Alex Cox’s “Straight to Hell Returns” is a Spaghetti Western Re-Issue of his 1987 cult-classic, punk rock, Spaghetti Western comedy, “Straight to Hell.” Cox, co-wrote the script with Dick Rude, who also steps into the role of Willy, one of a trio of ne’er-do-wells that also include Simms (played by Joe Strummer) and Norwood, whose shoes are filled by Sy Richardson. Also along for the ride is Courtney Love as Norwood’s pregnant girlfriend, Velma. Following an unseen bank robbery, our heroes quickly find themselves seeking refuge from the their criminal boss, Mr. Dade (Jim Jarmusch) in a dirty town straight out of any cheaply made Spaghetti Western of the 60s or 70s. Band members of the Pogues, Amazulu, and the Circle Jerks are also featured in the film. The film borrows its title from the Clash’s 1982 song of the same name.
Several of the cast members – including Joe Strummer and Dennis Hopper – have passed on, adding to the mythical impact of their names. Fortunate, then, that Cox has recut the film, digitally enhanced it, and is presently touring it around the United States, under the new title, “Straight To Hell Returns”.
A feature-length commentary from Cox and Dick Rude is the primary extra and it’s a very fun listen. Of course it is quite interesting listening to the two discuss the story as well as the production. Cox points out some sly additions that Id didn’t pick up on, such as the origin of Dennis Hooper’s character’s name, which does add a subtext to the finale of the film.
The other two extras include Cox’s original short film he shot scouting locations that were eventually used during the production, as well as “Back to Hell” the roughly 25-minute retrospective that gathers almost every actor connected to the film (Courtney Love is a notable exception, although Miguel Sandoval’s daughter is used in her place) to reminisce about filming. It does confirm suspicions that the production was more about having fun than shooting a movie.
