Mother, Jugs & Speed

Mother, Jugs and Speed

Mother, Jugs & Speed is a 1976 American black comedy film directed by Peter Yates and starring Bill Cosby, Raquel Welch, and Harvey Keitel. The film revolves around the misadventures of a group of ambulance drivers working for the Los Angeles-based F&B Ambulance Service.

Plot

The film follows the lives of three main characters, nicknamed Mother (Harvey Keitel), Jugs (Raquel Welch), and Speed (Bill Cosby), who work for a struggling ambulance company competing with rivals for the city's emergency services. Mother is a skilled but disillusioned ambulance driver, Jugs is the company's intelligent and ambitious receptionist who aspires to become a driver, and Speed is a former police officer turned ambulance driver with a penchant for breaking the rules. The trio navigates through various comedic and dramatic situations involving their personal and professional lives, highlighting the challenges and eccentricities of the emergency medical services field during the 1970s.

Cast

• Bill Cosby as Speed
• Raquel Welch as Jennifer "Jugs"
• Harvey Keitel as Mother
• Allen Garfield as Harry Fishbine, the owner of F&B Ambulance Service
• L.Q. Jones as Davey
• Bruce Davison as Leroy

Additional cast members include Larry Hagman, Dick Butkus, and Milt Kamen, among others, who contribute to the film's blend of humor, action, and drama.

Production

Directed by Peter Yates, Mother, Jugs & Speed was produced by Thomas L. Miller and Edward K. Milkis. The screenplay was written by Tom Mankiewicz. The film's unique blend of comedy, drama, and action, along with its commentary on the state of emergency medical services, sets it apart from other films of the era. The setting in Los Angeles provides a vibrant backdrop for the story, with the city's diverse urban landscape serving as a critical element in the narrative.

Reception

Upon its release, Mother, Jugs & Speed received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its humor, dynamic cast, and originality, while others criticized it for its uneven tone and handling of sensitive topics. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years, appreciated for its unique take on the lives of ambulance drivers and the challenges they face.

Legacy

Mother, Jugs & Speed is considered a unique film within the black comedy genre, notable for its exploration of the emergency medical services profession, a topic rarely addressed in cinema. The film's portrayal of the challenges, camaraderie, and dark humor associated with the profession has influenced subsequent films and television shows depicting similar themes.