Synopsis
Set during the Great Depression, Boxcar Bertha follows a young drifter named Bertha who joins forces with a union organizer and a band of outlaws robbing trains across the South. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Barbara Hershey and David Carradine, the film blends romance, social commentary, and exploitation-style action. It remains a notable early entry in Scorsese's career, showcasing his developing visual style and interest in outsider characters.
Why Watch It
Scorsese's scrappy Depression-era thriller captures the raw energy of his emerging style—gritty, kinetic, and morally ambiguous—while Barbara Hershey brings fierce charisma to a woman who refuses victimhood. It's a lean, pulpy precursor to his later masterpieces, where social rage and personal vengeance collide with visceral style.
Did You Know?
- Martin Scorsese directed this as his second feature film.
- The film was produced by Roger Corman on a budget.
- Barbara Hershey and David Carradine were a real-life couple.
- John Cassavetes urged Scorsese to make more personal films after.
- The movie is loosely based on the book 'Sister of the Road.'
Iconic Quotes
- We're gonna take what we need, when we need it.
- You don't own me. Nobody owns me.
- A man's gotta stand for something or he'll fall for anything.
- We're not criminals, we're just trying to survive.
- They can take everything from you but they can't take who you are.
