Deep Cuts: Petey Wheatstraw, The Devil’s Son-in-Law (1977)

The year is 1977. The first woman ever is ordained as a priest. Apple Computer becomes incorporated. And the Coneheads debut on Saturday Night Live. Now I know what you are all wondering. Could anything possibly be worse than the Coneheads? The answer: a resounding, horrifying yes. Because this is the year we got Petey Wheatstraw, The Devil’s Son-in-Law.

Petey Wheatstraw starts out strongly. A black woman gives birth to a watermelon, and then an eleven year old boy who knows kung fu. Lost yet? You should be, even though the movie just began.

Petey grows up to be a stand-up comedian, which is a waste of his fighting skills. His rivals in the comedy world decide to murder him out of jealousy and he ends up going to hell. Once he descends into hell, the devil offers him a deal. If Petey will marry the devils ugly daughter and give him a son, the devil will give Petey his life back PLUS some super powers with which he can get even with his murderers. Petey of course says yes and the movie descends into chaos.

This movie has it all. Rapping. Enchanted pimp staffs. Horror. Comedy. And the most insane sex scene I have ever bared witness to. The seventies were an insane time and nothing was more insane than Rudy Ray Moore. This is a must watch for anyone who wants to continually be bewildered and entertained.

About James Amthor 14 Articles
James is the writer, director and producer behind PunGent Studios. Some of his favorite films include The Blob, Slither and Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer along with books like Geek Love, Diary and Bend Sinister.

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