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.

What if Death Wish had a bad payoff? Then it would be Tomcats, a movie that has a great poster and really gets you into the theater with it and then says, “Thanks for your money.”

A bunch of maniacs — M.J. (Wayne Crawford), Johnny (Daniel Schweitzer), Billy (Jim Curee) and Curly (Sam Moree) — are assaulting waitresses and get away with it. One of their brothers, Cullen (Chris Mulkey), decides that he has to get justice all on his own for his dead sister Wendy.

Take another look at that poster, which makes you think this is going to be a wacky sex comedy and go read that paragraph again.

Director Harry Kerwin also made Barracuda, Cheering Section, God’s Bloody Acre, It’s a Revolution Mother and Sweet Bird of Aquarius. You may recognize his last name, as his brother is William Kerwin, who shows up in several Herschell Gordon Lewis movies. He plays a detective in this that allows Cullen to go outside of the law.

The trailer is also great as it has Don Steele talking you into the theater only for them to just grab your money and run.

Released by Dimension Pictures in 1977. this was bought by 21st Century, who licensed it to Continental Video under the title Avenged. It was also released as Getting Even and Deadbeat.