Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Alley Cat Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 28, 2021

1984’s “Alley Cat” hopes to compete in the exploitation market, presenting a lead character who’s not one to accept trouble from others, using her karate training to make sure predatory men don’t mess with her twice. The production tries to work in some violence, nudity, and aggressive behavior to offer fans a decent ride, but the picture doesn’t get messy despite plenty of opportunity to do so. It’s something of a relief to see such restraint, with the directors (Victor M. Ordonez, Ed Palmos, and Al Valletta) actively working to make their R-rated vigilante story approachable to a slightly wider audience. It’s not a Disney production, but “Alley Cat” doesn’t revel in ugliness, providing B-movie entertainment with some fun fight scenes, an energetic lead actress with a loose command over her accent, and a somewhat timely condemnation of the American police and justice system. It’s not an especially good film, but with this type of escapism, anything that isn’t downbeat or too fetish-y is most welcome.

Living with her grandparents, Billie (Karin Mani) is a karate student trying to keep to herself while living in Los Angeles. Stepping in to prevent car thieves from taking her tires, Billie smacks around two punks, who immediately report their defeat to gang leader Scarface (Michael Wayne). He orders a revenge attack, putting Billie’s grandparents in the hospital, where she meets rookie cop Johnny (Robert Torti), who’s becoming aware of the corruption found within the police force. When Billie breaks up an attempted rape involving the same goons as before, her actions result in her arrest, putting Johnny on the case as the two develop a relationship with big plans for the future. While Scarface works to keep his stooges on the streets, Billie and Johnny begin to fight back, using the martial arts and detective work to put the bad guys behind bars or, if the situation should arise, six feet under.

“Alley Cat” doesn’t summon a formidable villain for the titular fight force to battle. Scarface is more of a dimwit surrounded by idiots. Heck, the writing isn’t even sure what to call him, with his underlings referring to the character as “Phil,” while he has “William” written on a police report, and the actor is credited as “Scarface.” Thankfully, confusion doesn’t last for long in “Alley Cat,” which offers a defined arc for Billie, who’s an average woman just trying to make her way through life, soon pulled into the trouble when she elects to stop two boobs from taking her tires late one night. This decision derails everything for the character, who’s soon dealing with Scarface’s vengeance, working with his fellows creeps to smack and stab Billie’s grandparents. She also has issues with the local park, finding her nighttime jogging path putting the runner into contact with more violence, including a random savage who tries to sexually assault her. If there’s one thing strangers shouldn’t do, it’s mess with Billie.

Mani isn’t an entirely convincing physical force of fury, but “Alley Cat” puts her in numerous situations of survival, with Billie using her training to kick, flip, and punch enemies, evolving from self-defense to full-on attack mode. Mani’s occasional east coast accent is the only thing stronger than her body blows, and she makes for a fine screen hero, making one wish B-movie producers would’ve done more with the star, who quit acting in 1985. Mani offers focus, and the production tries to celebrate her interpretation of aggression, also making time for shower scenes and a love story with Johnny, who immediately wants to marry Billie, working hard to help his girlfriend as she deals with vicious attacks, dirty cops, and an unjust legal system, with a judge unwilling to recognize her heroic actions after she saves a woman from a sexual assault. In fact, “Alley Cat” even includes jail time, with Billie forced to defend herself from a handsy cellmate.

Alley Cat Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Alley Cat" is sourced from the 35mm original camera negative. Detail is excellent throughout the viewing experience, presenting distinct facial surfaces and full body views, and period costuming is fibrous, with lots of polyester suits and workout gear. L.A. locations are dimensional, showcasing the streets and buildings. Household decoration is open for study. Delineation is secure, preserving frame information with evening strolls around a particularly violent park. Colors are exact, enjoying bright clothing choices and vivid greenery. Makeup is defined, along with deeper uniform hues. Skintones are natural. Grain is heavier but film-like. Source is in good condition, with a few damaged frames here and there, and some mild scratches.

Alley Cat Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers sharp dialogue exchanges, securing sometimes wildly different acting styles, and surges of emotion remain balanced, without distortive extremes. Scoring is lively and clear, supporting the action with satisfactory instrumentation. Sound effects deliver expected emphasis with martial art moves.

Alley Cat Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Walking the Alley" (13:08, HD) is an interview with co-director Al Valletta, who was hired by the "Alley Cat" production team to be a dialogue coach, getting the actors focused as they also dealt with martial arts action. Valletta recalls his initial contact with the producers, and details his on-set duties, which morphed into the creation of a few shot set-ups, unexpectedly rewarded with a helming credit. The interviewee remembers a happy set, revisiting the picture before the interview. He also explores the premiere for "Alley Cat," and delves into his years as an acting teacher, working around Los Angeles for decades. He closes with some advice for young talent thinking about a career in Hollywood.

• "We Hustled" (14:27, HD) is an interview with actor Robert Torti, who recalls working high school theater connections to nab a role in "Alley Cat." The interviewee details story and character, and offers a few production memories, remembering long nights on the shoot and a few mishaps, including an accident that broke star Karin Mani's arm, requiring a cast. Torti tracks early career achievements, and remains in touch with some of the "Alley Cat" gang, though he shows no pride in the movie, simply "grateful for the experience." SAG issues were encountered while making the feature, putting Torti on trial for his production participation, and he reminisces about the film's premiere.

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:23, HD) has been included.

Alley Cat Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Alley Cat" isn't sharply made (though music by Quito Colayco works especially hard to set a thriller mood), with a few clumsy performances and a lack of budgetary might. It's not relentless either, as stunt sequences only really escalate in the finale, with most of the feature about characters engaging in bad behavior or participating in mild sleuthing. "Alley Cat" isn't a lost gem, made for viewers who have a special fondness for exploitation movies from this era, where producers hired anyone with a look to become a screen brutalizer, always promising a little more than they could actually deliver. Mani isn't always commanding, but she's fun to watch, putting in some effort to become an L.A. force for justice, armed with half-speed karate and plenty of opportunities to clean up.