Northville Cemetery Massacre (1976)

Audio 2: Commentary by Director Thomas Van Dyke

Audio 3: Commentary by Director Director William Dear

Audio 4: Commentary of behind the scenes by Scorpions MC, Detroit

Mayhem starts when a gang of bikers is accused of a sadistic rape in a small town.

Built in Detroit in the early 1970s, independent filmmakers Thomas Dyke and William Dear cast Detroit’s Scorpions Motorcycle Club to star. They wore colors and rode Harleys. Tough, stand-up, action-driven, these bikers were riding the dream. They valued their freedom of the road. They held strong and paid the ultimate price. Freedom: R.I.P. Northville Cemetery Massacre originally released in 1975 has achieved international cult recognition.

Influenced by Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider” and Sam Peckinpah’s “The Wild Bunch” and reflecting the spirit of the times as the film “Woodstock” these filmmakers chose a biker theme and freedom of the open road. In addition to the picture’s unique POV, the film introduces the early distinctive voice of Nick Nolte for Chris, the lead in the film. Michael Nesmith, formerly of the Monkees, created the picture’s powerful musical score.

Rated R this film is one of the most brutally honest and thought-provoking independent movies to come out of the 1970s. We are on the side of the bikers from the very opening scene as they approach and surround an elderly couple with a flat tire on their vintage car. We are expecting the worst; however, the bikers in good spirit change their tire and ride on. This fast-paced, action-packed picture continues to surprise and entertain.

Northville Cemetery Massacre (1976)