Watch Satan's Sadists

In the late 1960s, the biker movie genre was increasingly popular, with films such as "Easy Rider" and "Wild Angels" dominating the box office. "Satan's Sadists," released in 1969, is a lesser-known entry that takes a more exploitative and violent approach to the subculture. The film follows a group of outlaw bikers known as the Satans, who roam the desert highways and terrorize anyone who crosses their path. Led by the sadistic Anchor (Russ Tamblyn), the Satans get their kicks from raping and murdering innocent people, and they have no qualms about taking on the law or anyone else who opposes them. The story begins with a trio of couples on a leisurely road trip, only to stumble upon the Satans' hideout and become their latest victims. The bikers kill the men and take the women captive, subjecting them to various brutalities and forcing them to become sex slaves. Meanwhile, a group of Vietnam veterans on motorcycles come across the Satans and get into a fight, leading to a cycle of revenge that escalates into a full-blown war. The veterans, led by the determined Charlie (Scott Brady), vow to take down the Satans and save the captive women. In between the action, there are several musical interludes featuring garage rock bands of the era. These scenes add a sense of energy and rebellion to the film, but they can also feel disjointed and distract from the grim tone of the story. As the conflict between the Satans and the veterans intensifies, the film becomes increasingly violent and nihilistic. The bikers engage in gruesome acts of torture and murder, and the veterans respond with their own brand of brutal justice. The film offers no hope or redemption, only a bleak outlook on society and humanity's capacity for violence. Despite its low-budget production values and questionable content, "Satan's Sadists" has developed a cult following over the years. Its visceral depiction of outlaw bikers and its unflinching brutality make it a notable entry in the exploitation genre. Russ Tamblyn, in particular, gives a memorable performance as the sadistic Anchor. The actor, known for his roles in classic films such as "West Side Story" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," brings a chilling intensity to his portrayal of a madman on two wheels. Similarly, Scott Brady brings a sense of gravitas to his role as Charlie, the veteran determined to bring the Satans to justice. John 'Bud' Cardos, who would go on to become a prolific director of B-movies, also appears as one of the Satans. In conclusion, "Satan's Sadists" is a brutal and bleak film that will not appeal to everyone's tastes. It offers a raw glimpse into a subculture that was often demonized in the media, and its unrelenting violence makes it an unsettling viewing experience. However, for fans of exploitation cinema and biker movies, it remains a notable entry in the genre.