The Hidan of Maukbeiangjow
A 1971 exploitation film about
The Hidan of Maukbeiangjow is a 1971 exploitation film blending science fiction, comedy, and action. It was written by Don Elkins and Carla Rueckert, with Lee Jones directing and Don Elkins handling the cinematography. The movie was later re-released in the mid-1980s under the title *Invasion of the Girl Snatchers* as part of the 'Le Bad Cinema' line, and it came out on VHS again in 1999. Its story draws from accounts of alien abduction.
In the plot, a kidnapping ring is investigated, leading to humanoid aliens who kill their victims and replace them with look-alikes. Detective Sam Trowel (Hugh Smith) is partnered with Kaspar (Ele Grigsby), who finds the hideout Trowel couldn't locate due to his rigid focus on procedures. Trowel hires safecracker Frederick Fenzer (David Roster) and his bodyguard, Noname (Harlo Cayse), to pose as suppliers and set up Ruthie (Carla Rueckert) for kidnapping. She is meant to wear a tracking device in her bra, but is taken before she can put it on; Kaspar already knows the hideout's location.
At the compound—called the 'Hidan of Maukbeiangjow'—Ruthie is killed and replaced by a confused alien, overseen by the sorcerer Aph (Charles Rubin), a slave to the evil alien Utaya (McCain Jeeves). Aph accidentally led Utaya to Earth. Another humanoid alien (Pepper Thurston) teaches the replacement Ruthie how to function in her new body and kidnaps Trowel so Utaya can use his body. Freddie's brother "Junior" (Paul Lenzi) arrives to deliver Freddie's marijuana stash and harasses Kaspar. Utaya wants Fenzer's help stealing a billion dollars and wants Kaspar's body as a backup vessel, since the dead are usually vapid, confused, or become zombies. Freddie complains that Utaya is just Trowel high on drugs, and while puffing a joint says, "I don't work with nobody (puff) who ain't straight!" Trowel/Utaya is killed in battle, along with most of the kidnapping ring.
- year
- 1971
Lore & Background
The film follows Kaspar (Ele Grigsby), partnered with Detective Sam Trowel (Hugh Smith), as he locates a hideout of a kidnapping and drug ring that Trowel has been unable to find due to his focus on procedures. Trowel hires safecracker Frederick Fenzer (David Roster) and his bodyguard Noname (Harlo Cayse) as phoney suppliers to set up Ruthie (Carla Rueckert) to be kidnapped. Ruthie is killed at the compound named the 'Hidan of Maukbeiangjow' and replaced with a confused alien, supervised by the sorcerer Aph (Charles Rubin), a slave to an evil alien named Utaya (McCain Jeeves).
Another humanoid alien (Pepper Thurston) teaches the replacement Ruthie how to function and kidnaps Trowel for Utaya's use. Utaya wants Fenzer's help stealing a billion dollars and Kaspar's body as a back-up vessel. Junior (Paul Lenzi) attempts to catch and rape Kaspar, but is thwarted. Trowel/Utaya is killed in battle.
Reader's Guide
The Hidan of Maukbeiangjow is notable as a low-budget exploitation film that blends science fiction, comedy, and action, drawing on alien abduction lore. Its re-release as Invasion of the Girl Snatchers under the 'Le Bad Cinema' line and later on VHS in 1999 indicates a cult following among fans of obscure or poorly received films. The film's cast includes co-writer Carla Rueckert as Ruthie, and its plot involves kidnapping, alien replacement, and a drug ring, reflecting the era's fascination with both conspiracy and counterculture themes. While not a mainstream success, its persistence in re-release formats suggests it has found an audience appreciative of its eccentricities.
Did You Know?
- The film was re-released as Invasion of the Girl Snatchers in the mid-1980s under the 'Le Bad Cinema' line.
- Co-writer Carla Rueckert appears in the film as Ruthie, credited as Ellen Tripp.
- The character Utaya is played by two actors: McCain Jeeves as Utaya I and Hugh Smith as Utaya II.
- The film's compound is named the 'Hidan of Maukbeiangjow'.
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