Starring Colleen Anderson, Beth Anna, Sharon Mitchell, Jamie Gillis, Tony Hudson, Herschel Savage, Joey Silvera, Jill Monroe
Written by Gerard Damiano
Cinematography by Ron Dorfman
(as Arthur Ben)
Edited by Michel Biseau (as M. Biseau)
Produced by Gerard Damiano
Directed by Gerard Damiano
Originally distributed by MB Productions
Released by Vinegar Syndrome
Hello once again and welcome back to Phil’s Porno Chic Theatre! In this installment of the series, I’ll be again reviewing another film from the late, great Gerard Domiano. As you may recall, I reviewed his arthouse erotica classic MEMORIES WITHIN MISS AGGIE from Vinegar Syndrome back in February. Today’s review is also a VS release that shines a light on another forgotten Domiano title. With its amalgam of hot sex, great acting, and self-reflective storyline, SKIN FLICKS is another Domiano movie that deserves to be rediscovered again!
The film's official synopsis: Harry (Tony Hudson) is an ambitious director of hardcore movies who's
reached a breaking point. Fearing that he is artistically burnt out and
struggling to find meaning in both his life and work, Tony finds solace
with the companionship of an equally emotionally damaged young actress
named Susan (Sharon Mitchell).
As their relationship grows, Tony hopes to find the creative
inspiration to finish his latest film, as Susan continues on a downward
spiral which threatens to destroy them both.
Original Theatrical Poster (1978)
As with most of his films, Domiano always casts the most talented actors and actresses to have ever graced the silver screen. Sharon Mitchell steals the film as the young would be actress Susan, and her sex scenes are extremely arousing! Colleen Anderson, Tony Hudson are also in the movie, along with industry veterans Herschel Savage, Joey Silvera, and the late, great, and infamous Jamie Gillis. In fact, Gillis only appears in the third act, but steals the spotlight whenever he's in frame. Plus, his sex scene with the aforementioned Mitchell is just sizzling hot and dirty!
As writer, producer, and director, Domiano brings both fantasy and reality to his pictures, and this movie is another classic example of this. Once again taking cues from the European filmmakers from the 1960's, here's a picture that is self-reflective, candid about the adult industry, the loneliness one faces when acting in these films. It's not hard to compare Hudson's character Harry to Domiano, and there are similarities between the two: trying to create movies with crossover appeal, trying to live up to his own reputation, the pressures of being a filmmaker, and wondering if it will all come together in the end. A powerful and introspective look at oneself!
For this new release, the film was newly scanned & restored in 2k from the best surviving 35mm elements. There's also a couple of special
features on the discs: Feature-length audio interview with actress Sharon Mitchell conducted by Casey Scott, and audio commentary with film historians Samm Deighan and Heather Drain. Like I mentioned in my MEMORIES WITHIN MISS AGGIE review, I wished there was more features on here. Silvera and Savage are still alive and it would have been nice to hear them share some of their thoughts and memories on the making of
the movie and what they think about Damiano and Gillis. The combo has has a reversible cover artwork, and the first
1,500 copies has a special limited edition embossed
slipcover designed by Earl Kessler Jr. As I am writing this review, the
limited edition slipcovers are down to only 442 copies left in inventory!
SKIN FLICKS is yet another sensual, erotic, intelligent, and poignant adult classic from one of the best filmmakers during the Golden Age of Adult Films!! I sincerely hope that Vinegar Syndrome continues to comb through Damiano's catalog of movies, so we can witness first hand the extraordinary talent that this man possessed during the height of this period! I cannot express how much I loved this film, and I've got a hunch that if you're a fan of classic adult films, then this is a must-own!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
SKIN FLICKS is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack from
Vinegar Syndrome. To order a copy for yourself, visit their website at vinegarsyndrome.com.
Starring Kim Pope, Mary Stuart, Darby Lloyd Raines, Eric Edwards, Harry Reems, Deborah Ashira, Patrick L. Farrelly, Ralph Herman
Written by Ron Wertheim Cinematography by João Fernandes (as Harry Flecks) Edited by Saint Marks Place Produced by Inish Kae, Limited Directed by Gerard Damiano Originally released by Cinépix Film Properties Released by Vinegar Syndrome
When one thinks of some of the greatest adult filmmakers of all time, one name comes to mind that is often overlooked, and that individual's name is Gerard Damiano. With his breakout hit DEEP THROAT, he helped usher in the "Golden Age of Adult Films" and made it chic to see a "dirty movie" at your local cinema. With his follow up film THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES, Damino
pulled no punches when it came to making the movie; addressing themes
such as life, death, suicide, lust, greed, promiscuity and loneliness. In 2019, the folks at Vinegar Syndrome has released his third feature, one that I've only seen posters of and maybe few stills here and there. Finally, I had the pleasure of seeing Damiano's forgotten and most erotic arthouse adult film MEMORIES WITHIN MISS AGGIE.
The film's official synopsis: The only thing missing from Aggie’s life…was Aggie. In the middle of
nowhere lives middle aged Aggie, with her wheelchair bound companion
Richard. As snow falls outside, Aggie tries desperately to remember the
circumstances under which they met. As she plays through in her mind a
series of possible scenarios, only to dismiss each as a false past, she
inadvertently begins to reveal an increasingly dark portrait of her true
self, leading to the unexpected and shocking reality of her
relationship with Richard.
I can honestly say that I have never seen an adult film like this before! Ever! The tone is very mysterious and psychologically dark, yet erotic and loving. I noticed that he film references a couple of movies that most fans of cinema will recognize: Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 iconic horror film PSYCHO and Ingmar Bergamn's 1966 psychological drama PERSONA. The movie lifts a lot from these two cinematic treasures, especially PSYCHO; with it's traumatic ending that, one can see coming, yet hard not to be shocked! Again, this was something completely new to me and it was a very interesting viewing experience!
Original Theatrical Poster (1974)
Damiano really shows off his directing chops with the film, carefully crafting a balance between art and sex. His compositions and set-ups feel very European; with it's use of simple camera shots, low lighting, intimate close-ups, and few edits, it helps elevate the movie from its simple definition of a "porno flick." The movie is an example of just how talented Damiano was and how he was willing to take chances and to make sex artistic within the adult film world. He is one of a few filmmakers within the genre that when you watch a movie, you can tell who made it. I would like to state that Damiano was, and still is, a true film auteur in the annuls of adult cinema history!
On September 19, 2015, the website The Rialto Report posted an article entitled, "Adult Film Locations 4: In Search of Miss Aggie, The Devil and Miss Jones." In the article, they went on a mission to locate the famous locations that were featured in both THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES and MEMORIES WITHIN MISS AGGIE: the infamous house and countryside locations. After conducting some serious research, and contacting those who were there, they eventually found out where both films were shot: an old apple-packing plant located in Milanville, Pennsylvania, about a hour's drive from New York. Also mentioned were the bridge and the Conklin Hill Church that was used, as well as several pictures of what the area looks now with screen grabs from both films for comparisons.
For this new release, the film was newly scanned & restored in 2k from its 16mm archival negative elements. The final results are really fantastic, making this the best version of the movie! For so many years, fans of the movie had to deal with the dark, murky, and blurry transfers that looked like they were from old VHS copies, but now those can be tossed aside and recycled. There's also a couple of special features on the discs: a promotional still and article gallery and the film's theatrical trailer. Granted, I wished there more on here, but since most of the key players of the film have passed on (Damiano and Reems more specifically), it would have been nice to hear from Eric Edwards and have him share some of his thoughts and memories on making the film. The combo has has a reversible cover artwork, and the first 1,000 copies has a cool looking, special limited edition embossed slipcover designed by Earl Kessler Jr. (As I am writing this review, the limited edition slipcovers are now sold out, and there are only 351 copies left of the standard version).
MEMORIES WITHIN MISS AGGIE is
an undiscovered erotic masterpiece that perfectly showcases the talent of the legendary Gerard Damiano! It's a movie that, almost 45 years later, still
continues to attract new fans while remaining a favorite with those who
saw it originally in theaters. With it's combination of European arthouse visuals, intense eroticism, and shocking finale, the film perfectly
captures what the Golden Age of Adult Films was all about and remains one of Damiano's best films that you haven't seen yet!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
MEMORIES WITHIN MISS AGGIEis available in a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack from
Vinegar Syndrome. To order a copy for yourself, visit their website at vinegarsyndrome.com.
Starring
Linda Lovelace, Harry Reems, Dolly Sharp, Carol Connors, Ronnie Shark, William Love, Bob Phillips
Written by Gerard Damiano (as Jerry Gerard) Cinematography by João Fernandes
(as Harry Flecks) Edited by Gerard Damiano (as Jerry Gerard) Produced by Phil Parisi
(as Phil Perry), Louis Peraino
(as Lou Perry)
Directed by Gerard Damiano (as Jerry Gerard) Originally released by Bryanston Distributing Company Released by Sunset Entertainment
Greetings and salutations all you sexy people and welcome to the first installment of Phil's Porno Chic Theatre for 2019! For today's review, I'll be talking about one of the most important adult films ever made in cinema history. Now, for those of you may not know what "Pono Chic" means, it refers to a time when it
seemed okay to go out and see a "dirtornimovie" at your local cinema.
Couples were going, along with groups of women and celebrities, who were curious as to what the
clamour was all about. Today's film has been called, "the one that started it all." On June 12, 1972, the adult film DEEP THROAT
had its world premiere at the World Theatre in Times Square in New
York. On that warm, summer day, history was made and the world we live
in would never be the same again.
The film's official synopsis: The film tells the story of Linda Lovelace, your typical girl-next-door,
who unfortunately is having problems achieving an orgasm. Even though
she has a very high and adventurous sex life, she still feels
unsatisfied. After a wild sex party leads to disappointment, Linda asks
her friend Helen (Dolly Sharp) for help. She recommends that she visit a
doctor, so Linda meets the wacky Dr. Young (Harry Reems). During
Linda's examination, the doctor discovers that her clitoris is
mistakenly located at the back of her throat. What's a girl do to?
According to the good doctor, she can achieve orgasms by performing the
oral sex skill he calls "deep throat." After seeing fireworks going off,
bells ringing, and rockets exploding, Linda is finally sexually
satisfied. She works for Dr. Young as a nurse and performs her "deep
throat" talent on various patients until she finds the one she wants to
marry.
The film was a first of its kind. It was a pornographic movie with
a plot. Up until then, what was being shown were the old stag films as
well as loops in converted store front theaters. But in early 1973, a
news article about the film appeared on the New York
Times. Written by reporter Ralph Blumenthal and using the phrase "Porno
Chic" for its title, it helped usher in what has been coined "The Golden
Age of Pornography," which lasted between 1972-1984. Because of the New
Your Times article, it made couples want to go porno theatres and see
what the hype was all about. Celebrities also came to see the film: Jack
Nicholson, Warren Beatty, Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palm, and Johnny
Carson. Seeing the film became the hip thing to do.
Original Theatrical Poster (1972)
The film was an amalgam of slapstick comedy, bad puns, and hot sex with
hilarious one-liners, such as, "Mind if I smoke while you eat?" While
amateurish in certain parts, the film as a whole is quite entertaining
and captures the 70's sexual revolution: its ideas, its frankness about
sex, and stating that women have the right to have orgasms. It was in
some ways a form of enlightenment for women, who saw the film as a form
of sexual freedom and exploration. However, with this new freedom, there
came a hefty price.
The film was tried and banned in New York, and soon, it would become
banned in 23 states. Actor Reems was tried and was almost sent to
prison. The film was then distributed by a network of Mafia-connected
associates of the Peraino family. The film has been rumored to have
grossed as high as $600 million, which would make the film one of the highest grossing films of all time. It's been reported that the film actually earned somewhere between $30–50 million. However, because of the Perainos, it is unsure as to how much the film actually earned.
The popularity of the film became part of the mainstream in a major way. Assistant FBI director W. Mark Felt, the Watergate informer that blew the whistle on then President Richard
Nixon was nicknamed "Deep Throat." It was talked about in the news, on
late talk shows as well as variety shows. It's been referenced in books,
newspapers, mainstream movies, as well as becoming part of the sexual
dictionary. In 2005, the film would also become the subject matter in
the documentary entitled INSIDE DEEP THROAT. In it, directors
Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato chronicled (and in some parts
exaggerated) the history of the film and the ramifications of its
impact.The movie was also the first film to be inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame. On August 9, 2013, the dramatic biopic LOVELACE, starring Hollywood A-listers Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Sharon Stone, Adam Brody, James Franco, Chloë Sevigny, and Juno Temple, was released to theaters by The Weinstein Company. Based on Lovelace's life, it was written by Andy Bellin and directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.
On
April 22, 2002, Linda Lovelace died from injuries sustained from a car
accident at the young age of 53. Then Gerard Damino passed away at age
80 on October 25, 2008 following complications from a stroke he
suffered. And then finally, on March 19, 2013, Harry Reems died from
pancreatic cancer at the age of 65. In December 2014, the website The Rialto Report (which documents the golden years of adult cinema) released a podcast which revealed the identify of Dolly Sharp, who had disappeared from the public's eye after the release of the film. Through their investigations, they reported that Sharp was actually in fact Helen Wood, a former Broadway performer and Hollywood actress, who appeared in the 1953 musical GIVE A GIRL A BREAK and in director William Friedkin's 1968 film THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY'S. Sharp passed away from colon cancer on November 1, 1998 in Los Angeles. She was just 63 years old.
The new Blu-Ray release looks absolutely gorgeous!! There are still some small scratches and dirt, but overall, the movie has never, and I mean never, looked this pristine before!! It looks like a brand new movie all together!! The visuals look so crisp and sharp, the soundtrack and dialogue sounds clear, and it looks amazing in HD!! Congratulations to Sunset Entertainment for making this the best version of the film ever!!
Sunset Entertainment also offers up some cool special features for this Blu-Ray release. There's an interview with the late Linda Lovelace, several random adult trailers from the 1970's, and a second feature DEEP THROAT II, which was written and directed by the legendary Joseph Sarno and released in 1972. The sequel is an exploitation comedy, rather than a true adult sequel. The picture and sound quality is decent, but that's about it. The film was produced once again by Phil Parisi and Louis Peraino and though the production company that made the film was called Damiano Films, Gerard Damiano had no involvement with the sequel. DEEP THROAT and its impact on our society and culture have been
immeasurable. It was the first of its kind, and while there have been a
plethora of its kind since then, it still remains as one of the most
important films in American cinema history. Forty-seven years later,the film still resonates within our society, and its influence is still part of our
pop culture as well as our sexual lexicon. But one must remember, when
watching the film, we are watching a time capsule that captured a
society on the eve of change. The film documented a cultural shift;
an open mindedness about sex. For a brief moment in history, it looked
like America was going to adult about its sexuality. However the
opposite occurred, and now we live in society that glamorizes and
praises violence while sex is still a taboo subject. As a result of
this, we repress our sexuality instead of talking about, exploring it,
and celebrating it. So ask yourself this question: Would you rather see
gratuitous acts of violence or gratuitous acts of love? 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
DEEP THROAT is available on Blu-Ray from Sunset Entertainment. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit the Diabolik DVD website at www.diabolikdvd.com.
