Vinegar Syndrome Review: Pretty Peaches (1978, dir: Alex de Renzy)

  “Introducing Desireé Costeau as 'PEACHES'”

Hugh (John Leslie, DRACULA SUCKS) is about to marry Lily (Flower, SHIELA'S PAYOFF) and he wants his bubbly daughter Peaches (Desireé Costeau, HOT RACKETS) from his first marriage, to be a part of the festivities. Thankfully the stepdaughter-stepmother relationship starts off well with the trio hitting up the nearest slot machines. Unfortunately, Peaches comes to the realisation that she now has to potentially compete for her father's love and attention. After sinking down a few shots she does the sensible thing and jumps in her jeep to let off some steam. Whilst on her little bender, Peaches is involved in an accident and subsequently left unconscious. Thankfully, however help is on hand as Kid (Joey Silvera, CARNAL HAVEN) and Jesse (Ken Scudder, CHAMPAGNE FOR BREAKFAST), two good Samaritans who are having their car problems “nurse” her back to health. Once Peaches has regained consciousness, she realises that she is suffering from amnesia. Seeking their opportunity to have their own personal plaything and the potential of making some good old fashioned ransom money, they invite her to stay with them and help her get better. Kid suggests she pay his “Uncle Percy” a visit. Instead of help, Peaches finds herself on the wrong end (as if there's a right one) of a forced enema. After such a traumatic experience, her spirits are lifted when she finds a potential job as an erotic dancer. Unfortunately, what starts out as an above board (if not slightly scuzzy) audition turns in to Peaches being forced in to an all-girl dominatrix show (it happens to best of us). Just as things are reaching breaking point for Peaches, she has a chance encounter with a handsome psychiatrist (Paul Thomas, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR) who may hold the key to not only healing Peaches, but reuniting her with her worried father as well bringing her genuine happiness. No matter what the outcome, this is a de Renzy film so it's only going to get even stranger!

  Pretty Peaches is certainly a stand out film. Where else are you going to find a warped adaptation of Voltaire's Candide that plays sexual atrocities off as a goofy comedy? Yes indeed, all of the physical, emotional and psychological abuse dished out to the naïve Peaches is played for laughs! Being a de Renzy film, it wouldn't surprise me if it was purely intentional. Therefore, it may not sit right for some of the more sensitive amongst you, but it sure did make this corrupted soul smirk! From being bubbly and innocent to a complete emotional mess, Costeau plays Peaches perfectly. You really go from swooning to feeling genuine sympathy in a heartbeat. She suffers pretty much every sexual shame you could imagine; raped whilst unconscious, forced enemas, bondage... All that's missing is being shat on! The film is brilliantly cast and as well as those already mentioned, seeing the likes of Blair Harris (TROPIC OF DESIRE) and Sharon Kane (BABYLON BLUE) really help to elevate the film even more. Of course, the lovely Desireé Costeau is the star of the show (not even her bob cut hairstyle can put you off!) and steals every scene she is in. You will be eating out of her hands! All in all, this is a bizarre little comedy that will make you question your existence because of some of the things you WILL genuinely laugh at. It's a simple story that's well written and even though it's a porno with a feature length running time; you won't need to press that fast forward button. You're probably not really going to get off on the action, but it's definitely “interesting” to say the very least. The ironic thing is, de Renzy is capable of much seedier and sinister delights! There's a reason why this film is a classic. There's a reason why most consider this de Renzy's greatest film.

  A wonderful film like this deserves the gold star treatment and golly gosh has Vinegar Syndrome done just that! Restored fully uncut in 2k from 35mm elements, the film looks and sounds fantastic. Of course, there's some minor damage here and there, but it's only there if you are actively looking for it just to bitch on forums. Not only does the film look and sound wonderful, but there's some great special features too. There's a rare interview with Alex de Renzy himself in which he talks about the film, his career and those he had the pleasure to work with. There's also an interview with film historian Dr. Ted Mcilvenna, founder of the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality which gives us more of an insight in to the prolific de Renzy and a bit of a dick tease regarding multiple unedited documentaries from the great director. Aside from those two wonderful interviews, there are also trailers for Pretty Peaches 2, Femmes de Sade and Baby Face 2. As you can tell, it's a wonderful release and a must own.

Pretty Peaches is available as a stand alone DVD or part of a limited edition Pretty Peaches Blu-ray as well as being available 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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Vinegar Syndrom Drive-In Collection DVD Review: Marsha the Erotic Housewife / For Single Swingers Only / Her Odd Tastes

FOR SINGLE SWINGERS ONLY
(1968)

“The first inside look at what really goes on inside those apartments.”

  The film is introduced by one of our main characters Gracie, a blonde Scandinavian bombshell played by Heide Andersen (in her only starring role). This is her story. Gracie and her friend Gloria, a dark haired, almost tomboyish woman played by Sharon Sanford (also in her only starring role) are looking for a new apartment. I say both, because it's mainly Gloria doing the had work as Gracie is awkwardly cleaning herself in the shower. After much frustration and loose ends, Gloria finds a classified ad for a quiet apartment complex looking for tenants who are single swingers only. After being shown round by a rather curvy, but ultimately unattractive redhead, they decide to move in right away! They make an impression on their neighbours almost instantly,especially a couple of “young” and free guys by the name of Dave and Artie. Not only are their neighbours friendly (in that typical creepy swinger sort of way), but this apartment complex has everything you would ever need, including a sauna and gym that has a strange vibrating platform thingy! Awesome! Needless to say, this place sure has seen some action over the years! With two new tenants moving in, the action sure does continue. Could this be a care free sexual haven for the young girls or is there something a bit more sinister and sordid going on?

What can I say about this one? There's bad hair, kitschy fashion and a lot more plush animals than I was expecting. Don't worry, there's plenty of ladies showering and innocent nudity. You get a nice dose of boobs and bum, but there's no intimate lady parts on display I'm afraid. There are even instances where female genitalia is blocked by awkwardly hanging towels and props. Closest thing to a close up is of a nice pair of white undies. Yep, so sexy! You also get some peeping toms, scuzzy guys who look much older than I think intended, some hints of lesbian action and damn fine awkwardly staged soft-core sex. Clumsy is THE word with this film actually. This isn't a great actors film by any means and even though Andersen seems genuinely Scandinavian, her accent sometimes sounds like a bad impression. Overall, this is a cheap and quickly shot film. It's quirky enough I guess, but I found the film overly long and quite dull. I will give it brownie points for one of the strangest and final thirds in cinema I have seen as well as an actually almost sinister ending.

HER ODD TASTES
(1969)
“A Bizarre and Intimate Journey for Adventurous Adults”

Marsha Jordan (The Golden Box) stars as Chris, a woman whose life is far from from dull! When she's not giving herself neck massages with vibrators, she likes to divulge in a tiny bit of incest with her sister Lisa, played by Capri (Executive Wives). One night as she's having some sisterly fun, Chris decides that she needs to move on. Naturally, she takes the step of becoming a vibrator saleswoman. Her work takes her to many places, but employment comes to an abrupt end when one of her demonstrations becomes fatal! Thankfully, help is only a car ride away and she befriends a publisher by the name of John, played by Michael Perrotta (The Idolmaker). After cleaning up the crime scene for Chris, he returns with the journal of her recently deceased lover. Turns out he was a sex researcher (where was that degree when I was studying at university!?) who was travelling around the world researching pain and pleasure. John offers to publish the journal if Chris carries on his research. So after a bit of fireside nookie and yet more vibrator neck massages, her journey begins. She starts by traveling to Hong Kong to find a prostitute mentioned in the journal, unfortunately for Chris, she is long gone. Thankfully, she befriends a Madam and gets a proper massage, with a happy ending of course! She then travels to South Africa and gets tricked in to a Satanic sex ritual (I hate getting tricked like that). After they've done with her, she gets dumped in the hearts of the jungle. She is saved by a hunter and his son and after causing some family rifts (the fatal kind) she ends her travels by visiting Tunisia to get oiled up with a Sheik. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it!

Who would have thought incest, murder, rape, Satanism and sleazy globe trotting (of the stock footage type) could be so dull? This effort plodded on at a pace a snail would scoff at. Sure, there's a mixed array of sexual situations, but again, they're executed so clumsily and are about as attractive as a gallery of Susan Boyle nudes. Not even the unintentional comedy of the stock footage and clearly American landscape disguised as an African jungle could keep me entertained with this one. On a personal note, Marsha Jordan reminded me of a Russ Meyer styled mature Barbara Windsor, yep. All in all, this was just a very dull film when it shouldn't have been. Not a fan at all I'm afraid!

MARSHA THE EROTIC HOUSEWIFE
(1970)
“She does what she LOVES...and she LOVES what she does”

Marsha Jordan returns as Marsha, who has recently just married a chap named Gerry, played by Edward Blessington (Cuba Crossing). Things are going wonderfully for the couple, until good old Gerry decides to play away with a young redhead by the name of Natalie, played by Luanne Roberts (Thunderbolt and Lightfoot). The pair met had their first 'encounter' whilst Gerry and Marsha were enjoying their belated honeymoon. Although initially unaware, Marsha discovers Gerry's skeezy little secret and just what kind of man he really is. Understandably heartbroken and angry, Marsha decides to take the ULTIMATE revenge by not abusing Gerry's upcoming pay rise, but also bedding any man she can lay her hands on. Things come to a head at a neighbour's house party and Gerry is confronted not only by Marsha but her own secret. Is fighting fire with fire the answer? Will their relationship continue? WHAT ABOUT THE BABY!?

Overall, this is the most 'accomplished' film of the three. That being said, it's also in some respects, the dullest. If you are looking here for some good old soft-core kicks, be warned that this is more of a straight faced morality melodrama than anything else. There is some well placed humour injected throughout and the dialogue is strong compared to the previous films, but it's still scraping the bottom of the barrel on the enjoyability scale. There's nothing I can really say that I haven't said before. If you are a fan of late 60's and early sexploitation (pretty much films Something Weird would have released) then these are interesting enough pieces. I just didn't find these films entertaining at all. I wasn't expecting high class or top drawer artistry, but this was just quite vanilla and uneventful. These are cheap drive in films that I could only recommend to completists of the genre. I've never really been a big fan of these types of films and early roughies (you know the kind), but I will continue to try when they become available.

In terms of the release itself, the films are presented fairly well. The prints were clearly in bad condition as all films contain evidence of print and sound damage, but once again, Vinegar Syndrome have done as good as a job as can be done with what materials they had to use. I can't compare the prints to previous Something Weird releases, but this is the best you will probably ever see these films look. There are no extras on disc, but you are getting three films for a great price. Like I said, I can't really recommend this release to everyone. If you love this sort of thing, this is a must own. If you're getting in to this sorta cheesecake beehive hairstyle sexploitation cinema (I may trademark that), then maybe watch some of the genuine classics before picking this up. Sorry Ms. Jordan, you have wonderful breasts, but this really didn't do anything for me or Peter Junior!

This release is available directly through Vinegar Syndrome as well as your favourite online retailers.
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