The Born Losers (1967)

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Admirable film.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

(the following may contains minor spoilers)i liked this first of four Billy Jack films.it's a simple story about one man who tries to fight injustice,usually(and reluctantly) with his feet and hands.in this film,the enemy happens to be a gang called The Born Losers(hence the title)who have been terrorize the neighbourhood and victimizing people.the film is well paced with some good fight sequences.the acting is also decent enough,for the most part although there are a couple of over actors in the bunch.overall,the movie is entertaining enough,although it sends mixed messages about violence and if it actually solves problems.anyway,for me,The Born Losers is an 8/10

This flick was pathetic. So bad, it's still not good enough to be "so bad, it's good". Billy Jack is an Indian? From what Native American tribe? The white Irishmen? They say this guy Laughlin has a martial arts background? I know at least ten residents of an assisted living home that could mop the floor with his self righteous ass. He has the strange ability to render people helpless with feeble karate chops. And what about that biker leader with the white-framed sunglasses? Was this a fem bike club or what? And the chick riding around on a scooter with white gogo boots and a white bikini? Who the hell did she think she was? Girls who cavorted around like that were considered to be sluts anyway, so what's the point? Jane Russell hit rock bottom here. Tom Laughlin is definitely talent free. A loser indeed. This movie reeks!

This was the start of the Billy Jack Legacy as this movie hit the theaters on August 18 1967 starring Tom Laughlin as Billy Jack, Elizabeth James as Vicky Barrington, and Jeremy Slate as Daniel Carmody. A motorcycle gang led by Daniel Danny Carmody rides through the local towns terrorizing the people and the local law is afraid of them. Enters Vicky Barrington who races to the airport to pick up her dad only to find out that she was rejected again. While the gang is riding the come across a young kid who they beat up and Billy Jack comes to his rescue. Billy is arrested along with the bikers and thrown in jail. The gang ends up raping four women who they have threaten the women into not testifying. Vicki who was raped goes under the protection of Billy Jack who has also had several altercations with the gang. The gang escalates their pressure on both Vicki and Billy Jack to keep her out of the courtroom. Some facts you may not know. This picture was banned from Sweden because of its high violence rating in 1968, 1972, and 1975. When Billy Jack and Vicky go into eat at a local restaurant they are met by an astrologer. The astrologer asks Billy when his birthday is, Billy told him August 10, and that is the real birthday of Tom Laughlin. Thoughts on the movie! I thought it was a great movie that kept my interest all the way through. You can see way Tom Laughlin did all four Billy jack pictures because he was excellent in his role as Billy Jack. Elizabeth James was excellent in her role as Vicky Barrington. She was gorgeous riding around in that white bikini on her bike. Because of Vicky and the action in this movie I give this picture 10 weasel stars.

This film is something that Tarentino ought to remake, not updated but a simulacrum of the original. Make a nice follow-up to DEATH PROOF. (Where is Tom McLaughlin now?) The "martial arts" in this flick are pretty feeble, consisting of a few judo chops--the action on BILLY JACK was much more intense. That Billy ends up shooting the gang leader between the eyes (he DID warn him, though) is so anti-heroic that it rather spoils the film in some ways.Some of the camera work in BORN LOSERS borders on amateurish, the FAR side of amateurish that is. The sound quality is at times atrocious, and the Beachhouse/clubhouse is absurd- I've hung out with bikers, and believe me that place was ridiculously clean--the hardwood floors actually shine! The Deputy (who pokes Danny in the gut) seems like he SHOULD have been more heroic, but like all of the lesser roles he is completely undeveloped.Note that Elizabeth James has a co-writing credit on this!But for all of that, it still ranks among my favorite biker films.I find it patently absurd to see the subcategories listed as NIPPLE, PUBIC HAIR, NUDITY and so on, since there is very little actual nudity.BTW: I had a bit part (hippie kid #4) in BILLY JACK since they filmed parts of it at the new Buffalo Free School where I was in attendance. To anyone who keeps an eye open, you might also see that the swimming hole (where Jean was raped) is the very same pool as in EASY RIDER. I think I received about $140 for my three days on set.