Fans of exploitation films, especially in blacksploitation sub-genre definitely know the work of Jack Hill. The man has worked in many sub-genres, from the above mentioned, to horror, gothic, racing, sexploitation, and so many more. In the early days of his career, he was often called in to “fix” or “finish” a film that had issues, such as The Terror (1963) or Blood Bath (1966). He also worked with Karloff on his last four films, or at least the parts with aged actor that were filmed in the states. Afterwards, the rest of the film was finished in Mexico.
The shame is that unless you’re a real fan of the genre, most people don’t realize the impact Hill had on the films we love. Thanks to editor Anthony Taylor, Headpress Books, and a great selection of authors, they are putting together a collection of essays on the works of this unheralded master of cinema.
The book is called JACKsploitation! The Films of Jack Hill. There is no ETA on a publication date as of yet. But there is a preface by actress Beverly Washburn, who appeared in Spider Baby (1967) and Pit Stop (1969), an introduction by Jack Hill himself, and a dozen essays by some incredibly talented authors. We get to hear from the likes of Troy Howarth, C. Courtney Joyner, Heather Drain, Stephen Bissette, Mark Clark, Michelle Kisner, Anthony Taylor, and many more.
The best way to find out when this book is available is to head over to Headpress Books’ website by clicking HERE and signing up for their mailing list. I have several books from them, and they always produce top-notch volumes for film fans.

