'Gator Bait (1974)

**_Beautiful Claudia Jennings in a Southern swamp_** In the remote bayou of the Caddo Lake region of eastern Texas, near the border of Louisiana, a redheaded “swamp rat” (Jennings) is accused of murder and so the sheriff and deputy, along with men from the victim’s family, venture into the deep swamp to get her. “Gator Bait” (1973) is an indie made by the same husband/wife team behind “Hitchhikers” from the year prior. It was inspired by the success of “Deliverance” and obviously made as a showcase for Claudia. Her beauty is nicely captured without getting disrespectful. The authentic bayou locations are also a highlight, along with the wildlife. Unfortunately, the story isn’t as compelling as “Deliverance” and the father/son cops are a little too hammy, but there’s quite a bit of action. Petite brunette Janit Baldwin plays the protagonist’s sister, Julie. There’s a gem of a small scene involving her with several kittens, along with the kid brother and mother cat. Janet was attractive in a unique, winsome way as observed in the Columbo episode "Swan Song" from the next year; and would go on to play a nerdy girl in the nigh excellent “Humongous” nine years later. Her ‘B’ career lasted a dozen years between 1972-1984. Speaking of ‘B’ careers, Claudia’s lasted throughout the 70s when she was in her 20s, but a fatal vehicular accident in Malibu, 1979, put an end to any further possibilities at the age of 29. Thankfully, we have movies like this by which to remember her. I shouldn’t fail to mention redhead Kacie Kippenbrock, who also appears on the feminine front in a gloried cameo as Laura Lee Bracken. If you like flicks about yokels like this, try "Baker County, USA” (aka “Trapped) from nine years later, which is arguably on the same level as “Deliverance.” “Southern Comfort” was no doubt influenced by it (of which I’m not the biggest fan, but it’s a’right). It runs 1 hour, 27 minutes, and was shot mostly in Uncertain, Texas, which is on Caddo Lake near the border of northwest Louisiana, a 50-minutes drive northwest of Shreveport. Thibodaux, Louisiana, is also listed for additional shooting, which is about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans. GRADE: B-