Gas-s-s-s

Available DVDs Press Kit Fun Facts "Gas-s-s-s" radio spot

Also Known As

• Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It.
• G.A.S.S. Oder - Es war notwendig, die Welt zu vernichten, um sie zu retten (Germany)
• Gas (Denmark)
• Gas! (UK - TV title)
• Gas, fu necessario distruggere il mondo per poterlo salvare (Italy)
• Gas-s-s - kuolettava kaasu (Finland)
• Gaz

Tagline

• Invite a few friends over to watch the end of the world!

Main Details

• Released in Sept. 1970
• Color
• Running Time: 79 Min.
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Rating: GP (1970 Rating)/ R (Re-rating)

• Production Co: San Jacinto Productions

• Distribution Co: American International Pictures

Cast and Crew

• Directed by Roger Corman
• Written by George Armitage
• Starring Bob Corff, Elaine Giftos, Talia Shire, Ben Vereen, Cindy Williams
• Produced by George Armitage, Roger Corman, Francis Doel
• Original Music by Barry Melton
• Cinematography by Ron Dexter
• Film Editing by George Van Noy
• Special Effects by Conrad Rothmann

Film Review

After the success of AIP's previous attempt at "Youth domination" with Wild in the Streets, A follow-up was added in much more absurd extremes. Roger Corman would sit behind the director's chair this time around to help give us Gas-s-s-s, a truly bizzarre, but entertaining, view of a post 60's counter-culture dystopia.

Where as Wild in the Streets had adults being overruled by the youngsters, here in Gas-s-s-s, they're just simply gone. Thanks to a chemical gas accidentally released by the right wing powers (In an amusing animated intro) which kills anyone over 25 years old. 60's rock stars, Country Joe & The Fish (Who appear in the movie) sing it loud for everyone to hear:

"They wanted us to die!

But they were always dead

They planned to kill the enemy

But they killed themselves instead!

They were always evil

Teaching about war and hate

They had their chance and blew it, child

And now they've met their fate

Come on cats and chickens

You know what to do

Now there's no more adults

To try and bum trip you!"

Opening in Dallas, we meet our lead character, Coel (Bob Corff) some sort of a free-minded, young priest, who runs off with his girlfriend, Cilla (Elaine Giftos) to the southwest (They had to get out of dodge after finding out that the Gestapo-like police force will soon be running Dallas) but things might not be as safe and free elsewhere. Which they find out when their car is stolen by cowboys in cowboy fashion! Coel & Cilla then hook up with music junky, Marissa (Cindy Williams) her boyfriend, Carlos (Ben Vereen) along with horny Hooper (Bud Cort) and his girlfriend Coralee (An almost un-recognizable Talia Shire). A clique is formed and the gang sets out to find the ultimate peaceful settlement where this new era of mankind will begin. But of course, not everyone shares this attitude. Including Marshal McLuhan (Lou Procopio) though McLuhan and his gang are dressed like Hell's Angels, they actually ride...Golf cars! But the biggest threat are The Warriors. A Football team (With cheerleaders!) who dominate cities using football tactics. Warrior team leader, Jason (Alex Wilson) will look to butt heads with Coel once the best settlement will be found. God help us! Oops, sorry for the spoiler. God does intervene!

Just by looking at this, you know this had to have been a blast to film for the cast and crew since this was an "Anything goes" type of movie. And it should be noted that this certain brand of material wasn't new to Corman. All one needs to see is his previous, Creature from the Haunted Sea, which contained a similar type of wild humor. But this was obviously a more ambitious attempt. Yet, we all know that major moolah wasn't necessary for Corman's vision because he had the magic to make movies look more expensive than they actually were. This may also be the fastest-moving film I've seen directed by Corman. Meaning that he doesn't seem to hold a shot for no more than five seconds. A far cry from his earlier directorial efforts. The script by George Armitage is also responsible for helping make this one of a kind. Nearly every line of dialogue contains some sort of punchline and Corman's pacing brilliantly compliments the off-the-wall concept of this project. And speaking of Corman's early directorial efforts, I find an amusing, but also touching, nod to be found within this film. It involves the mysterious character of Edgar Allen (Bruce Karcher) who serves as some sort of conscience for Coel's quest. And since this was the last film Corman directed for AIP, it was as if the Edgar Allen character symbolized a send-off from Corman to the studio that he helped build thanks to his Edgar Allen Poe films. I wouldn't have thought of a better way to say goodbye.

Reviewed by Laydback - 4/23/08

Cool Quotes

• Coel: What was that? A bomb?"
• Cilla: No. It sounded more ironic than that."

• Coel: My car! My food! My supplies! My ass!"

• Marshal McLuhan Underneath those ridiculous clothes and destructive attitudes, there beats a heart crying, "Give me another chance".

• Rapist #1: I'm first. I'm the oldest."
• Rapist #2: Like hell. I'm first. I'm the toughest."
• Rapist #3: But I'm the best."
• Rapist #2: I'm the fastest."
• Rapist #3: I'm the slowest."
• Rapist #1: I'm the sadist."

• Operator: Operator?
• Coel: Where the hell were you when when there was somebody left to call?

• Marissa: I just can't bring a child into this kind of world. Maybe later."