[2] An evil corporation tries to pressure a bunch of Arkansas farmers and ranchers to sell their land so they can strip-mine it for coal.

Eventually the take-charge no-nonsense Tom Hunter exacts a harsh revenge on the villains with the help of his bow and arrow.

In making the film, Corman analysed three other recent low-budget rural action thrillers that had been big hits: Billy Jack (1971), Walking Tall (1973) and Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974).

He deduced they had three things in common: a hero with an off-beat sidekick, an unusual mode of transport and an interesting weapon.

Demme was reluctant but Corman threatened to abandon Fighting Mad if the director did not make Crazy Mama.