EDITOR’S NOTE: As the journey through Cannon continues, this week we’re exploring the films of 21st Century Film Corporation, which would be the company that Menahem Golan would take over after Cannon. Formed by Tom Ward and Art Schweitzer in 1971 (or 1976, there are some disputed expert opinions), 21st Century had a great logo and released some wild stuff.

Kelly (Jeanne Bell, the second black Playboy Playmate in October 1969, the first to be on the cover in January 1970 — with four other black Playmates — and also the first to be on the cover by herself in October 1971; she’s also TNT Jackson) and Anggie (Rosanne Katon, Playboy Playmate September 1978; The Swinging Cheerleaders) are pirates who steal from rich tourists and give to poor people. Then, the Justice Department finds Kelly and lets her know that her sister Sandra has been taken by drug dealer Monteiro (Tony Carreon). If the pirates can get into his plantation and get info, they’ll get immunity for all their past crimes.

They break in and join up with a prisoner, Marcie (Trina Parks, Darktown Strutters) and the bad guy’s woman Serena (Jayne Kennedy, Body and Soul), then work on blowing the base up real good. That’s because Sandra has already been killed when she tried to escape. Well, the girls try and make it out, but not everyone is on the right side.

Cirio Santiago directed this, Cyril St. James wrote it and Dimension Pictures released it in the U.S. and this is a combination women in prison and blacksploitation film. I wish that it had more tension or reasons to tell you it’s a must see, but it’s interesting for the leads all being black and otherwise, it has long scenes of padding when you want all of the madness of a WIP film. The chase kicks some of that off, but this seems to have all of the ingredients of a firecracker — speaking of Firecracker, that’s a much better Santiago film — but then the fuse sputters.

21st Century released this as “Holiday Entertainment!” with Group Marriage.

You can watch this on Tubi.