Home » Film & TV » Cult Cinema » The Cheerleaders Collection

The Cheerleaders Collection

© Paul Armentano

For nearly a century, the cheerleader has represented a distinct and eye-catching slice of Americana. Stereotypically portrayed as equal parts sensuality and youthful innocence, the image of the high school cheerleader has long-exemplified America's ambivalence toward sex and sexuality -- living examples of both Puritan morality ("the innocent girl next door") and uninhibited sexual prowess ("cleavage, buns and poms"). But it wasn't until the 1970s that film directors realized they could cash in on audiences' fascination with America's sideline sweethearts.

In the years between 1973 and 1979, low-budget filmmakers unleashed a barrage of straight-to-drive-in productions immortalizing the venerable cheerleader, several of which (Revenge of the Cheerleaders and The Pom Pom Girls) are reviewed on this site. Now Anchor Bay Entertainment has memorialized this long lost exploitation genre with the release of The Cheerleaders Collection DVD, featuring remastered versions of The Cheerleaders, The Swinging Cheerleaders and the much sought after Revenge of the Cheerleaders. For cult film aficionados, the collection offers something for everyone, including softcore sex, politically incorrect comedy, and even a glimpse of the occasional celebrity (most notably, David "Knight Rider" Hasselhoff ever ready high school stud, Boner). For those interested in ogling the sidelines, here's how the individual films size up.

The Cheerleaders (1972)

Reportedly shot for on a shoestring budget with a predominantly non-union cast and crew, director Paul Glickler's moral-busting 1972 jiggle juggernaut features poor acting, worse dialogue, and only the most sophomoric attempts at humor. Nonetheless, The Cheerleaders scored big with audiences nationwide thanks to the over-the-top sexual exploits of its sideline sirens. Add to this mix Glickler's disturbing take on "family values" (replete with suburban sex fiend fathers and student/teacher lesbianism) and you have a surefire recipe for 70s drive-in success. Often imitated, but never duplicated (as if such a picture could be released today without inspiring public outcry), The Cheerleaders unlikely rise from b-movie obscurity to mainstream prominence proved once and for all the adage: the shorter the hem, the longer the lines at the box office.

DVD extras include: Audio Commentary with Writer/Producer/Director Paul Glickler and Writer "Ace Baandige;" Behind The Scenes Stills; the "Cheerleader Cheesecake Gallery;" Movie Posters and Advertising Art; and the Theatrical Trailer.

The Swinging Cheerleaders (1974)

Despite its title and "R" rating, The Swinging Cheerleaders is unquestionably the most "PG" picture ever starring the midfield maidens. Unlike its predecessor, The Swinging Cheerleaders emphasizes story over skin -- a decision that no doubt appeased the Motion Picture Association of

The copyright of the article The Cheerleaders Collection in Cult Cinema is owned by Paul Armentano. Permission to republish The Cheerleaders Collection in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.