idea behind the film, which dealt with the new law passed in L.A. that states the first ambulance to an accident
obtains the rights to transport the person, in turn giving them more
business. The result of this is
competition that makes for a very interesting premise.
My latest viewing saw more
potential in the film, at least if you were to see the film as microscopic view
of just about all businesses. Not only
that, but look at some of the more recent things that have happened in the
business world in terms of competition and overriding the opponents. The point here is that it’s not about saving
a life, but rather making some money on the side.
The film tightly focuses
on two specific ambulance companies and the F+B Ambulance Service certainly has
one of the craziest crews led by Cosby (the veteran driver given the name
“mother”), then there is Speed (Keitel) the suspended cop, and Jugs (Welch),
whom I don’t think we need to address how she got that title, playing the
secretary. Together this crew is determined to make the right decisions, and
some money, to do their job. There are a
few loose screws in the outfit along the way as well, which eventually get
worked out as comedy and drama combine to make for an interesting viewing to
say the least.
Fox has brought forth
several of their titles starring Raquel Welch, whose name sells in and of
itself. This is certainly one of those
films that has worked its way into a more cult status, but true fans of either
her, or perhaps even this film might seek after this now that it’s available
onto DVD.
Presented in its original
2.35 X 1 scope aspect ratio the film never astonishes, but still retains a
decent transfer despite some drawbacks, even though it is anamorphically
enhanced. It has a very dated and analog
look to it, especially in the darker regions.
Colors can be shifty at times, with the overall contrast and clarity
being slightly off. Softness appears
from time to time, while grain is minimal.
The soundtrack has been mixed for Dolby 2.0 stereo playback, but is
monophonic even in nature.
Although the film contains
no major supplements, it is loaded with the films trailers as well as the other
Fox titles with Raquel Welch. This is
certainly not a film you want to pick up on the fly because its likeability
factor is low for the curiosity, but those that are familiar with it might be
inclined since the transfer is better than what was available for many years on
VHS and sine the film pops up on TV very seldom.
- Nate Goss
