really think it's necessary to get involved with something new. It's so good to break all your habits. In France I can do anything, here I have to fight. That's a good thing. They respect you if you fight and it keeps you alert. "I am not trying to make a statement on America", added Vadim. "I tell a story and the story happens to be located in America." Rock Hudson was signed to star, and filming began in August 1970. Brigitte Bardot was offered the female lead but could not get out of a prior commitment; Angie Dickinson played the role instead. The cast included eight young female newcomers, the "pretty maids": Brenda Sykes, Joy Bang, Gretchen Burrell, Joanna Cameron, Aimée Eccles, June Fairchild, Margaret Markov, and Diane Sherry. The film was in production from August 10 to October 25, 1970. It was shot in large part at University High School in West Los Angeles. Some years later, a University High administrator told the Los Angeles Times that the high sexual and violent content of the film should have precluded it from being approved for filming at the school. Other scenes were shot at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Marina, while the football sequence was filmed at Rancho La Cienega Park using a local football team and school band. Publicity The April 1971 issue of Playboy magazine published an article about the movie written by Vadim. This includes a nine-page pictorial of actresses Angie Dickinson, Gretchen Burrell, Aimee Eccles, Margaret Markov, Playboy bunny Joyce Williams, and others. Reception The film was poorly received by most critics, with Roger Ebert calling it "embarrassing" and Ken Hanke of Mountain Xpress remarking: "In 1971 this was pretty daring and trendy. Unfortunately, it's no longer 1971." Quentin Tarantino selected this film as one of his choices for Sight & Sound magazine's 2012 edition of Top 10 Greatest Films of All Time. See also List of American films of 1971 References External links John Landis on Pretty Maids All in a Row at Trailers from Hell 1971 films 1971 comedy-drama films 1970s mystery thriller films 1970s black comedy films 1970s comedy mystery films 1970s serial killer films American black comedy films American comedy-drama films American comedy thriller films American high school films 1970s English-language films Films scored by Lalo Schifrin Films about educators Films about virginity Films based on American novels Films directed by