Vinegar Syndrome Review: Too Naughty To Say No (1984, dir: Suze Randall & Victor Nye)

 

“Nasty Enough To Say Yes!”

Betty (Angel, For Your Thighs Only) is your typical innocent Catholic schoolgirl. One day after studying her bible under the supervision of Sister Rose (Lisa De Leeuw, Pink Champagne) with her party loving friend Catherine (Ginger Lynne, Lust in the Fast Lane), she doses off (religion does that to you.) and finds herself in a world filled with lust, debauchery and some very questionable individuals indeed. Her adventures begin with her watching Catherine get down and dirty with an older guy (Jamie Gillis, Corruption) who thankfully has better taste in women than he does clothes! After the free show, Catherine promises her much more and instantly delivers by sending her to a brothel ran by Madame Rose (De Leeuw again). She's treated once again to a free show, but finds herself the subject of a bidding war between Senator Bribe (Eric Edwards, Laura's Toys), Nazi-like Colonel Vice (Klaus Müller in his only role), Hollywood director Stephen Swinestein (Edward Longly also in his only role) and Bishop John (Milton Ingley, Fantasyworld). Freaked out, she escapes, but things only get weirder! From crooked cops (Paul Barresi, Co-Ed Fever & Rick Cassidy, Widow Blue!) to perverted undertakers (Harry Reems, Deep Throat), Betty's journey through dreamworld is as sordid as it is erotic. Oh well, she'll have some juicy material to share at her next confession!

  Too Naughty To Say No is a naughty little film indeed. Based off characters from de Sade, taking influence from Alice in Wonderland and almost structured like Juliette et Justine, both Randall and Nye have produced a trip of an adult feature. It's not as explicit or as mean spirited as de Sade's work or as outright trippy as Alice in Wonderland, but there are some strange goings on, but the action is still sexy. That's no surprise as Randall herself directed the sex. Some scenes drag on a tiny bit, but they are wonderfully staged and shot. Plus, when you have the likes of Ginger Lynne getting down and dirty, it's OK by me! The dialogue oriented scenes are fun and well acted. Angel's portrayal of the virginal Betty slowly getting corrupted is fun to watch and hey, she's cute as a button. To compliment Angel and Ginger (the latter should have had much more screen time!), there is a very solid supporting cast. It may not be the most memorable performances from Gillis, Edwards or Reems, but they do more than get the job done in their small roles. This is one of hose films that is really quite simple, but very enjoyable. For me personally, films like this from around the mid-1980's often seem to lack charm, but there's really no complaints here aside from some of the sex scenes being a few strokes too long. All in all, this is one of the more interesting films adapted from or influenced by the writings of de Sade.

  In terms of presentation, Vinegar Syndrome deliver the goods (as if they wouldn't) once again. Not only is the film restored beautifully in 2k from 35mm source materials, but it's presented in the correct aspect ratio, a much more superior print than the previous Caballero release. The colours are vibrant and the image is sharp. The only extra is a Joe Rubin moderated audio commentary with Suze Randall, Victor Nye, Amber (of Suze Randall Productions) and Christian McLaughlin. It may be the only extra, but it's a welcome one that is informative as it is entertaining. There is a lot to be gained. Of course, a trailer would have been nice, but I am not aware if one exists, so I won't hold it against Vinegar Syndrome! All in all, this is another solid release of a film that could have been forgotten. Definitely worth picking up!

No... I won't clumsily use the title as a pun to end this review!

Too Naughty To Say No is available on DVD from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Vinegar Syndrome Review: Corruption (1983, dir: Roger Watkins)

  “One man's fantasy is another man's reality!”

Finding himself with a debt that he just can't pay off, Williams (Jamie Gillis, Dracula Sucks) is tasked by shady mafia-like Franklin (Michael Gaunt, Maraschino Cherry) with something of a retrieval mission to a mysterious warehouse containing three coloured rooms; a blue, a red and a black one, each housing a beautiful woman. Williams sends his associate Alan (George Payne, The Taming of Rebecca) to carry out the task on his behalf, but with balls of steel, Alan has taken the item for himself and has disappeared. This leads Williams to pursue him down a gaping glory... I mean rabbit hole. Frustrated and desperate, Williams visits a seedy, desolate nightclub to meet his even seedier half-brother Larry (Bobby Astyr, Punk Rock) for help. Larry offers his help as well as a spot of voyeurism, leading Williams to witness Alan indulging in a spot of necrophilia. Rightfully disgusted, Williams confronts Alan, a man now consumed by his own desires. As this is going on, Felicia (Kelly Nichols, The Toolbox Murders) the young sister of Doreen (Tiffany Clark, Oui, Girls), the girlfriend of Williams is kidnapped and raped by Franklin. With his descent in to madness consuming him, Williams seeks “comfort” literally in his mistress Erda (Vanessa Del Rio, Dominatrix Without Mercy). It will take more than just some sexual healing to get him through what will is already an unforgettable night. God help him when he discovers the true cost of selling his soul.

 
Forgive me for my somewhat truncated synopsis, but I don't think I can truly give a detailed retelling of the film I am reviewing. Not only that, if you haven't watched this gem yet, go in as blind as you possibly can! My peers had praised this film and although I tend to overhype films for myself, I have to say that this one not only met my expectations, but completely blew them out of the water! In a nutshell, Corruption is a nightmarish dive-bomb down a psychosexual rabbit hole. What strikes you straight away is the genuine sense of foreboding right from the off. I have never watched a film of this nature that has had such a genuinely sinister atmosphere. If it isn't the desolate and gloomy locations, it's the juxtaposition found when bursts of vibrant neon colour consume the scenery. You are constantly unnerved and it reminds me of Argento's masterful use of light and colour in his nightmarish masterpiece; Suspiria. I know you're probably sighing at me for making that comparison, but it's true goddamnit! Much like Suspiria, no one is who they really say they are, but instead of witches, we have sexual deviants and scumbags. Everyone has their secrets, motives and will go to great lengths to get what they want. Although Gillis is our protagonist, this is by no means a one man show. Those he comes in to contact with are just as important to the experience. With a cast consisting of the likes of Astyr, Payne, Nichols and Gaunt, it should come as no surprise. Even the small roles from Samantha Fox (Fascination), Tanya Lawson (Fleshdance) and Tiffany Clark are memorable in their own way. It's a great showcase of genuine acting talent.

  The action may not be titillating (except the first scene between Gillis and Clark, there's something about the way she handles herself and Gillis), but it is well executed and performed. There are many perversions on show for all tastes and some of the dialogue is genuinely fantastic. Those who like to see women show dominance will also enjoy Payne's first trio of scenes. You may not be getting off on most of the sex, but the overall style will more than make up for the that. Larry Revene's (Barbara Broadcast) cinematography combined with Watkins' direction make for such a treat. Some could say style over substance, but I think Watkins has scribed a somewhat ambiguous story that instead of confusing the audience, makes them think, question and analyse. From what I can gather, Watkins has taken inspiration from Richard Wagner's Das Rheingold. You are blown away by the style, engrossed by the characters and ultimately longing to revisit to see what you may have missed. Who said porn can't confound and make you think? I'm sounding quite pretentious aren't I? Listen, if you like the weird and bizarre, this is a film for you! Think of David Cronenberg and David Lynch teaming up to make a porno!

  If you haven't guessed, I really enjoyed the look of this film and Vinegar Syndrome have done Roger Watkins and Larry Revene proud. The colours really pop, the image is sharp and there's just enough grain in the gloomier scenes. The sound is of equally high quality. James Flamberg's (now a big name in Hollywood) haunting synth score (which is EXTREMELY reminiscent of John Carpenter's / Ennio Moricone's collaboration on The Thing) really stands out. To go with the great presentation, the extras are top drawer too. There's the original theatrical trailer, reversible artwork, a press-book gallery, an interview with Larry Revene talking about the film and working with Roger Watkins and to top it off, there's also (on the first 2,000 pressings) a restored version of the Watkins classic; Last House on Dead End Street to be found as an easter eggs. Yes indeed. It's not a cleaned up version of the film. It's scratchy and muddy (you could argue this is THE way to watch it), but what a spectacular extra! The search for that reasonably priced Barrel Entertainment DVD on eBay can come to an end! If you aren't lucky enough to get a copy with the easter egg or you are one of these people who needs every film from yesteryear to be restored on Blu-Ray, don't worry because LHODES is getting its own release very soon! As you can see, this is a must own release for fans and newcomers a like. For me, this was one of the best releases of 2015, a great year for Vinegar Syndrome and of course; cult film fans. Will you take a trip down this seedy little rabbit hole?

Corruption is available as a DVD / Blu-Ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome as well as being available to stream on Exploitation.tv

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Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: Sexual Heights (1981) / Undulations (1981)

SEXUAL HEIGHTS

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1981)

“Unparallelled peaks of passion...”

  Got a little fact for you all before we start. Did you know that there are more divorced men living in San Fransisco than anywhere else in the world? No? Well neither did I until watching this film. A few minutes in and we're learning something already! Anyway, we meet our main characters, a group of divorced buddies who live together. We have Joe the architect, played by Herschel Savage (JAIL BAIT, FLESHDANCE), Ron the doctor, played by Jamie Gillis (WATERPOWER, DRACULA SUCKS), Jim the Lawyer, played by Jesse Adams (MOB JOB, ULTRAFLESH) and Art the engineer, played by Michael Morrison (PURELY PHYSICAL, CORRUPTION). After watching some porn, Joe tells them the story of how he came to be divorced. It's all down to his pesky dick teasing babysitter Laurie, played by Tawny Pearl (BALLGAME, LUSTY LADIES). After talking about he nearly raped the poor thing, they come up with the plan to get revenge and let Joe have some more fun. They decide to dress up, get alcohol and lace cigarettes with some good old weed. John Holmes (PRISONER OF PARADISE, JOHNNY WADD) wants in, but Ron says she may be a bit scared by his 'presence'. Poor John, he's very understanding though and goes home to get down and dirty with Mai Lin (CRACKED ICE, ORIENTAL MADAM), so it's not all bad. With the gang suited and booted, including Joe in drag, they call Laurie, she arrives and takes advantage of the hospitality. Under the influence and watching the free porn available, she decides to play and yeah, you can see this how this will end. Well, there's a couple of nice surprises (for some) along the way!

  Well ladies and gentlemen we have quite a cast here! Jamie Gillis, Herschel Savage and John Holmes. Even the wonderful Serena (BLACK LOLITA, AUNT PEG) gets a major credit. Well, I say John Holmes and Serena have a major credit, they're hardly in it! Holmes is involved in a couple of unrelated sequences and has a few lines with Gillis. Serena only appears in a girl on girl video the divorcees decide to watch (it is a lovely scene though!). Oh well, easy pay-check and it's more names to sell the film I guess? That small complaint aside, Sexual Heights is a fun watch and not just for Savage's ludicrously giant spectacles! It's an absurd story that involves an absurd plan and it's done with a purposefully slapstick tone. Seeing Herschel Savage in drag is worth admission alone. The fact that Laurie doesn't realise who's involved is humorous. Everyone puts in a great performance, I just wish John Holmes was more predominant. I will admit that towards the end, the film was beginning to drag (there's a Tobalina staple involved, you may know my thoughts on that). All in all, this is a nice and silly title that doesn't take itself too seriously. That being said, there are a couple of genuinely sinister scenes from Gillis (no surprises there) and Savage that put the icing on the cake. Not the best effort, but far from a dull entry in to Tobalina's filmography.
UNDULATIONS

(dir: Anthony Spinelli, 1981)

“The ultimate trip around the world... In motion...!”

John Holmes and Jamie Gillis return, but this time they playing themselves as guests with president of the International Male Watchers' Society, Maggie Miller, played by Kitty Shane (CHAIN LETTER, TANGERINE) on the late night talk show Undulations. The hosts are Mai Lin (also returning as herself) and Georgia Drugg, played by Suzannah French (BLAZING ZIPPERS, SKIN ON SKIN). The group discuss a whole manner of subjects from male prostitutes, women taking advantage of men when it comes to landing that all important and gay rights amongst other things. John and Jamie talk also talk about (in an actually sincere and honest sounding way) their approaches to what they do best. Each subject discussed is illustrated with a vignette including something that art lovers wish would happen to them when they find a piece that is a bit out of their price range. All of this climaxes in to, yes you guessed it... A signature Tobalina group session!

Yep, this is a simple film. It's as straightforward as Jamie's hardened pecker. A novel concept, that some may enjoy more than others. As always Holmes and Gillis put in a great performance, the female cast not so much. That being said, there's nothing too jarring about their performances so it never becomes an issue. On a purely trivial note, damn is John Holmes a flashy dresser. I need to get me a goddamn red turtleneck immediately! Overall, I did enjoy this effort too. The vignettes are also well acted and don't really outstay their welcome. The action is good and varied, especially seeing the Holmes / Gillis double team! I liked some of the 'social' aspects too. I'm not too sure if it was completely intentional, but it does cover some great civil issues and also tackles gender politics. Don't worry, you're not getting bogged down with pseudo-intellectual bullshit with this. Out of the two, this is the weaker of the films, but nothing awful and it does have replay value.

Overall, these are above average films from Carlos Tobalina. Sure, he uses the kaleidoscope effect a lot throughout and even uses the end credits of Sexual Heights for Undulations which gives it an unintentional charm. I'm guessing both films were produced back to back here. In terms of picture and sound quality, another stand up job from Vinegar Syndrome. I'm not too sure what sort of home release these titles have had in the past, but damn do they look and sound wonderful. I've said in the past that sometimes the pairings on these Peekarama releases can be pretty weak, but this is a fairly solid double feature, I can see why they';re released together. All in all, this is definitely worth your time and hey, getting to see Holmes and Gillis on home format is always a great thing! Wow, I seem to mention the male cast in classic porn a lot.... oh well!

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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.

Vinegar Syndrome Review: Abduction of an American Playgirl (1975)

"She's more than they can handle!"

Eric Edwards (TEENAGE TWINS, DEBBIE DOES DALLAS) and Alan Marlow (ROLLERBABIES, MARASCHINO CHERRY) star as Will and Fred, two down and out guys who are just as desperate for money as they are some tail. Whilst contemplating their situation, they spot Jackie, a good looking socialite played by Darby Lloyd Rains (NAKED CAME THE STRANGER, PAMELA MANN) exiting a small shop (which happens to be in the middle of nowhere). They hatch the plan to abduct her and give her such a good seeing to that she'll be so satisfied that she won't feel the need to call the police. A kick in the balls later, the pair take their hostage to Will's sister's place so they can have a little bit of fun. After searching through Jackie's stuff, Will cooks up the plan to hold her for ransom. With all this planned out, it should be smooth sailing from here right?

If you said yes... You'd be dead wrong! You see, although a film about a woman being held captive sounds like pretty serious stuff, Abduction of an American Playgirl plays out as a goofy comedy and does it so well.  First off, Jackie's father has no interest at all in shedding out the cash to get his daughter back. As we see through countless phone interactions between Fred and Jackie's father. On top of that, it seems that the boys have bagged themselves quite a frisky little fox. It starts off all fine and daddy but when Jackie gets a taste (literally) for Will and Fred, she begins to demand more and more. It gets too much for our poor captors, so much so that they barter down their price so they can get rid of Jackie once and for all. They could just leave her or escape themselves but they wouldn't want Jackie to phone the cops now would they?

Will the pair finally be free of Jackie? Will they get the money? Will they just forget the hassle of the money? You're going to have to check out the film for yourself to find out. Overall, the film is a nice and compact (the running time coming in at just 71 minutes) piece of adult cinema. The sex is good throughout with a variety of different scenarios and positions to please the trench coat folk out there. What I enjoyed most was the comedy. I am a big fan of Alan Marlow's comedic talents, and it was great to see him and Eric Edwards (who is fantastic as usual) have such great chemistry throughout. Sure the comedy got a little hammy at times but it just adds to the charm of the film. Everyone involved put in a good, solid performance. The story, although fairly straightforward, was written well and if you're one of those types who doesn't care for those pesky sex scenes, was strong enough to warrant a viewing on its own.

 I'm not too sure what sort of home video release this title has had in the past, but as always, Vinegar Syndrome have done an exceptional job with the transfer. For a film of this nature, the quality of sound and video is second to none. The film is presented in 1.33:1 and was restored in 2k from the original negatives. It's also great to see that the trailer is included also. If you are reading this, you probably already know Vinegar Syndrome are doing such a stellar job restoring and presenting their releases.

The film comes as part of a double feature through the Peekarama Collection. The second film on disc is Claude Goddard's Winter Heat starring the ever so wonderful and terribly missed Jamie Gillis (WATERPOWER, MISTY BEETHOVEN). It's a nice and rough little home invasion film and actually makes for a good double feature with the much lighter in tone Abduction of an American Playgirl. If you want to know more about Winter Heat, I welcome you to check out my review on Youtube:

Overall, this is a great release and one that fans of the genre will love but also a good 'entry point' film for people wanting to explore the wonderfully sticky world of classic adult cinema. As with most of the Vinegar Syndrome releases, it's very easy to find and very affordable. You can buy the film directly from Vinegar Syndrome and it's also available on Amazon. For my UK readers, it occasionally pops up on Amazon UK for a great price.

Vinegar Syndrome Website
Vinegar Syndrome Youtube

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