Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: The New Erotic Adventures of Casanova (1977) / Casanova 2 (1982)

THE NEW EROTIC ADVENTURES OF CASANOVA (1977, dir: Carlos Tobalina)

  John Holmes (Eruption) stars as John, a man who has recently inherited and sold off the estate of his late great grandfather. Looking for something of a keepsake, he visits the antique dealer (Tory Jeffery, The Autobiography of a Flea) and is given a bottle of cologne found in a desk. The cologne belongs to great Casanova and was used to scent his love letters. He applies some to his clothes and this leads to the first of many sexual encounters, this time being with the cleaner of the motel he is staying at. Once getting dirty with cleaner, he visits his family while he's in town. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your preference) the effect of the cologne rubs off on them, leading John to literally rub off on them. Yes, even his underage cousins fall foul to magic of this scent. John is telling his story to his therapist, Dr. Sharpe (Susan Silver, Casanova 2). Initially skeptical of John's story, she gives the cologne a whiff and well, we all know how this story (and in this case, the actual film) ends.

  Starting off very promising with a good sense of scope and seeming to have an actual budget thanks to costume design (always had a thing for women's costumes from this period, classical music and location photography which admittedly, is mainly thanks to footage lifted from Bud Yorkin's Start the Revolution Without Me. Yeah, Donald Sutherland (Don't Look Now) is clearly seen within the film's opening sequence. Even with that, the films has a sense of “legitimacy”. Unfortunately, the film loses its charm when we cut to present day. Don't get me wrong, John Holmes is fantastic throughout. He plays the role of Casanova so well and is genuinely smooth and charismatic, even when he's partaking in Monty Python-cum-Benny Hill sword fights! It just becomes your typical Tobalina fodder. Don't worry, there's group scenes and once again, themes like underage sex and incest are dealt in an almost tongue in cheek fashion. Thankfully seeing the likes of Jane Goodman (unfortunately her only role) and Sandy Pinney (The Pony Girls) soften the blow. All in all, this is a much more classy affair from Tobalina. The king of missed opportunities strikes again.

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CASANOVA 2
(1982, dir: Carlos Tobalina)

  After a recap of Casanova's exploits, we find our smooth talker talking on three aggressors with his sword (ha!). After they are defeated, he discovers one is a woman (Cathy Linger in her only role). Seeing that she is still alive, he takes her to the nearest house and demands a doctor. With the outlook for the fallen swordswoman bleak, there seems to be a silver lining; the woman who fetched the doctor is named Myra (Bridgette Felina also in her only role unfortunately), who at 16 was deflowered by none other than Casanova. The pair reminisce and the swordswoman in her potentially final hours wants to be impaled once again. After this weird little threesome we are told that the swordswoman birthed Casanova’s son, Don Juan (Bjorn Beck, another one hit wonder). Fast forward to Don Juan on his own journey showing off his sword skills (in both senses, just like daddy!). He finds himself sorting out some family problems for Count de Léon (Rick Ardon, Sadie) and his wife Isabella (Jessie St. James, Vista Valley PTA). After that we fast forward to where the first film finished. John is now in a relationship with Dr. Sharpe and they decide to commercialise the cologne, which has some rather surprising effects changing John's life forever!

  Although mainly comprised of recycled and unused footage from the first film, the sequel is actually an improvement. It's nothing amazing and still has that purely for the money Tobalina feel, but the film just works better. The film takes an interesting turn and even though there is A LOT of what you could assume is previously existing and unrelated sex in the latter third, it makes sense. If Tobalina is one thing, he is shrewd. One cannot fault him that regard. Once again, John Holmes steals the show, but it's nice to see the likes of Kay Parker (Taboo) and Bill Margold (Dracula Sucks) make a brief appearance. Once again, there's a sense of scale and shows the creative potential of Tobalina. It was also surprising to see just how many cast members had only this as their credit. There is some real talent on show throughout and a lot potential big names in the making. Maybe just like Tobalina, they were looking for a quick pay-check. Overall, not a bad effort at all and one of Tobalina's better productions which surprises me because knowing of Tobalina's work and the fact that this is a sequel five years after the original, it could have been a complete mess.

Overall, this isn't a bad pairing of films. Sure, they reek of the aspects of Tobalina that most can't stand, but this is when cutting corners and uses cheap tactics works for me. It's done well and reminds me of one of my favourite directors; Bruno Mattei. The biggest thing for me is the way the films are structured. If you were to take all the period elements of both films and edit them in to a cohesive story, you'd have a genuinely good period adult feature. You could then take all the present day story and have that edited together into a cohesive sequel. I think the films would work much better in that regard. That being said, I could happily watch this double feature again. Vinegar Syndrome have once again done a nice job on restoration and presentation. Sure, it isn't perfect, but it's much better than what some would say Tobalina deserves. In terms of extra features, you get trailers for both films. If you have become disheartened with Tobalina or have yet to experience his work, I would highly recommend this release.

The New Erotic Adventures of Casanova and Casanova 2 are available on DVD from Vinegar Syndrome or online to stream at Exploitation.tvPDx

Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: Anticipation (1981) / Flesh Pond (1982)

ANTICIPATION
(1981, dir: Carlos Tobalina)

“Beyond Temptation...”

  Joyce (Sheila Parks, Casanova II) and Jerry (Jesse Adams, Deep Rub) are newlyweds who, after some mind numbingly awkward conversation, make love for the first time. After breaking in the cheap motel bed (how romantic!), the pair talk about Jerry's brother Steve (Joey Silvera, Carnal Haven), who apparently had problems with his parents when he announced that he was marrying a girl with a reputation by the name of Wendy (Karo Akamoto in her only role). We also find out that he is set to be released from prison for accidentally killing (or so he thought, just watch, it makes sense) the lover of his cheating wife. Once released, the brothers are reunited and introduced to their new sisters-in-law. Whilst on a trip to what looks like the coldest beach ever, Joyce and Steve begin to have forbidden thoughts for each other. Actually, so does Jerry and Wendy! After some awkwardly narrated daydreaming from everyone involved, Jerry and Steve confide in each other and their mother that they love other women. Before they can act on it, they get invited to Serena's party (seemingly playing herself, Pleasure Palace). Will their secrets be revealed? It's sure going to get messy!

  I'm just going to say it. This is possibly one of the dullest Tobalina flicks I have watched to date. The concept is great and has so much potential, but Lawrence Lance's (thankfully his only writing credit) handling of the script is uninspired and clearly rushed. To say it's paper thin is an offence to the trees that were sacrificed in order to make the napkin this tripe was written on. I won't even comment on how iff target the humour is. The only real entertainment to be had with Anticipation is the slightly worse than usual acting throughout. Not even Joey Silvera, a performer who can act, seems to be giving his all. There's some fairly standard sex throughout and yes, there's the usual orgy which goes on for way too long. There are actual instant replays in the final sex scenes that add an odd charm to the film. Look out for some very awkward, bordering on incest action at the end of the film. The only genuine quality the film has is the music selection which I believe is comprised of original music by Jay Rando (Interlude of Lust) and library tracks selected by Matt Webber (his only credited role). That being said, as much as I love great library music, not even the dirty funky bass lines can save this ultimately forgettable Tobalina quickie.

FLESH POND
(1982, dir: Carlos Tobalina)

“Consumed by pools of passion...”

Paco (Hermon Tobalina in his only role) and his unnamed friend (Reggie Gunn, Lips) have just escaped from prison. They stumble upon a quint little brothel ran by a woman named Drea (Drea, Hot Buns) and decide to hold herself and her patrons hostage. Not only that, but they demand to be entertained whilst they work their next move. Festivities begin when Rita Ricardo (as herself, My Sinful Life) has some fun with her doll companion Johnny Rubber. After that kinky warm up, the action really begins with good old Tobalina fashioned group action, under the firm dictation of the increasingly frustrated Paco. Things are going great (I guess) until Paco's friend gets caught in the crossfire, if you know what I mean? After A LOT of group bonding, Paco is forced to tell of his story to the group thanks to the persistent interest of one of the patrons, a magazine publisher (William Margold, Dracula Sucks). The convicts claim that they have been framed, to the mixed reaction of their captive audience. What's in store for the potentially innocent escapees? Will everyone come out of this situation alive? You know what? It may not be worth it.

I said that Anticipation was one of Tobalina's dullest. Well, this one has just taken that crown. Yes, this was quite frankly awful. Just like Anticipation, there is so much room for creativity. How can you mess up a scenario like this so badly!? You may find this one very hard to keep up with, not because of the complexity of the story, far from it! Everyone looks bored in this production. For such a hostile situation, everyone seems completely indifferent. I won't lie, I had my finger on the fast forward button a lot. This is essentially one continuous group scene with some lazily added 'plot' sequences and recycling of footage. Yeah, this film is more than forgetful. If it wasn't for one or two creative pieces of cinematography from Tobalina himself, the unfortunate money shot and library music, this would have been potentially the worst piece of golden age action I have seen. To Tobalina's credit though, he knows how to sell a film and is quite frugal overall. I bet he made his money back easily on this one, shame it's such a piece of crap.

This is probably the weakest Vinegar Syndrome release I have reviewed so far. I have a love / hate relationship with the films of Carlos Tobalina and these two films perfectly demonstrate why I can hate his work. It's such a shame because these are great initial premises and there are versatile themes throughout. It's just so uninspired in terms of execution. There's only really enjoyment for those looking for unintended laughs, but that's no real saving grace. Vinegar Syndrome are my favourite distribution company. Even though I found the films genuinely awful, I have no negative words to say about Vinegar Syndrome at all in terms of this release. They have dedicated a lot of time and resources releasing the filmography of Carlos Tobalina. Not every film can be a classic, it just appears that by chance, two of his weakest appear here. In terms of presentation, it's another great job with only minor defects. It doesn't help that these films were shot so badly. In terms of extras, we get theatrical trailers for both films. That I definitely approve of! Overall, this release is only really for completests and hardcore fans of Carlos Tobalina. If you're not too familiar with Tobalina's work, give this one a pass for now.

Anticipation and Flesh Pond are available as a double feature DVD from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: Mai Lin VS. Serena (1981) / Oriental Hawaii (1982)

MAI LIN VS. SERENA

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1981)

“The Sexual Challenge of the Century"

Carlos Tobalina (THEULTIMATE PLEASURE, I AM ALWAYS READY) has a little bit of a problem. He has a new film lined up and needs to find his leading lady. His options are the cute blonde Serena (DRACULA SUCKS, PLEASURE PALACE) and fiery Mai Lin (ORIENTAL MADAM, PEEPHOLES). To help him solve his casting troubles, the pair decide to play a little game. They set off to compete against each other in the form of challenges. Starting by giving diners of a local restaurant something much tastier than the house special. Yes, this is one dining experience they will never forget! Once they have finished that, they move on to a local “kinda” gay bar and hit it off straight away with a cute lesbian couple. As a result of their public displays of  competitive affection, the pair find themselves in jail (I'm guessing, because it just happens) but, the challenge doesn't stop there. To gain their freedom, they seduce their prison guards, which doesn't go so well for all involved. After all the excitement the day has given them, the pair return home and take a bath. A bath with a difference. Yep, it's bukkake showdown time! So, will the pairs little game work off? Who was keeping score? How was this game even being scored!? Carlos has the answer and the answer is... Oh what the heck, they both win! Yay!

Forgive me for my synopsis of the film being brief. It's not my fault! The plot is simple. Under the circumstances, it kinda works. When you have Serena going head to head (strange pun intended) with Mai Lin, you don't want to get bogged down with something as trivial a plot driven film, you want the goods! Trust me, you definitely get the goods with this film. It's always great seeing Serena doing her thing! Herself and Mai Ling have good chemistry and are as charming as they are hot. There's a good cast of recognisable faces too. If you're looking for a ludicrous plot (especially in reference to the restaurant scene) that makes you ask yourself multiple questions but gives you a laugh, this is a great film to throw on. Usually, I like my Golden Age smut to have a story and some teasing of depth, but I found myself really enjoying this one for what it was, an excuse to see Serena and Mai Lin do the dirty. There's a variety of sexual acts on show and it's entertaining. I have heard some compare this to the likes of an uninspired compilation film, I think that's unfair. It's just a simple, entertaining and (sometimes unintentionally) funny film. Plus.... IT'S SERENA FOR GOD'S SAKE!
ORIENTAL HAWAII

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1982)

“A sensual tidal wave, Mai Lin goes... Oriental Hawaii"

 Welcome to Hawaii! Home to Sun, sea, sand and hard bodied beauties. It's also home to a financially struggling family headed by Bob, played John Leslie (WILD THINGS, CONFESSIONS) and Mildred, played by Jessie St. James (EASY, TROPIC OF DESIRE). To rake in a bit more money so they can once again eat steak every night (sounds like Heaven), they decide to rent out two rooms to local students. The advert is answered by Mai Lin and Jade Wong (PRISONER OF PARADISE, PURELY PHYSICAL). Let's just say that the family welcomes the new tenants with open arms (and legs). I think it helps when you have four fully grown kids, who enjoy a nice bit of family fun, if you know what I mean? Caring is sharing after all. Things get even weirder when Bob has a vivid dream after taking herbal medicine given to him by his new tenants. He dreams of him and the kids getting down and nasty with each other and the two new tenants. Thankfully, this leads him to having sleep-sex wife. Who says herbal remedies are crap!?

Oriental Hawaii is a fun film. You know you are in for a treat when incest is used as light hearted comedy. It's also amazing seeing John Leslie and Jessie St. James cast as parents to the likes of Jon Martin (BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR, SUZIE SUPERSTAR) and Rhonda Jo Petty (THE BABYSITTER, HOT RACKETS). There is actually more story to this film than Mai Ling Vs. Serena and it makes for an even more enjoyable experience. Just like Serena, I always love watching John Leslie on screen. Of course, Jade Wong and Mai Lin are the main attraction of the film, but John Leslie steals the show for me. The comedy works, the story is simple and the incest angle is strangely fun. Watching the brothers Jon Martin and Jesse Adams (GIRLS U.S.A, OCTOBER SILK) share their Asian roommates is entertaining in itself, for all the wrong reasons. The sex is good and varied, so it definitely delivers the goods there. The icing on the cake is the use of the Hawaiian location and the Black Bison-esque score. A lively and fun score for an equally lively and fun film.

Overall, the double feature is solid. Two completely different kinds of film that somewhat compliment each other. Some may not like the coupling, but I think they are both solid Tobalina / Mai Ling entries. In terms of the quality, both films are presented in wide screen and restored in 2K from original negatives. It's safe to say, these films will never look or sound as good as they are presented here. The release is light on extras, aside from trailers for both films, but the affordability and quality of these films more than make up for it. Whether or not you are a newbie or a veteran to the adult genre, this set is worth in your collection. On a purely selfish note, I just adore the poster artwork for both of these films, so the DVD itself looks great on the shelf. This is typical Vinegar Syndrome quality that we should be thankful for. Oh by the way, did I mention Serena stars?

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

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