SWEET SIXTEEN

US, 1983, 90 minutes, Colour.
Susan Strasberg, Patric Macnee, Bo Hopkins, Don Stroud, Steve Antin.
Directed by Jim Sotos.

Sweet Sixteen is a brief murder mystery - of the old-fashioned plot but with the early '80s emphasis on multiple murders and gore, of its kind, it is better than average. It has a very strong cast with Bo Hopkins in the lead and such actors as Patrick Macnee and Susan Strasberg. There is a strong Texas flavour to the setting. Tradition material reasonably handled in the more explicit way.

1. An interesting and enjoyable thriller, murder mystery? Texas locations, photography? Authentic atmosphere? The town, the homes? Police station, prison? Libraries? The background of affluence? The bars?

2. The contrast with the dying Indian way of life? Indian archaeology? The importance of special effects - especially for violence? Concealing the identity of the killer? The musical score and its atmosphere?

3. The tradition of the murder mystery? The killings, the suspects, interaction, revelation of the killer? The use of conventions - with the post-Halloween multiple murder effects? The plausibility of the plot? Life in the town? The kids at school, the murders? The policeman and his work? Archeologists? The background to Joanne's identity, the research discovering the truth about her, her madness? Sufficiently credible for the murder mystery? Dan as the hero? His work in the town? Concern for people? An efficient policeman? Clashes with people, doing his duty? Relationship with Marcie and Hank? His being a good father? Supervising their lives? His friendship with Kathy? Relying on her for the research? The running jokes about meals?

6. The presentation of Marcie and Hank? Youngsters in a Texas town? Home life, school, friendship with Melissa, Hank's becoming involved and being pursued? The party? The focus on Melissa: the opening, the title of the film, beauty, sensuality? The dates? Her being suspected? The contradictions in her behaviour? Relationship with her parents? The revelation of the truth - and her taking after her mother?

8. John and Joanne Morgan? Middle-aged couple? John and his work? The employment of Jason, firing him? Attitude towards his wife? Suspect? Joanne and her care of the family? Friendliness? The truth about her identity? The traumas of the past? Her death? Did audiences suspect her?

9. The Indian theme with Grey Feather and his presence in the pub? The attack by the louts? His death? Jason and his work? The reaction to Melissa? His being sacked? In prison? Escaping? Vindicated?

10. The presentation of the louts of the town? Loudmouthed? Violent? Killing Grey Feather? The ultimate vengeance in their deaths?

11. Frank and the various police in the town? Help in investigation? Jason's escape from prison?

12. The sketch of the victims? The background of school, dates? Joanne and the choosing of the victims? Acting on behalf of Melissa? A satisfying brief American murder mystery?