The Born Losers (1967) Tom Laughlin

A malicious motorcycle gang harasses the residents of a small California town, intimidating most residents to not report them to the police. Among the gang's crimes is the rape of four young women. As the gang attempts to threaten the women into not testifying at the indictment hearing, one of the women, Vicki, comes 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. 

While it's no "Easy Rider", "The Born Losers" is one of the most entertaining biker films of the decade, right up there with "The Wild Angels". Its also notable as being the first screen appearance of Billy Jack, a halfbreed who's trained in judo and carries a pacifist viewpoint. Fortunatly, he isn't opposed to kicking some butt when necessary. In my mind, this is more enjoyable than the later, more successful "Billy Jack".

Its a mixture between amusing camp and some actual quality. The screenplay isn't fantastic, but it has a story to tell and tells it well. Also, despite the large (at least for a drive-in movie) running time of nearly two hours, it remains quickly paced and interesting throughout. Tom Laughlin was always a charismatic and cool guy, but this movie probably has the most interesting characterization of Billy Jack. It isn't nearly as polished as the later films in the series, but is the best directed. The film's camp appeal comes from a brief appearance by Jane Russel. Normally a fine actress, she seems to be just interested in picking up a paycheck here. As a mother of one of the rape victims, she is over-the-top and chews the scenery. Every time she is on camera, you'll be in stitches. Definitely a scene stealer. Any fan of the AIP biker films of the time should check this out.