My name is Rick L. Blalock. Some of you may know me as a regular reviewer at AdultDVDTalk who publishes several reviews weekly. I now join the HotMovies team as a monthly columnist. I hope you’ll join me here, each month, as I publish a column called “Rick’s Picks.” It is via this column that I will present to you a list of my personal picks when it comes to what I feel are the best movies that HotMovies has to offer, given a specific topic – a topic which will change monthly. The first thing that needs to be said is that this is my column, and it is one that is aimed towards the fans. This is not a case in which a robot is trained to pick the most-liked movies of the time and put them on a list. This is my own personal list, with which I hope to introduce fans to films that they may have not seen or heard about. So yes, some of the picks may seem out of the ordinary. But that’s just how it is; I like different shit.
For my latest installment of Rick’s Picks, I scour the vast pool of films from the 1970s and 1980s available here at HotMovies, with an idea in mind; that idea being to single out some of the best films having either a suspenseful or dramatic element.
1. The Opening of Misty Beethoven (1976) – Runtime 1 hr. 24 mins. Director – Radley Metzger
Plot/Synopsis:
In the 1976 film, The Opening of Misty Beethoven, Seymour Love (Jamie Gillis) is a sexologist who is looking for the subject of the last chapter of his book. He finds it is young prostitute, Misty Beethoven (Constance Money), while visiting a porno theater in Paris. Love follows her to a nearby bordello, however soon finds that she is basically skilled in the art of sex. This is when he vows to make her his “project.” What follows is that, with the help of prostitute and friend, they look to groom Misty into a sexual goddess, with the goal of Misty being named the the “Golden Rod Girl” in the current year, for publisher, “Lawrence Layman” (Ras Kean). After many days of repeated skills-training, Misty begins to progress rapidly with great skill, so much so that Seymour conjures up a challenge – for Misty to seduce gay art dealer, Jacque Beudant (Casey Donovan). Seymour feels that if Misty is successful at turning out a gay man, then she is capable of doing anything in terms of sex. The end result of this is a success, which moves Misty to her ultimate test, Lawrence Layman. Sure enough, Layman (and his wife “Barbara” (Gloria Leonard), are soon at Misty’s mercy, a fact that puts Love over the moon. Unfortunately, the doctor gets a little to cocky among party guests, saying things which offend his protege. Misty then wises up, and leaves Seymour to go it alone. However, little did Seymour know just how Misty’s departure would effect him; he has, in fact, fallen in love with his sexual creation.
Why Was This Film Picked?
Well, what can I say about The Opening of Misty Beethoven? Actually, a lot. For those who have not yet seen this film, many believe this to be the greatest adult film of all time. Personally, I’m not far off, as it is likely my favorite adult film. When speaking of cinematic, this is it. Shot on a good-sized budget in Paris, New York, and Rome, this film feels like a mainstream picture. The Opening of Misty Beethoven takes the structure of the story from the plays Pygmalion and My Fair Lady, and formed into its own original entity. The film has its ups and downs in terms of plot, as the doctor at the center of the story crafts the ultimate goddess and hones her sexual skills to perfection to please other men. However, in the end, it is he himself whom falls for her when he cannot have her. It is a both an emotional and dramatic story that really grabs your attention and interest from beginning to the end, as it has a lot of things going for it. The story is strong and its locations are beautiful. The acting performances by all are top-notch. Not to mention that it also features a great soundtrack, featuring obscure-yet-catchy tracks. It also features one of adult cinema’s first displays of female-to-male pegging (as Casey Donovan doubled for Ras Kean in the threeway scene). Even in today’s porn landscape, we reviewers are often stating that true stories can told in porn. Well, The Opening of Misty Beethoven is a prime example of that – and it is a film that comes from the year 1976. It is true that quality, story-driven porn has been around for quite some time. It’s just that when it comes to the Golden Age, you just have to look for it. Again, for those who have not seen The Opening of Misty Beethoven, it is indeed quite the find for a viewer, and is highly recommended by me, as it is one of the finest adult films ever made. These are the reasons why it tops my list.
2. Nothing to Hide (1981) – Runtime 1 hr. 36 mins. Director – Anthony Spinelli
Plot/Synopsis:
In this unofficial sequel to 1980’s Talk Dirty To Me, we once again follow the antics of best friends “Jack” (John Leslie) and “Lenny” (Richard Pacheco) as they move through life. Jack and Lenny are an odd couple. There is Jack; he is essential ladies man. And then there is Lenny – though physically a grown man, mentally, he is very child-like. Though very different, the two of them are seemingly inseparable. Jack beds women one after the next, while promising his friend some action, all while dreaming of finding himself an honest girl and living on a farm. This is just a way of life for the two pals. So what occurs when life decides to take a turn, deviating from their normal routine? It drives a wedge between them. It’s an opposite turn of events. To the surprise of the competent Jack, life happens unexpectedly for Lenny, when he meets a girl named “Karen” (Tigr). In comparison, Karen herself is a lot like Lenny. She’s awkward and somewhat mentally slow. Another like-minded trait is that she is curious to love as well. From then on, friendship turns to courtship, as surprisingly, it is Lenny, not Jack, who seems to be leaving the other behind. This leaves Jack to fully appreciate his longstanding friendship with Lenny.
Why Was This Film Picked?
Titled Nothing to Hide, because the the producers of the previous film owned the rights to the title Talk Dirty To Me, this film is an unofficial spinoff. Unlike Talk Dirty To Me, which focused more solely on Jack, Nothing to Hide instead focuses more on the character of Lenny. Both dramatic and emotional, in this film we see Lenny break away from his comfort zone, which is his best friend Jack. This film is one that is essentially about friendship and what one means to another. So why was this film picked for this list? Well, the answer to that is simple – this is certainly adult filmmaking at its finest. Yes, technically this is an adult film, as it has explicit sex scenes within, but make no mistake about it – this is a real film, one with a real story, along with terrific performances and characters that really grab your attention and emotions. Simply put, this is a beautiful film in every aspect. Nothing to Hide is directed by Anthony Spinelli, who essentially steps back and lets his actors carry the story – and that, these performances do. There is superb acting all around. While John Leslie commands attention as Jack, the true hero here is Richard Pacheco, who truly embodied the character which he was portraying. The role called for Pacheco to be slow and dim-witted, and he gives us just that. From the mannerisms, to the clumsiness, such as running into a coffee table, Pacheco absolutely nailed it all. We believe it, which was the goal. Like Pacheco, also becoming her character is Tigr portraying Karen, a young woman not unlike Lenny. Both of them do well when it comes to acting performances, and when they play off each other, it is smile-inducing and genuinely sweet. While this film may not be suspenseful, it is most certainly high on dramatic elements. This one is fairly cinematic. Overall, I love it, and consider it to be among the greatest adult films of all time. It is such a wonderful work, and one that is sure to leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
3. Star Angel (1986) – Runtime 1 hr. 14 mins. Director – Cecil Howard
Plot/Synopsis:
At the beginning of the 1986 dramatic porno feature, Star Angel, “Luke Frame” (Jerry Butler) is a former office boy who has found success in managing the career of his wife, singer “Lola Rain” (Tigr). However, Lola’s career has come crashing down as a result of her drug and alcohol addiction. She just can’t keep it together, as demonstrated by her latest concert that ended in utter disaster. The bad show causes outrage between fans and promoters alike. It has also put the couple at odds, as Lola and Luke argue about the former’s now failing career. The two of them make up, and subsequently make time for a quickie, however, this is after Luke gives his wife some pills, which later ease her into sleep. Unfortunately, it’s a slumber that she does not wake from, as the star dies from an apparent overdose. Was it just merely an accident on Luke’s behalf, or is it something that he did purposely? It’s unsure. However, when the story rejoins Luke years later, we find that the feeling of guilt is something that Luke wrestles with on a daily basis. Years following the tragedy, Luke is now more successful than ever before. He lives in a mansion in New York with his girlfriend, “Kate” (Colleen Brennan), and he is now one of the most sought-after talent agents in the business. However, no matter how good Luke’s life appears to be, he still finds himself haunted by the guilt of Lola’s death, as he is subjected nightly to vivid nightmares. Nonetheless, he seems content, as these troubles seem to occur only behind closed doors… or so he thought. That’s because soon, when he and his group pick up a sexy young hitchhiker named “Terry” (Angel) at his demand, all that haunts him would immediately hit him head-on, the second that he makes eye contact with her. In Luke’s twisted psyche, he sees his deceased wife Lola in the young hitchhiker. Luke is surely convinced that Lola has come back to haunt him, literally, in the form of Terry; so much so that he is quick to take Terry in and give her the world, as not to upset Lola. Even Kate, who struggles to be Luke’s number-one lady, even warms up to the young guest. But for Luke, the longer that Terry stays, the more of Lola he sees – and the more paranoid he becomes, as he slowly inches closer to a mental breakdown. However, Luke aims to still look the part of someone who appears to have it together, as he goes on to host another of his grand house parties – a decision that would in the end prove to be a big mistake. Luke’s fragile mental state just can’t handle the glitz and glam of the extravagant soirée, not to mention take in the gorgeous sight that is Terry, who is dressed to the nines. Of course, it is her presence that brings about that of Lola, and it all goes downhill from there as Luke nears the edge as the night threatens to have history repeat itself all over again.
Why Was This Film Picked?
Director Cecil Howard’s film Star Angel, is yet another shining example of how great stories can be told in porn. In the film, when the character “Luke Frame” serves his wife, singer “Lola Rain” a round of pills – a dosage that is ultimately fatal, it is uncertain whether or not Luke had purposely OD’d Lola. But as the film moves on to display Luke’s new lifestyle of luxury, the notion that Luke had planned it suddenly becomes a little more plausible. It is revealed that following Lola’s untimely death, Luke was viewed by the public and those around him as a sympathetic figure. But is it all for show? Did Luke make a deal with the Devil? A deal that saw him exchange the life of his wife for wealth and success? It surely seems that way, and apparently, according to Luke, Lola won’t let him live it down. Star Angel is a film that looks, feels, and plays like a legit mainstream film that is all things dark, dramatic, and edgy. With great acting performances and all. This is a bit of an epic film. It has a complex story that is darkly progressive and interesting. As a viewer, one watches, because you are not so sure where everything will end up. The way that Luke Frame’s descent into madness is approached here is great. The decline for him is slow and noticeable, as star Jerry Butler plays it up nicely. By the end of the film, and as Jerry’s mental state hits an emotional high, Luke has an almost Jim Jones quality as he dons dark sunglasses. This is especially true in the hazy freakout scenes that we see at the party. With that said, the acting performances by the entire cast are great. Everyone featured in this film gives their all, as they portray characters that are highly believable. Tigr has the small, but oh-so-pivotal role as dead rock singer Lola Rain, the woman who haunts Luke years after her death. Lola Rain as a singer appears to have been inspired by Janis Joplin (but I could be wrong). Also playing a big part in the story is Angel’s character “Terry.” In reality, it’s likely that Terry is what she is, which is just a young woman who was picked up while hitchhiking. However to Luke, Terry serves as much more. He believes that Terry is Lola, somehow reincarnated. Luke, in the end, believes that Lola is out for revenge. Standing by Luke’s side (or trying to), is the character “Kate”, portrayed by Colleen Brennan. Colleen is great here as someone who desperately wants to love, yet continues to be shut out. The main cast also gets some welcome support from Ron Jeremy and Taija Rae – Ron as Luke’s chauffeur, “Mario”, and Taija as Mario’s lover, “Fran”. Overall, this is a well-made, highly entertaining effort directed by a man who took his work very seriously. Because of this, what you will see here is likely one of the most accomplished adult features that you will ever see.
4. Eruption (1978) – Runtime 1 hr. 22 mins. Director – Stanley Kurlan
Plot/Synopsis:
In this 1978 film, John Holmes portrays the character “Peter Winston”, an insurance agent. During a hot day at the beach, Peter happens to bump into and meet the wealthy “Sandra Bevan” (Leslie Bovee). Sandra is very attractive, and so she Peter immediately hit it off. Their small talk goes to talk about insurance policies. Long story short, Sandra wants to take out a sizable life insurance policy out on her wealthy husband and “Harry” – a sum of 1 million dollars. Initially, Peter by the book assures Sandra that she will not be able to get Harry to sign a policy knowingly. This is when Sandra slips on the charm and soon, she has Peter agree to conspire with her. They get Harry to sign the papers under the guise that it is an auto insurance claim. It’s soon after that the pair’s plan of murder goes off without a hitch, as Harry is to leave on a business trip via his boat. Following that, Peter feels as if they have gotten away with the perfect murder. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for someone to catch on, and that someone is Jackson, an investigator who works alongside Peter at the insurance agency. As Jackson comes closer and closer to moving in on Peter and Sandra’s scheme, turmoil between the two also arises when Sandra’s questionable past begins to surface. This, as everything threatens to erupt amid a twisted web of blackmail, and most of all, greed.
Why Was This Film Picked?
Eruption happens to be a film that I’ve seen a couple of times since first see it via rental years ago. So why have I revisited it, and why I have I included it here in my list of picks? The answer those questions is simple, really, as Eruption actually has a few things that stand out about it – especially for a film of its time. First, we must talk about the location. This film was shot entirely on-location in the islands of Hawaii. The looks and sounds of the surroundings could not be better for a film like this one. Coupled with the location, is a bright color palette for the film. I hope that one day a company will restore and release the film, so that we may see the film how it was originally intended to be, because I can only imagine that the colors would pop off the screen. Yet another thing that Eruption has going for it is that its storyline is very well-structured and flows very well, as the characters mention plot points throughout that keep the story and its integrity intact. Not only this, the film also has style. There is a scene which includes extreme closeups of the action – something that was rarely seen for 1978. Another scene also utilizes the split-screen technique. Another thing that was rarely seen in those times. Additionally, along with all the style, there are nice performances by the cast – a cast headed by the infamous and legendary John Holmes, along with 70s and 80s stunner, Leslie Bovee. Eruption is a very good film that has a very nice build that ends with both tension and suspense, as it plays out in dramatic fashion. It is one that is definitely worth checking out, especially if you have not seen it!
5. Virginia (1983) – Runtime 1 hr. 32 mins. Director – John Seeman
Plot/Synopsis:
1983’s Virginia centers around the title character of Virginia Glass (Shauna Grant), a teenage girl who lives with her widowed father, “John” (Paul Thomas), who works secretly as an erotic photographer. As the story progresses, we have many sexual situations in which Virginia finds herself in the center of, but never in the midst of this, because she secretly and privately lusts after her own father. It is a sexual fantasy that she just cannot seem to shake. And it is the one that, in the end, comes to fruition as Virginia’s relationship with her father crosses the line of taboo, as her first sexual fantasy comes to life. Virginia is a film that features a bizarre turn – proving that everything seen may not be as real as it seems.
Why Was This Film Picked?
Directed by Golden Age performer/director John Seeman, Virginia is a film that I have always wanted to review. However, the reason why I have not reviewed it is because I just didn’t know how I would approach it. The reason is that Virginia is a very difficult film to classify. That’s because most of it is executed in a very stylistically “dreamlike” manner. A lot of the film feels like a dream, and not reality, much in the way that the Virginia character in the film daydreams about her sexual fantasies. Another reason as to why it was difficult for me to pinpoint just how to review this film is because saying too much would be giving too much of the plot away. If there was any film that would be better to see without knowing much about, this would be one of them. Virginia is a film about buildup, and it is definitely about its ending. In fact, it’s overall success basically depends on how the viewer takes and accepts its conclusion. Personally, if you ask me, I think that the ending that this film presents us with is pretty brilliant, and is one of the best conclusions for an adult film of its time period. But of course, I cannot tell you anything about it, because that would be giving away the whole movie. So with that said, I would recommend you seen the movie for yourself. It’s a strange one, but it’s well-accomplished both in style and acting performances, as well as in sex. And besides, if you happen to be a fan of the late Shauna Grant, as I am, this film is ideal. I have seen all of Grant’s films. Her career was short, yes, however, Virginia stands as likely her best work from a technical standpoint.
6. Never Sleep Alone (1984) – Runtime 1 hr. 45 mins. Director – Kemal Horulu
Plot/Synopsis:
Kemal Horulu’s 1983 drama-thriller, Never Sleep Alone begins with an ominous tone right out of the gate. This as the camera captures a scene outside of a court building, where all we can hear are the ongoing proceedings of a trial. It is then that the film takes us back in time to chronicle the life of “Lisa Alexander” (Tina Marie) and her husband “Dan” (John Leslie). Lisa and Dan maintain an unconventional lifestyle. They are swingers, and often go to parties thrown by their neighbor “Diana” (Honey Wilder) at a local club called “Plato’s Retreat,” where basically anything goes when it comes to sex. Both Lisa and Dan are very open in their relationship and are allowed to have relations with others, however, they have but one rule: they are not to sleep with each other’s friends. Soon, things get complicated, when Dan begins to have eyes for Diana’s new roommate, the blonde sex kitten “Natalie” (Joanna Storm). Despite Dan’s best friend and business partner “Mark” (Joey Silvera) taking an immediate liking to the stunner, Dan just has to have her. This causes an argument between Lisa and Dan, but with Diana’s intervening, Lisa goes along with the plan to get at Natalie, as Lisa and Diana go out for the night to attend a BDSM party. Dan and Natalie happen, and Lisa’s knowledge of this begins to take a toll on her, as she contemplates getting even by having sex with Mark – a guy in which Lisa has always lusted after. Via Diana, this subsequent hookup happens and ignites sparks between Lisa and Mark. So much so that, a month on, they are still at it, and are talking about a marriage all of their own. Lisa just doesn’t know how to break it to Dan. However, unbeknownst to Lisa, Mark is already aware, as told by Diana who is the self-proclaimed “arranger” to all of her friends. Dan, in the end, wants to salvage the marriage that he and Lisa have. Diana proposes a plan; an idea that she has been harboring all along. The idea was to set her young friend Natalie up for life – either with Dan or Mark. So with Mark now the clear target, Dan helps out as he threatens to blackmail him, thus forcing him out of their thriving company if he cannot get with, and, in turn, marry Natalie. The easily influenced tag-along Mark ultimately goes for the whole thing. Unfortunately for Dan, he could have never expected the repercussions that would come from it, once Lisa found out that her new love, Mark, has “cheated” on her with Natalie. It’s an end in which jealousy drives Lisa to do the unthinkable: an action that has severe consequence.
Why Was This Film Picked?
Never Sleep Alone is a film that I have seen many times, simply because it is one that is nicely conceived and well executed, and just creative overall. I have not seen another porn film that begins quite like this one does. Sure there are other films that show us the conclusion first and work itself backwards to tell the story. But there have been none to my knowledge more ominous from the start. This begins with an obvious court proceeding, yet we know no details, as we are told no verdict and we are whisked away to our story. All we know is that a “Lisa Alexander is on trial, and as we go into the story, it is Lisa and her husband Dan who are at the center of our story. Never Sleep Alone is a glimpse of the swinger life and what the people involved in such a life do. Especially if a couple happens to be married, as they participate in such a life. Every character here are friends who socialize, as they have swingers parties to have sex with others. But it is during this fast lifestyle that a husband and wife try to have rules for themselves, but find boundaries overstepped – starting with Dan’s fling with Natalie, the hot roommate, to their friend Diana next-door, and then later, a retaliation fling with Dan’s best friend and business partner, Mark. They are actions that shake up the comfortable swinging lifestyle that they have created, as things ultimately turn deadly for one of our characters. Never Sleep Alone is a slow-burning and progressive tale of all things swinging, lies, deception, blackmail, and yes, murder. It is a tale which is very nicely told, and well-acted, as the story seeps in and we become familiar with each of the respective characters. It is both stylish and well-plotted. It is a film that also works best as a viewer’s first time viewing. I remember after viewing it for the first time, how clever and well-executed I thought that the film truly was. It is still effective after multiple viewings. But, if one goes into Never Sleep Alone not knowing what to expect from it, the film’s ending has much more of an impact. I highly recommend this one!
7. Amanda by Night (1981) – Runtime 1 hr. 26 mins. Director – Robert McCallum
Plot/Synopsis:
in 1981’s Amanda by Night, Veronica Hart stars as “Amanda Heather”, a high-class call girl who was once a prostitute, handled by a pimp named “Friday” (Jamie Gillis). She has since given up hooking to concentrate on being a madam to other girls, and to cater to other special engagements. The story kicks off when Friday the pimp calls upon his favorite girl, Amanda, to take on a special client. One who has ties to the government and can give him a pass for his strip joint, in return, “Councilman Blakely” (Frank Hollawell). Friday initially wants Amanda back on the job, but she she has given up that life and in her mind she is on her way out of all of it all together. Instead, Amanda sends her best girl in “Gwen” (Samantha Fox), along with newcomer, “Bev” (Lisa DeLeeuw). The two ladies end up having a fling with the prominent official, however, once Bev is left behind with Blakely, things do not end well for her. As a result of a scuffle between the two, Bev dies in his pool. It is an act that Blakely is quick to try to cover up by dumping the body on the beach a short time later. This puts a homicide detective by the name of “Ambrose Hart” (R. Bolla) on the case, as he is tasked with finding the killer. He soon meets up with Amanda as he begins to investigate. Unfortunately, the surroundings around them get even more chaotic when it is revealed to us that Friday himself is working alongside the Councilman responsible for murder. And speaking of murder; more murder follows as the mysterious government official seems to be targeting Amanda based on what she knows. This all leading to one climactic face-off.
Why Was This Film Picked?
Directed by one of my favorite directors from the Golden Age of Porn, Gary Graver (aka Robert McCallum), Amanda by Night truly is a well-accomplished adult classic. The film features a well-rounded story. One that features a beginning, middle, and end, along with characters that are well-performed by the cast – a cast boasting names such as Veronica Hart, Lisa DeLeeuw, Samantha Fox, Jamie Gillis, R. Bolla, and Ron Jeremy. This is a list of dramatic titles from me, and this is definitely one which has cinematic drama, especially near its conclusion. It is definitely a film that has more than one facet; it’s part-action, part-suspense, part-detective story, and also a romance. It even has a b-movie flare. If you love plot-driven porno, Amanda by Night is one that will have you watching until its finale.
8. Flash (1981) – Runtime 1 hr. 16 mins. Director – Jack Genero
Plot/Synopsis:
The 1981 film, Flash, centers around main character “Jessica Collins” (Hillary Summers) who is an erotic photographer for the magazine, “Flash”. The story kicks off when Jessica goes to pick up her model friend Maxine from the airport. When her limo is at a stop, Jessica decides to snap some pictures of a man standing in front of a bank. This would actually be a mistake, as she catches a bank robbery in progress on film involving two men who are seen abducting and woman in distress. It would later be revealed that the woman is “Denise Rockland,” the daughter of the governor, and that this group of people are trying to blackmail her father who is just ahead of an election. Meanwhile, one of the guys breaks loose from his partner and tries to track down Jessica. Unfortunately, though, he mistakes Jessica for Maxine, and soon abducts her as well. As the story continues, Jessica eventually gets down to the details of the occurrences at hand, as she sets out to rescue her best friend. However, little does she know that the whole scenario itself has direct ties to her job at the magazine.
Why Was This Film Picked?
Though this film from 1981 may be little-known, I personally consider it a sort of “hidden porn gem” of the early 80s. Technically, though it is relatively simple in plot, it is actually pretty elaborate in execution, especially near the film’s conclusion – a conclusion that ends things with bang, if you will. Here, we have a story that has suspense, blackmail, and betrayal all in one, and it is one that was done on a budget. As I said, it is nicely executed. The vibe of the film is that of a caper, much like a Charlie’s Angels-type with a pinch of comedy. It’s an easy watch, especially during a first-time viewing. Again, what I find most impressive about this film is, indeed, the last, which is quite ambitious for a classic porno. We have Jessica herself on the rescue of Maxine, her friend, who is being kept locked away in a shed somewhere in the countryside out in the middle of nowhere. Jessica must get there by flying. It is this fact that the film includes aerial photography – something that was not much seen in a film of its era. This is really impressive in my opinion, as all of it of course comes to a head in a rather impactful ending. I would recommend seeing Flash just for this sequence alone, but with that said, the film in its entirety is worthwhile in itself.
So there you have it, my latest offering. Here are eight films from the Golden Age of Porn, all of them being, in my opinion, worth the time and effort to seek them out. And best of all, you can view them right here on HotMovies!
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