Vinegar Syndrome Review: Avon Triple Feature: Savage Sadists / Den of Dominance / Daughters of Discipline

  “A young innocent learns the ropes!”

A pair of armed thugs (David Christopher, TAKE OFF & Dan Stevens, PRIVATE SCHOOLGIRLS) are on the hunt for a pornographer (Martin Patton, THE STORY OF PRUNELLA) who owes their boss some money. They pay his wife (Nicole Bernard, CORRUPTION) a visit and at gun point, have some fun because who said you can't mix business with pleasure? After they have given the wife their message, she decides to visit her husband's office to warn him, but walks in on him having some fun of his own with one of his performers (Ginger Roberts, DEN OF DOMINACE; her only other role). Before she do anything about it, they are rudely interrupted by the thugs and the husband, who is clearly an honourable chap, hides under the desk essentially allowing his wife, mistress and his innocent secretary (Bibi, DEN OF DOMINANCE also being her only other role) to be held hostage and subject to sadistic acts of debauchery.

  “Bibi – Plaything in a prison of lust!”Looking for a good, quiet place to sink a beer, an unsuspecting man (Martin Patton) finds himself in a bar that instead of serving HARD liquor, offers something much more satisfying than a STIFF drink! As my clumsy (and childish) attempt at wit (kinda, but not really) suggests; this is a sex bar! Not just any old swingers drinking hole, but a hardcore BDSM paradise. After giving his credit card to the friendly Stag Magazine T-shirt wearing barkeeper (David Christopher), it's not long before he's on the receiving end of a Mimi (playing herself) cocktail! After a little taste of what's on offer, he decides to pay a visit to the club's “bizarre room” in which himself and the other patrons (Nicole Bernard & Greg Lyle in his only role) decide to watch a nice sadistic stage show from Ginger Roberts and Dan Stevens. This then inspires the happy customers to put on their own little kinky performances. Let's just hope our unsuspecting newcomer gets his money's worth because I can imagine that's quite a tab he's running up!

  After discovering their mum and dad's secret porn mag stash, Glenda (Victoria Sands, CONSENTING ADULTS) and her sister Rhoda (Robin Thorn, PAIN MANIA) get inspired and decide to indulge in a little sisterly affection. After that and being inspired once again by the magazines and their mother's whip, they decide to call up their pal John (David Christopher) and invite him over for a play date. Their little kink session gets interrupted when their parents (Dave Ruby, DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE & Victoria Sands CONSENTING ADULTS) return home earlier than expected! Understandably, they're a little bit miffed and decide to teach their daughters some discipline in the only way they know how!

As you can see, story and plot aren't exactly major elements to this crusty trio of films. Luckily, the films are either just under or over the 40 minute mark so it's a problem. Aside from the likes of Dave Ruby and David Christopher, the cast appears to be comprised of amateurs or people just roped in with the promise of an easy lay and a few bucks. Therefore, acting isn't anything to shout about. If you're here for some hot action, you may be disappointed as the sex is about as hot as the cast. When I say that I mean it's not. Unless you are in to bondage or rough sex these films will have you about as moist as a piece of sandpaper. You may be thinking then that this is a selection of films that should be missed. Well, if you are like me and have a morbid curiosity for the shocking and nasty, this is a great example of the artistry of one of porn's dark horses; Phil Prince. Aside from Den of Dominance, you are in for a nasty little treat. There are acts and theme's throughout that some may struggle with, but those people are a bunch of pansies right? Juxtaposing the nastiness, there's humour to be found. Those looking for unintentional laughs will scoff at the dialogue, dirty talk and Dave Ruby's ridiculous sex noises. Those looking for off-kilter laughs wilt revel in aspects such as inexplicable uses of fart sound effects, fourth wall breaking and at one point someone literally making a doorbell sound off-screen. Of course, the whacky aspects of the humour come from a mixture of budgetary restraints and Prince's own warped humour. These films may be cheap, straight to the point and not for everyone's tastes or sensibilities, but I think my fellow trash lovers will enjoy this selection.

  All films have been restored in 2k from 16mm elements and considering their age, condition and overall treatment, look and sound pretty damn good. Don't get me wrong, you aren't going to be blown away, but these are cheap quickies anyway so even if the elements were kept in the most pristine condition imaginable, we probably wouldn't have a beautiful looking finished product anyway. Of course, I can't confirm the filming conditions or the condition of the 16mm elements used, but it wouldn't be such a stretch that I'm somewhere being close to right. It wouldn't matter anyway because these films aren't really supposed to stand up to the likes of The Opening of Misty Beethoven or Sexworld so the scratches and sometimes muddy sound just add to the seediness. One thing is for certain; the films look and sound better than the god awful Alpha Blue Archives release and the still amicable After Hours Cinema releases. It's definitely an upgrade in that regard and I highly doubt these films could (or should) be presented any better. Although the release has no special features, I was still excited when I heard Vinegar Syndrome were releasing films from Phil Prince and I am very happy with the end result. Overall, this is a set that is worth the upgrade and also works as a great way to experience Phil Prince at the start (Savage Sadists) and end (Daughters of Discipline) of his short lived directorial career. Fingers crossed this release means that we will not only be seeing more of Prince's work in the future, but also more films from the infamous Avon Productions. It may not have appeared on many people's best releases of 2015 lists, but it's up there for me!

The Avon Triple Feature is available on DVD from Vinegar Syndrome as well as each film being streamable on Exploitation.tv.

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Vinegar Syndrome Review: Long Jeanne Silver (1978, dir: Alex deRenzy)

Before I begin ladies & gentlemen, let me take this opportunity to thank you for making 2015 a great year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, a messy NYE and of course, I wish you all a happy 2016!

LONG JEANNE SILVER
(1977, dir: Alex deRenzy)

“I've Got a Secret: I fooled Mother Nature”

 Our film gets off to a great start with the titular Jeanne Silver (WATERPOWER) letting us know that she is handicapped and horny, as well as boasting about having a bigger member than the legendary John Holmes. After such an introduction, we're thrown right in to action with Jeanne enjoying a light hearted threesome with her friends Joey (Joey Silvera, EXPECTATIONS) and Amber (Amber Hunt, CRY FOR CINDY). During this little frolic, we see Jeanne's handicap for the first time. Of course, she utilises it! After that, Jeanne tells us about the almost unlimited sexual opportunities high school has to offer (I obviously went to the wrong school!) and shares her exploits with a boy from her art class who just so happens to be gay. He may not be in to girls, but Jeanne has a trick up her sleeve, I mean her trouser leg! Yes indeed. We all know what happens next! They both enjoy it so who are we to judge!? Following that party trick, Jeanne tells us about fellow students China (China Leigh, TEENY BUNS) and Lori (Lori Blue, CHOPSTIX) who are somewhat prudish. Being the giving girl that she is, Jeanne shows off her Cheri magazine photo shoot and tells them abut life and sex with her stump. Understandably intrigued, they retreat to the bedroom to see what all the fuss is about. Needless to say, their curiosity is rewarded! For her penultimate outing, Jeanne tells us of that time she was a birthday present for a chap named Paul (Paul Thomas, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR) from his wife Sandy (Sandy Pinney, HER LAST FLING). It's a birthday treat that he will never forget. For her final encounter, Jeanne tells us about one of the many lesbian encounters with her horny, leather clad neighbour (I have no idea who she is). Ending on a high sapphic note for sure!

 Long Jeanne Silver is a unique experience indeed. The film is essentially a series of vignettes broken up and structured around Jeanne addressing us, the audience. To some extent, it's a rather candid documentary with dramatised reconstructions if you will. You really believe that what we are seeing is in fact the life of Jeanne Silver. The conversation between Jeanne, China and Lori especially has a real sense of legitimacy about it. Even the way some of the sex is filmed further cements that. If you have never seen the film, you probably know why this film is as well known as it is and somewhat infamous. To be honest, as much as that scene is quite shocking (a quick search on even the biggest porn site will expose you too much more extreme sexual acts) and stands out, the real star of the show is Jeanne herself. Not only is she a knockout (she's just as, if not more attractive nowadays), she's funny, carefree and downright bubbly. More importantly for me, even though this film is obviously centred around her handicap and how she utilises it, her personality and all round screen presence shine through. Considering that this is a deRenzy flick and it's centred around an amputee, it's not as sleazy or bizarre as you would think. It's really quite a sensitive and an all round human film. Jeanne isn't portrayed as a freak, she's celebrated as opposed to being exploited. Everyone else involved do a great job too, but then again, they have no need to show off their acting chops. The film might have quite a reputation, but it's so much more than that. At around 65 minutes, the film flies by and is an easy watch. Overall, it's a winner that you can go back to time and time again.

Who would have thought we would get a restored and uncut version of this gem? It may not be the greatest looking or sounding restoration job from Vinegar Syndrome, but considering it's restored from a 16mm Archival Print, that can be forgiven. In terms of special features, there's only a commentary track. As much as I would have loved a trailer (if there actually is one that exists), I am not going to complain because the commentary track (recorded over the phone so it's perfect) is from Jeanne herself who is essentially going in to the film blind. It's entertaining as it is amusing. Overall, this is a must own for fans of the film and newcomers a like. It warms my cold, almost dead heart that a film like this is now has a restored, easy to obtain and ultimately legitimate release. Not only that, but it's great to see that thanks to this release, the wonderful Jeanne Silver is now finding a new audience and getting the respect that she deserves. It's also great that most of us can now get rid of that pesky Alpha Blue Archives disc!

Long Jeanne Silver is available on DVD from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Arrow Video Review: What Have You Done to Solange? (1972, dir: Massimo Dallamano)

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE?
(1972, dir: Massimo Dallamano)

  Enrico Rossini (Fabio Testi, Heroin Busters) is a teacher who is a bit of a naughty boy. Whilst trying to get down on a row boat (of all places) with young student Elizabeth (Cristina Galbó, The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue), their extra curricular activities come to a halt when Elizabeth claims that she has just witnessed the murder of a young girl. Dismissing this is as Elizabeth not wanting to seal the deal, it's not until Enrico is back home with his wife Herta (Karin Baal, Lola) that he hears about the murder on the radio. What starts out as an unfortunate isolated case, soon becomes the first of many gruesome murders. The only connection; all the victims are students at the Catholic girls school in which Enrico works. With the reputation that he has with his students, it's not long until Enrico becomes prime suspect. However, when Elizabeth is continually haunted by visions of a priest and becomes a victim of the sadistic killer, Enrico is soon deemed innocent. With his nubile plaything and career in tatters, he's on the case to solve the mystery once and for all. His marriage? Well, thanks to Elizabeth's frigidity, the pair never actually had sex and that's fine by Herta apparently! The plot thickens when Enrico becomes aware of a mysterious young girl named Solange (Camile Keaton, I Spit on Your Grave). What does she have to do with recent slayings? What exactly happened to Solange?

  What Have You Done to Solange? Is nothing short of a giallo masterpiece. What we have here is a solidly written murder mystery very loosely based on Edgar Wallace's The Clue of the New Pin. Alongside Dallamano we have Bruno Di Geronimo (Flavia the Heretic) and Peter M. Thouet (The Legend of Tim Tyler) on writing duty. Their screenplay goes from sleazy to violent, but is always atmospheric and consistent. There are red herrings a plenty to be found, but thankfully, they actually work and don't feel too forced or ambiguous. Morally however, I do believe it's confused at points. Some may find real problems with our amateur sleuth being what we would now call a sexual predator. Just like Fulci's Don't Torture a Duckling and Bido's The Bloodstained Shadow, there's a real sense of distrust to Catholicism here. It would be morally corrupt (HA!) of me to go in to detail, so I will just say that wether the killer is indeed a priest or not, the fact that a character would don the disguise of a priest says a lot. There have been much more eloquent writers who have covered the aspect of Catholicism in cinema, Shelley F. O'Brien's essay Killer Priests: The Last Taboo makes for interesting reading! Moving away from that, what really struck me about Solange was how aesthetically satisfying the experience is. It's no surprise that Morricone's (Do I really need to name drop here?) score is amazing as always with so much range, but quintessentially Morricone. Chances are, you heard extracts of the score before even being aware of the film itself. That combined with some fantastic cinematography from Joe D'Amato (Porno Holocaust), who also has a fun cameo in the film, makes London feel melancholy, yet beautiful and ultimately mysterious. I'm reminded of the empty morning streets found in Bido's Watch Me When I Kill as I watched.

  I said that the film goes from sleazy to violent, that's true. That being said, aside from some genuinely nasty sexualised deaths, the gore is somewhat restrained and often fuels the imagination of the viewer. Those looking for flesh will be very happy with this as there is plenty of schoolgirl action throughout (especially some innocent, yet seductive shower fun). There are plenty of sleazy characters about too. The film is a great example of having some sinister themes and overall nasty moments without it being trivialised by being too exploitative. Plenty of directors could have just gone for all out gore and overly graphic sex. There's a real sense of maturity throughout. Considering that is a somewhat early example of the gialli, I really found this film to be quite a head of its time. We all know that Mario Bava drew up the plans and Dario Argento began building on the foundations, but as much as I have heard many great things about this film, I don't think this film gets the overall credit it deserves. Of course, it's not classically considered a perfect film and even I almost cringed at some of the British dubbing, so many silly accents. All in all, this is an entertaining, often shocking thriller that has to be seen.

Thankfully, the film is presented beautifully both in terms of picture and sound. We have a 2k restoration that is pretty much flawless. Both Italian and English dubs are included with the Italian being the better quality of the two. In terms of on disc special features this is a fantastic release. First of all we have newly edited interviews with Fabio Testi and producer Fulvio Lucsiano from 2006, a new interview with Karin Baal, in which she has some interesting things to say about the film, a fantastic video essay from Michael Mackenzie that looks at Dallamano's “Schoolgirls in Peril” Trilogy, a trailer and to top it off an audio commentary with Alan Jones and Kim Newman.
Of course, Arrow have included a booklet with writings from Howard Hughes and Art Ettinger and reversible artwork with a fantastic piece of art from Malleus. Overall, this is a must buy for fans and newcomers. If you are yet to dip your toe in to the world of the gialli, this is a great place to start! For the people who had to buy that cheap cardboard sleeved version on Amazon (you know who you are!), you can throw that version away now!

What Have You Done to Solange? Is available as a DVD / Blu-Ray combo from Arrow Video.
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