Cherry, Harry & Raquel! (1969)

Cherry, Harry & Raquel! (1969)

“Nevertheless, pity the poor potheads.”

Synopsis:
While a busty Swede (Uschi Digard) runs naked across the desert, a corrupt sheriff (Charles Napier) working in collusion with a marijuana dealer (Franklin Bolger) and a Chicano deputy (Bert Santos) tries to track down an elusive competitor known as “The Apache”. Meanwhile, Napier sleeps with both a busy prostitute named Raquel (Larissa Ely) and his nurse-girlfriend Cherry (Linda Ashton), who eventually fall for each other as well.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Drug Dealers
  • Sheriffs and Marshalls
  • Russ Meyer Films

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary writes that this “compact Russ Meyer film” features a “tried-and-true combination of sex, violence, and humor”, with the injection of “intentionally silly footage of superstacked Uschi Digard romping naked (but for an Indian warbonnet) around [the] desert.” He asserts that while it’s “somewhat dated”, it “remains one of Meyer’s best films” given that it “has wit, sharp editing, several Don Siegel-like action sequences, and a solid lead in square-jawed Napier”.

I can understand why Meyer fans would be enamored with this flick, which shows ample evidence of the gonzo-surreal sensibilities and rapid-fire editing that would infuse Meyer’s first major studio film, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970). However, it’s really not for all tastes; my favorite moments came early on, during his laughably earnest opening voiceover: “The evil of marijuana caresses all it comes in contact with.”

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Fine location shooting
  • Skillful editing

Must See?
No, though I’m sure some film fanatics will be curious to check it out.

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One thought on “Cherry, Harry & Raquel! (1969)

  1. First viewing. Skip it.

    I thought I had seen this before but apparently not. Even on Meyer’s terms, this is a singularly dull flick.

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