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 Review: Hot & Saucy Pizza Girls (1978, dir: Bob Chinn)

HOT & SAUCY PIZZA GIRLS

(dir: Bob Chinn, 1978)

“We Deliver!!!”

 

We all love pizza right? Sometimes there's nothing better than kicking back on a lazy weekend evening, sinking some beers and ordering from your nearest pizza joint. Sometimes the service can be quite lousy, but every now and then they go above and beyond to deliver customer satisfaction. Thankfully, John over at Country Girl Pizza does exactly just that. John, played by John Holmes (ERUPTION, JOHNNY WADD) not only provides you with inches of pleasure (the puns in the film are worse), but also uses his pizza parlour as a front for his escort service. Yep, it's service with a smile and happy ending if you're willing to tip! His hot pant and rollerblading clad staff include Gina, Shakey, Celeste and bubbly newcomer Ann Chovy (get it?) played by Candida Royalle (JUNGLE BLUE, MASTERPIECE), Laurien Dominique (DOING IT!, CALENDER GIRL), Christine De Shaffer (BLACK LOLITA, EAGER BEAVER) and Desiree Cousteau (PRETTY PEACHES, HOT RACKETS) respectively. Business is going great for John, but it's all put in jeopardy thanks to a creepy trench coat wearing inspector played by John Seeman (NIGHT PLEASURES, FANTASY IN BLUE) who is hot on the case of the illegal operation. To make matters worse, Berkeley is a fried chicken kinda city so a couple of big boys in the fast food business aren't happy and enlist the help of the infamous Night Chicken to send a message to John and his girls. Yep, the cards aren't exactly in John's favour. Will he and his band of scantily clad cuties overcome the fuzz and the infamous chicken rapist? Or will his hopes and dreams be burnt to a crisp?

  Hot & Saucy Pizza Girls is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of adult comedy. The film never takes itself too seriously and is light hearted. Sure, the comedy is low brow and there are plenty of puns, but I did find myself genuinely laughing and smiling at the humour. The story is solid with a few absurd twists and turns that work. Sometimes, the action in films like this can get in the way, but as with a lot of Chinn's work, the actual sex aspect plays in to the actual story as opposed to being a story shoe horned in between sex. Speaking of which, the action is of high quality and never overly long. As much as I love classic adult cinema, I do tend to get bored when scenes linger on too long. Thankfully, Chinn knows how to craft an actual film. The performances are good, Cousteau plays naive and bubbly perfectly, some may say that it's a bit too campy or hammy, but for the film it works perfectly. The talent on display is very pleasing on the eye indeed, but Costeau unsurprisingly steals the show. Seeing her go on and on whilst she's tending to a customer is a fun highlight. Another aspect I enjoy is this is more than just a film shot in the same place just dressed differently for each scene, Chinn utilises a genuine looking pizza place and the locations are dressed like actual domestic locations.

  Overall, the film is yet another solid effort from Bob Chinn. The film has a lot to offer and does exactly what it sets out to do, entertain and titillate. Everyone involved puts in a great effort and I would say the film is a legitimate comedy. I could definitely see this working as an R-rated film as well as a piece of porn (not too sure if there was a softer version available). It may not be for everyone, but if you want a light hearted effort, this is definitely a film you should seek out. If you are a newcomer to the genre or Chinn's work, this is a great starting point. There's a genuine sense of art to it. You also get the likes of John Holmes and Desiree Cousteau, which can never be a bad thing! This is one of those rare occasions were I see myself watching this film again multiple times in the future.

Once again, Vinegar Syndrome has done a great job with this release. The film is presented in 1.85:1 and has been restored for the first time completely uncut on DVD. The film looks and sounds great and compliments the high quality of the original production. In terms of extras we also get the theatrical trailer and a rather insightful and entertaining interview with Damon Christian (RHINESTONE COWGIRLS, BUBBLE GUM), the executive producer of the film. All in all, it's another win from Vinegar Syndrome. Go buy it now, maybe even order yourself a pizza! Luckily there is Thai massage parlour and pizza joint nearby, maybe I can experience Hot & Saucy Pizza Girls for myself? Wait! What!?

Hot & Saucy Pizza Girls is available directly from Vinegar Syndrome here as well as your favourite online retailers.

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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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