Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: Robin's Nest (1980) / Bella (1979)

  “There's high flying Action when the pretty little birds flock together...”

Newlyweds Alan (Eric Edwards, Laura's Toys) and Robin (Arcadia Lake, Debbie Does Dallas) spend their first day as a married couple by moving in to their new apartment. Naturally, that evening they christen said apartment like most couples would do and damn do they start married life with a bang! The perfect start to what will be a truly future? Maybe not, because fast forward six months later and the couple's bickering has lead to the pair undergoing a trial separation and Robin to move out. She decides to stay with her high society nympho of a friend; Glenna (Robin Byrd, Pleasure Palace). The pair then do some “catching up”. With her mind somewhat at ease, Robin's healing process is off to a great start! Alan on the other hand is a bumbling, scruffy mess. Thankfully, he gets cheered up by his own nympho of a friend; Larry (Paul Thomas, The Price of Desire) after a chance encounter in the local drinking hole. Unlike Glenna however, Larry is a bit of a creep who in his spare time likes to stalk a cheating housewife known as Mrs. G (Marcia Mager, Sweet Wet Lips). After a few drinks, Larry invites Alan back to his wife Lorraine's (Samantha Fox, Babylon Pink) funded swanky abode. How does he cheer up Alan? By letting him have some “consoling” of his own with Lorraine's young plaything; Honey (Crystal Day, Secrets of a Willing Wife). If things weren't complicated and ugly enough (well, depends on how you look at it.) for both Alan and Robin, the fact that Lorraine is “good friends” with Glenna may just make the situation uglier than it already is!

In a nutshell, Robin's Nest is a simple piece of melodrama with a touch of comedy thrown in for good measure. Stylistically, the film reminded me of a late 1960's piece of sexploitation cinema. After looking at Victor Bertini's filmography, that was no surprise to me as this (his final film) was his first film since a trio of late 1960's sexploitation efforts (his only other directorial credits). Of course, instead of flirty thrills, we have unsimulated sex and even though the cinematography and set layouts are reminiscent of retro cheeseball sexploitation cinema, there is a contemporary (for the time) style and set decoration. It makes for a visually intriguing experience. Overall, the film has a sense of cheapness about it, but Bertini pulls off a somewhat accomplished piece of hardcore cinema. You'd think he'd been shooting X-Rated skin flicks for years! To compliment the action, there's a great selection of music throughout and although credited to an outfit called Goldenrod, it seems more likely that it's just a tactic to hide the (wonderfully handpicked) usage of library music. To match the style, there are great performances throughout from everyone involved. Although only appearing together in a handful of scenes, there's genuine chemistry between Arcadia Lake and Eric Edwards (something I will touch upon again at the end of the review!. It's not exactly the most entertaining film of its kind, but there are some great individual gags throughout and definitely worth watching more than once. On a completely different note, it reminded me of the 1985 shot on video outing; The Initiation of Cynthia, a film I have watched recently... What do you mean you don't care!?

  “The most Classically Erotic film ever made...”With her husband Bob (Jake Teague, Cannibal Ferox) constantly away on business trips, it's no surprise that lonely housewife Susan (Diana Sloan, Dracula Exotica) would begin an affair with the local hunky handyman Tom (Eric Edwards). Unfortunately for her however, her young daughter Bella (Tracy Adams, Fascination) discovers her engaging in her dirty little hobby after returning home earlier than usual one day. Instead of confronting her mother and revealing the truth to her father upon his return, Bella is overcome by lust after witnessing Tom and his DIY skills. Thus, begins a sordid little love triangle. Bella's lust soon turns to love and obsession, but Tom is unwilling to commit. Bella's obsession combined with her jealousy leads her to take drastic measures, involving her friend and all-round unknowing participant; Patty (Arcadia Lake). With the stakes and tensions high, what happens will change everyone and everything forever. Will Bella do something she may regret or can she come to a compromise with her mother? One thing's for certain, this is probably the most hands-on work Tom has ever had to do in his life!

  Much like the previous film, Bella is a melodrama with a simple concept. It may not be the most original of concepts, but it's far from the weakest attempt at the “mother and daughter fall for the same man” plot. Things are pretty straightforward and somewhat vanilla for most of the film, but the final third REALLY stands out. It may not be the most shocking, heart-wrenching or adrenaline filled final thirds, but it definitely leaves an impression. All in all, it's a solidly paced film with only a couple of sex scenes being a few minutes too long. In terms of pornography, there's no complaints at all. Aside from Diana Sloan, the film is well acted and the characters are believable. Although the delivery of her dialogue is wooden to say the least, it doesn't detract too much from the overall film. The star of the show for me is of course the lovely Tracy Adams who really does portray the obsessed naïve lover almost perfectly. That being said, even if her performance wasn't the greatest, you really wouldn't complain. It's a travesty that this was only the second of a handful of films she starred in because she could have made a REALLY big name for herself. In terms of style, the film almost has a feel of Joe Sarno (Abigail Leslie is Back in Town) to it; solid enough erotic, yet kitchen sink drama and genuinely cinematic. It's no surprise the film is shot so wonderfully as porn veteran Carter Stevens (Punk Rock) was behind the camera with complete artistic freedom. Shots are wonderfully and thoughtfully staged and there are some great handheld and dolly shots thrown in too for good measure! You'll be hard pressed to find a film of this nature and budget that looks as good. Overall, this film has a lot to offer and can warrant repeat viewings.

Wouldn't you know? Vinegar Syndrome have done yet another great job with the restoration and presentation of these films. Aside from maybe one or two incidences with clear signs of irreversible print damage, the films look and sound great, especially when it comes to the cinematography of Carter Stevens in Bella. Speaking of Carter Stevens, the main feature on this disc is a short interview with the man himself (why has no one made a feature length documentary about him!?). He talks about his experience and freedom on the film as well as talking about Blue Underground's very own Bill Lustig and his involvement with the film. It's a fantastic little interview and I hope there's going to be much more in the future. The only other special feature is a trailer for Bella. Overall, this is a solid double feature mainly to commemorate the real life relationship between Arcadia Lake and Eric Edwards. It doesn't just work on that level because both films have the same sort of vibes and compliment each other. If you want to see character driven porn, give this release a try! Just don't let your mother find out... Robin's Nest & Bella are available as a double feature DVD release as well as being streamable on Exploitation.tv

Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: Fast Cars Fast Women (1981) / Starship Eros (1979)

FAST CARS FAST WOMEN
(1981, dir: Scott McHaley)

“With Every Lap She Will Shift Your Gears!!!”

Our film opens up with a cute little blonde named Kristy, played by Sylvia Benedict (The Bitch Goddess), getting pulled over by a cop. Even though she is more than willing to 'cooperate' with the officer, she still gets the ticket! No need to worry though, she's on her way straight away because she has an appointment with the feisty Molly, head of the Davis Racing Team, played by Kay Parker (Sexworld). Before that however, she has some catching up with her old room-mate Casey, played by Carolyn Jackson (Anytime Anyplace). I think you know what I mean by 'catching up'. As they are busy being reacquainted, we meet Molly's rival. He's a sleazy piece of work named Orson, played by Al Chiurrizi (in his only starring role). His second in command is Dutch, played by Ron Jeremy (Orgazmo). He too is a sleazy piece of shit, but with added moustache! Dutch wants to buy Molly out, but she is one tough cookie. So much so, that even the blatant tampering of her cars (which lead to a fatality) won't make her succumb to his harassment. That's one hell of a woman right there! Anyway, once Kristy has met with Molly and has been warned about the potential dangers, she's on the team straight away and ready for action. Before we get to see any racing action, there's a hell of a lot 'team bonding'. Enough to make even the likes of Bernie Eccleston blush! Once we do get to the tracks, Kristy sure shows us that she knows her way around a gear stick. Will her new career take off? Will she be Dutch's next victim? Can she be bought!? Well, you're going to have to buckle yourself in and find out for yourself!

Fast Cars Fast Women is a very enjoyable piece of film. There's a great story there that has depth and is somewhat original. The acting isn't the greatest, but the likes of Ron Jeremy and Kay Parker more than make up for that. The female cast throughout (PATRIARCHY WARNING!) are very pleasing on the eye, but not only that, they are all strong characters. The racing action is well done, but is taken down a gear compared to the 'off road' action. Speaking of which, the hardcore elements of this entry are all solid and if you like a bit of lady love, there's enough here to shake a stick at. It's always a good thing seeing Kay Parker on screen! Aesthetically, this film is very competent. There's a great use of an actual racetrack and some of the cars on display are just as nice to look at as the female cast. It's shot well and stock footage is incorporated somewhat seamlessly, we are nowhere near Mattei territory in that regard! For those looking for some good laughs, there's some really spot on humour throughout. There's even a nice amount of fighting in the film. It's clear this was directed by a stuntman! All in all a solid effort that has something for everyone!

STARSHIP EROS
(1979, dir: Scott McHaley)
“A probing of sensual space...”

We are thrown in to the future. 1995 to be exact! We join the all female crew of the Feminist Regime Starship Eros headed by big haired Commander Venus, played by Lily Rogers (Indecent Exposure). Her crew consist of the cute and sex starved newcomer, Executive Officer Moon, played by Becky Savage (Sexloose), the nearly as cute Communications Officer Bev, played by Beth Evans (in her only starring role) and their part human / part not quite C-3PO robot assistant Quasar, played by Mike Ranger (Taboo). The new Executive Officer makes quite an 'impression' on her new colleagues. Even good ol' Quasar gets to experience her credentials hands on, even if there are the occasional wiring problems (robots can suffer too!). After the usual greetings, the team embark on their Search and Destroy mission, involving a ship piloted by raging lesbian Amazoids! Even with such an important mission ahead of her, Moon can't help but make the most of her new robotic companion, so much so that this leads to a punishment (I think) at the hands of Commander Venus. It makes Princess Lea's enslavement look like child's play... Ok, maybe not! After her punishment, the crew manage to track the damaged (oh, there was an uneventful dogfight by the way) Amazoid ship to a nearby planet. Before the crew of Starship Eros have chance to land, they manage to beam up Megan, the Amazoid captain from the ship before it explodes. Naturally, they interrogate her and show her what a man is like (poor Quasar, you'll know when you see Megan!). Yep, more 'torture' ensues! Oh well, at least Quasar's wiring problem gets sorted out and hey! Megan becomes a new member of the crew! Not even Star Trek showed us this much unity!

All in all, Starship Eros is an entertaining piece of hardcore sci-fi that is blatantly (some may say poorly) cashing in on the Star Wars and Star Trek boom of the time. McHaley has written and directed a fairly solid, if not obscenely simple story that plays second fiddle to the hardcore elements directed by producer Wesley Emmerson (Foreplay). That being said, it's clear that the story wasn't just thumbed in after hard scenes were shot. The sex, although seemingly dominating the runtime, work well within the film and are done to a high standard. If you have ever wanted to see a glorified C-3PO halloween costume getting down, you're gonna get a laugh from the scenes he stars in. Personally, I could have done with more Quasar, but oh well. Arguably the stars of the show are actually the special effects and miniatures created by McHaley and K.M. Kemper. Although crude and nowhere near as good as what we would see from the likes of Star Trek and Star Wars, they do add a level of scope to the film and add production value. The aesthetic elements of the film as a whole are impressive and are captured nicely by Pablo Lepell's (Weekend Fantasies) cinematography. All of the charm can be found within those elements. The score (I'm guessing a collection of library tracks) is the icing on the cake. As far as low budget (the film was shot within a few days in a basement) hardcore sci-fi goes, this is an enjoyable and competent enough effort. Not bad for a directorial debut from a stuntman!

Overall, both films are presented wonderfully. Aside from a few dips in picture and sound quality at times, there's nothing to complain about Vinegar Syndrome's 2k restoration. Both films are stylish in their own ways and the retoration really shows how nice these relatively low budget efforts are. Once again, for a stuntman, these are two interesting and entertaining films. In terms of special features you get the trailer and additional softcore scenes for Fast Cars Fast Women and a brief audio introduction for Starship Eros from producer Wesley Emmerson. This is definitely a unique release that showcases two films from a director whose career behind the camera was short. From both a historical and entertainment standpoint, this is a really solid release!


The DVD double feature is available from Vinegar Syndrome here, as well as your favourite online retailers.

PDx

Vinegar Syndrome Reekarama Review: Come Under my Spell (1979) / Lady Dynamite (1979)

COME UNDER MY SPELL

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1979)

“The film that will bring you up to a joy you're paying for!”

  The film opens up in hip and swinging San Fransisco and instantly we are introduced to some heavy student action. Before the memories of university life get the better of me (yeah right!), we are introduced Fernando, played by Fernando Fortes (I Am Always Ready). Fernando is a foreign exchange student who really, really like animals! Unfortunately for him, he hasn't had any human action since arriving in America. Thankfully, his friend Dave, played by Blair Harris (Teeny Buns) is on hand to try and rectify that. He sets Fernando up with a threesome, but it doesn't go to plan. Being the good friend that he is, Dave decides to cheer him up by buying a cheap copy of a sexual hypnotism book. After studying hard through the power of montage, Fernando embarks on his sexual adventure one woman at a time. He even gets to see some lesbian action! To show his gratitude, he allows Dave to join in from time to time, even if it can get messy (don't worry, you'll see!). The pair even take their creepy new trick to Dave's family at a wedding. How far will they go? How many notches will Fernando and Dave rack up? Will it get in between their friendship? You're either going to have to watch for yourself or find your own hypnotism book!

  Come Under My Spell is as innocent of a film about unwilling sex as can be I guess? The film is played as a slapstick comedy that I'm sure all the feminists and social justice warriors will adore! I found the comedy to be hit and miss. You will laugh more at the clumsy dialogue, especially when it's being delivered by Fernando. Aside from having a few memorable moments, the film does suffer from the occasional dull patch. In terms of the sex, it does deliver. That being said, you will be unintentionally balling (no pun intended) at the sight of little Fernando in nothing but his socks and his arse bouncing around, he's clearly having major fun! I often sigh at Tobalina's extended use of the orgy scene, but thankfully the one (yes, only one!) in this film is much more tolerable than usuals. Thinking about the film in terms of its rather disturbing subject matter and themes makes me chuckle (I do enjoy misguided comedy!). Overall, it's a straightforward film with a fairly solid and paced story with the added bonus of having the likes of Connie Peterson (Chopstix), Liza Dwyer (Over Easy) and Vicky Zederquist (in her only credited role) on screen. It also should be noted that the final third of the film is genuinely great.

LADY DYNAMITE

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1979)

“Ready to please!”

 

Colleen Brennan (Supervixens) stars as Valerie, a loyal housewife of 10 years who has just found out from her doctor (Tobalina in an uncredited cameo) that she has contracted the clap thanks to her unfaithful husband. She decides that enough is enough and once cleared up, she begins a deep and personal sexual journey. Her first stop is a wealthy executive played by Blair Harris. He has wanted her for many years and luckily for him, it's all hands on deck on his boat. After a lot of hardcore nautical action, Valerie has a party to attend, a girls only party to be exact. All the girls hit it off straight away and they proceed to get to know each other better and deeper. After some serious ice breaking, the entertainment for the evening arrives in the form of hairy manly exotic dancers. One of which instantly (and disturbingly) reminds me of 80's era Alan Parsons (yuck!). After some seriously dope dance moves, it's orgy time with some added 80's sounding synth beats thrown in for good measure! After the party, Valerie's sexual journey comes to an end and she finds herself back at home with her grovelling husband. Is this her return or the final goodbye?

 
If Lifetime or Hallmark did pornography, this is what it would look like. A very simple melodrama about a woman's personal journey after having her life ruined by someone she loves. What Valerie lacks in logic (remedying Gonorrhoea and a cheating husband by sleeping with multiple partners is completely rational) she makes up for in sass and sex appeal. That is of course thanks to Brennan's performance. Even surrounded by good looking co-stars (I'm talking about the party scene before Alan Parsons cock blocked me!), she is centre of attention. All in all, it's a well acted film with some equally well performed sex scenes (once again, Brennan shines above all!). That being said, some set pieces do tend to drag. The film is re-watchable, if only for the cheesy charm of the music, style and of course Brennan. Fans of Brennan definitely need to pick this one up. Just make sure to use precaution!

Lady Dynamite could be considered the 'better' film of the two, but Come Under My Spell was more enjoyable (albeit unintentionally) for me. Both films do have their moments and it's a better pairing of Carlos Tobalina films compared to some of the previous releases I have covered. Both films have been restored and presented wonderfully. There may be a few visual and audio niggles here and there, but it doesn't detract from Vinegar Syndrome's good work. Each film comes with a trailer, which is always a bonus. Overall, this is a solid release. They may not be Tobalina's most entertaining efforts, but they are far from his dullest. A great introduction to his work as well as an essential release for those completing their Tobalina collection.

Come Under My Spell and Lady Dynamite double feature are available directly from Vinegar Syndrome here as well as most of your favourite online retailers.

PDx

Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: Three Ripening Cherries (1979) / Sensual Fire (1979)

THREE RIPENING CHERRIES

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1979)

“RIPE for ACTION ready to be plucked...'”

  Don't you just love sisters? Well, thankfully Uncle Tobalina has a film just for you! What we have here are the three sisters. Sally, Lucy and Ann played by Dorothy Lemay (TABOO, CHOPSTIX), Misty Regan (CHAMPAGNE ORGY, BABY CAKES) and my favourite, Brooke West (FANTASY, THE BLONDE). After a hard day at school, the girls go home and ask their mum Rose, played by Kitty Shayne (SEXUAL HEIGHTS, UNDULATIONS) all about sex. She tells them about her experiences when she was their age. We find out her virginity was robbed by a family friend leading her to seek out compassion whenever and wherever she could. Her journey to find the PERFECT orgasm comes to an end when she meets the man who would become her husband. How very aromatic indeed! Inspired by her stories, the girls retire to their bedroom and well, they get to grips with each other whilst fantasising about various boys and teachers from their school. Why wasn't my high school experience like this!? It's not all happy days for the girls however, as they find out that a couple of guys they want to party with are gay. Now it sounds more like my high schoo.... No, wait!

OK, where do I begin? I found this a rather tedious ride in all honesty. Oh don't get me wrong, seeing Brooke West involved in some girly fun is a blast! I just found it to be yet another rather lazy, uninspired piece of smut. I really dig Tobalina, but I'm getting rather tired of seeing group based scenes. I did really enjoy the use of music, Carlos always seems to have good music in his films. What stood out this time was hearing the theme tune to Terry and June (American friends should look up the show on Youtube for a good laugh!), which brought a big smile to my face! All in all, if your wanting pure action, this is a great film. The sex is of a very high quality which is to be expected from Tobalina. Overall, I found it about 20 minutes a bit too long. Oh well, the next film has one of my all time favourites!
SENSUAL FIRE

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1979)

“The tremendous allure of YOUNG SEX'”

  Carrying on the whole family theme, we move on to Sensual Fire. Jamie Gillis (THE OPENING OF MISTY BEETHOVEN, WATERPOWER) stars as Roy. He has recently fallen in love with Laura, played by Jesie St. James (RANDY, HOTLINE). Things are going wonderfully for the for the pair. All that changes when Laura's young daughter Teena, played by Dorothy Le May (TABOO, BLIND FURY) returns and shakes things up. Whilst she is in her room having some lonely fun, little does she know Roy's office is next door and he has a peep hole. He begins to watch her which eventually leads to him constantly fantasising about making love to her. To try and shake his mind off this filth, he confides in a shrink friend (we all have one right?). His suggestion is to cleanse his palette and go visit the local cat house. Here he meets cute secretary Glory, played by the blonde goddess herself, Serena (PLEASURE PALACE, PRISONER OF PARADISE). This unfortunately doesn't work so he confides in his friendly neighbourhood man of the cloth, Father Carlos, played by Mr. Tobalina himself. His words of wisdom are to seek out the woman who Teena reminds him of. Yep, I'm converting right now too! Will this plan work? Will the Lord be looking over Roy? Get on your knees and find out for yourself!

Considering we get to see Gillis and Serena getting down, this really isn't that special of a film. Sure, there is enjoyment in the ludicrous storyline and plot development, but it just drags on. Jamie Gillis steals the show as he always does, but even he can't save this one. As is often the case, it's a very well shot film, with some great lens flare shots and wonderful location cinematography. The music is great too, a mix of down and dirty with cheery upbeat synth thrown in. You will definitely recognise one or two of the tracks. Just like Three Ripening Cherries, the film is a tad too long for my tastes and could potentially be cut down by 10 or 20 minutes.

Overall, this isn't really a stand out release in terms of film selection. Both films are rather weak and forgettable. I would say if you're looking to complete your Tobalina collection, then it's perfect for you. If you're looking for a stand experience, maybe pass on this one. What the films lack in substance, they make up for it in style. As always, the films are remastered to an obscenely high quality. A tip top restoration and presentation job from Vinegar Syndrome. As a small bonus, trailers for both films are included so there's a plus point for collectors!

You can buy this DVD release directly from Vinegar Syndrome here, as well as your favourite online retailers.