Fighting Mad (1976 film)

Fighting Mad is a 1976 American action film directed by Jonathan Demme, about an Arkansas farmer played by Peter Fonda who uses Guerrilla tactics against corrupt land developers attempting to evict his family and his neighbors in order to stripmine their land.

Plot
An evil corporation tries to pressure a bunch of Arkansas farmers and ranchers to sell their land so they can strip-mine it for coal. The fiercely proud and stubborn Hunter family refuse to give in. This leads to a bitter conflict that results in several casualties. Eventually the take-charge no-nonsense Tom Hunter exacts a harsh revenge on the villains with the help of his bow and arrow.

Cast

 * Peter Fonda as Tom Hunter
 * Lynn Lowry as Lorene Maddox
 * John Doucette as Jeff Hunter
 * Philip Carey as Pierce Crabtree
 * Harry Northup as Sheriff Len Skerritt
 * Noble Willingham as Senator Hingle
 * Kathleen Miller as Carolee Hunter
 * Scott Glenn as Charlie Hunter
 * Ted Markland as Hal Fraser

Production
The movie was one of four Roger Corman made for 20th Century Fox. In making the film, Corman analysed three other recent low-budget rural action thrillers that had been big hits: Billy Jack (1971), Walking Tall (1973) and Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974). He deduced they had three things in common: a hero with an off-beat sidekick, an unusual mode of transport and an interesting weapon. This is why the Peter Fonda character travels on an old motorcycle with his toddler son and uses a compound bow. Corman said, "It was an attempt, once more, to follow a style that you're probably familiar with now — an action picture with a certain social comment."

Demme had made Caged Heat for Roger Corman and was preparing the script for Fighting Mad when Corman asked him, at short notice, to take over Crazy Mama, whose director had left the project. Demme was reluctant but Corman threatened to abandon Fighting Mad if the director did not make Crazy Mama. Demme shot the film, which was a disappointment. He said Corman was unhappy with the result and canceled Fighting Mad. Demme protested this was unfair. Roger Corman agreed and changed his mind - Fighting Mad went ahead.

Peter Fonda later wrote, "Like his work. Jonathan was amazing. He was so full of positive attitude, anything was possible. He never let on to any stress or pressure, and he was basically working for free."

Reception
The film was a box office disappointment.