JAN-MICHAEL VINCENT IN BUSTER AND BILLIE

year: 1974 rating: ***1/2

What begins as a somewhat standard “good times roll in the late 40’s small town” flick becomes a deeply heartfelt love story – although a touch of melancholy permeates the idyllic existence of Buster, played by Jan-Michael Vincent.

A good looking high school kid, he’s open minded and friendly to people no one else likes – different than how popular guys are usually portrayed. He hangs around with town outcast Whitey (Robert Englund), dates the lovely yet uptight Margie (Pamela Sue Martin), and shoots pool at a scant LAST PICTURE SHOW style dive, hustling young locals more envious than loyal.

When Buster meets a quiet backwoods girl named Billie, who’s been around the block with all of Buster’s friends, the shift changes into a melodic, strange love story. Their scenes together, spending time in the plush woodsy exterior, feel like two people with nothing left on earth but each other; while the romance, with few words spoken, is never corny or melodramatic: This is one of Jan-Michael Vincent’s best performances: he’s intense, caring and tough at the same time. But it’s Joan Goodfellow’s Billie that mesmerizes not only our smitten hero, but with her subtle beauty and sad eyes, provides a gentle substance – like she's caught in a daydream. All leading to an explosive doubled-edge climax both shocking and tragic, albeit you’ll see it coming for miles.

Jan-Michael Vincent as BUSTER in BUSTER AND BILLIE

Joan Goodfellow as Billie in BUSTER AND BILLIE

Buster's got his mind on Billie

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