Werewolves on Wheels (1971)

"Someone's controlling the vibes." - Tarot

A biker gang gets more than they bargained for when the harass some satanists.
Starring: Steve Oliver, Donna Anders, Gene Shane, Barry McGuire

Link to IMDB

The Devil's Advocates are a rowdy biker gang, led by Adam and his girl Helen. They're a crazy, filthy bunch of cretins on a drug infused rampage through the Californian desert. Tarot is the exception, as he's more of an introspective guy following the mystical energies of the world. When the convoy stops at a gas station for supplies, they decide it's time to cut loose and have some cold beers, but Tarot ruins the fun when he foretells impending doom for the gang.

Their next stop is an old monastery where a group of monks live. The gang comes roaring in, partying like savages, but the monks are tranquil and offer them wine and bread. Soon enough, the gang have all passed out on the lawn and the monks can get back to their prayers... Their prayers to Satan!
While the gang sleeps through the night in a stupor, Helen is lured into the monk's dark rituals to become the bride of Satan. Their black mass is more like a surreal Doors concert, as Helen dances naked with a snake while the monks chant, pound drums and sacrifice a cat. The gang wakes up and rescues her, and they ride off into the night on their motorcycles.

"Let's do a little LSD with the devil." - Adam

Helen is confused about what happened, but two gang members are killed by a monster the next night! We don't see much, but blood and fur is flying around. Everyone's freaked out, leading to Adam and Tarot fighting about what they should do next. The gang gets lost in the desert when they ride through a mysterious fog, and someone keeps transforming into a werewolf and attacking them during the night. Confused and inebriated, they fail to understand the evil forces they awakened.

Tarot's tarot

The title is rather misleading, because instead of werewolves riding around on motorcycles we just watch the gang hanging out, fighting and drinking in the desert. Most of the monster action is saved for the last 10 minutes. The gang feels authentic though, so watching their adventure is intriguing and they're easy to laugh at. I was hoping for more action or horror, but it's really just a trippy biker movie with creepy vibes looming overhead. This odd mix actually works quite well, but it's not enough to distract from the lack of plot to keep things moving.
It's trashy without being offensive, so if you want a trip down the 70's subculture highway with some bizarre bikers, this is definitely your ride.


I must mention the music, because it fits perfectly! Lots of dank, droning guitar and southern country jams with hints of psychedelia. It really creates a rebellious drifter theme, while also adding a sense of danger to the bleak desert. Check out the main song.

Be sure not to miss:
- What was that strange fog? Must have been downwind from a Grateful Dead concert.
- One character is named Movie, and it's quite serendipitous when he goes missing and everyone
is asking "Where did Movie go? What happened to Movie?"
- Bikers roll around with each other in the dirt for fun.

Internet review:
"It's recommended if you like stuff that sucks." - Deathrage

Should I watch it?
It's worth checking out, but limit your expectations on werewolf action.

Where can I find it?
The stagevu link here. Also on YouTube, but that version is edited for TV.

Werewolves on Wheels gets...