Billy Jack (1971 Future Cult Classic)

Billy Jack (1971 Future Cult Classic)

Author: Awesome Movie Year January 21, 2026 Duration: 58:42

The fifteenth episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1971 features our future cult classic pick, Tom Laughlin’s Billy Jack. Directed and co-written by Tom Laughlin and starring Laughlin, Delores Taylor, David Roya, Clark Howat and Julie Webb, Billy Jack was at one point the highest-grossing independent film of all time.

The contemporary reviews quoted in this episode come from Roger Ebert (https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/billy-jack-1971), Howard Thompson in The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/1971/07/29/archives/a-misguided-billy-jack.html), and Stuart Byron in The Village Voice.

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All of the music in the episode is by David Rosen. Find more of his music at https://www.bydavidrosen.com

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Please like, share, rate and comment on the show and this episode, and tune in for the next 1971 episode, featuring our audience choice pick of horny lady vampire movies, Harry Kümel’s Daughters of Darkness.


Ever wonder what makes a particular year in cinema truly stand out? Awesome Movie Year digs into that very question, one remarkable film at a time. Co-hosted by film critic Josh Bell alongside filmmaker and comedian Jason Harris, this podcast picks a single, noteworthy year each season and meticulously explores what made it so special. Rather than broad overviews, every episode zooms in on a different movie from that chosen year, offering a deep dive into its impact, its cultural moment, and its lasting legacy. The conversations blend critical analysis with a genuine love for the medium, thanks to the hosts' complementary backgrounds. Produced by David Rosen of Piecing It Together for the All Points West Podcast Network, the show has a polished yet conversational feel. You’ll hear about blockbusters and hidden gems alike, all through the lens of why they mattered then and why they still resonate. It’s for anyone who loves to look beyond the screen and understand the context that creates a classic. Tune in to Awesome Movie Year for a thoughtful and engaging tour through some of cinema’s most fascinating periods.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Awesome Movie Year