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.
PDx

Vinegar Syndrome Peekarama Review: Little Sisters (1972) / Powder Burns (1971)

LITTLE SISTERS
(1972, dir: Alex deRenzy)

"The maker of Censorship in Denmark & History of the Blue Movie has reached a new plateau in adult films."

As you can see, there is no written review for Little Sisters. I have however, recorded an episode of Mondo Squallido looking at the film. Find out what I think of it by clicking this lovely video:

POWDER BURNS
(1971, dir: Alex deRenzy)

"OUTLAW MEN - WILD WOMEN"

  After a montage of the vastness of the desert (we're nearly in Herzogian territory here!) we are thrown balls deep in to a small shoot out. Yep, welcome to the Old West! Well, not exactly! Aside from cowboys, horses and fitting music, we also have chaps wearing aviator shades and scrapped cars laying about. The year is actually 1969 and we're in the small town of Sewer Pipe Creek. The local sheriff (and barkeep) is having a spot of trouble with the pesky McNasty Brothers, a trio of brothers who like to cause chaos in the town for a couple of weeks once a year. Our hero runs the scum out of town and as a result, his saloon girls aren't too happy because although a troublesome threesome, they spend more money in the town in two weeks they are gallivanting than the locals do in a whole month. Cut to a year a later and we see the now former sheriff pondering on his career and life as he knows it. After trying to unsuccessfully woo his only remaining saloon girl, a new face appears in town. A young and curvy blonde go-go dancer nicknamed “The Golden Dream”. She struts her stuff (and what a lovely pair they are!) for the barkeep and his pals. She is an instant hit, sparking the barkeep to dream of the business opportunities his new dancer can bring to town. As he's drooling over his new busty business venture, the McNasty Brothers are padding out the run time by slowly (I mean VERY slowly) roaming the desert and causing yet more mischief. They eventually return to Sewer Pipe Creek. Will history repeat itself? Well, after some innocent enough drinking and frolicking with the new dancers (that was quick barkeep!), a fight breaks out between the brothers and a couple of locals, resulting in another shootout in which all those involved are killed (even though you can clearly see them still breathing) leaving the girls to rob the corpses! Yep, your guess is as good as mine?

 

What can I say about Powder Burns? Not that much actually. What we have here is an ultimately unforgettable film. A clumsily staged and acted outing that has more unintentional entertainment that intentional. Don't get me wrong, the comedy element works with some genuinely funny dialogue from our sheriff / barkeep. There's some nice talent on show too. Unfortunately, none of the girls are really credited, which is a shame because even though the film lacks in terms of story (an almost porn take on Samuel Fuller's Forty Guns if you will), acting and visually appealing technical elements (with the exception of the occasionally interesting use of handheld cinematography), the girls are very nice indeed and I want to see more! There are some rather odd elements too, including an extended and sped up sequence of people drinking at the bar. I have no idea why that's included, but it is and I suppose it adds to the charm (if a deRenzy film can be charming!) of the film. It's inoffensive enough, but I could see some people having major problems with some of the out of place and odd sequences. If you're here for the porn element, you may also be disappointed as the small amount of actual sex is clumped together within the final third. Yep, this is an unconventional (just like a deRenzy film should be) piece of early porno to say the least. I didn't hate the film at all, I was just expecting much more. I mean, it's Alex deRenzy making a meta western porno! It should have been more entertaining than it was.

Overall, Little Sisters is the better of the two films. Powder Burns just completely pales in comparison. That being said, how can I be too harsh when we are presented with two of deRenzy's earlier works on one disc? It's great that we are getting his work on legitimate disc in the first place! Both films are quirky and unconventional in their own way so folks looking for a different adult experience should give these a try. If you are a fan of deRenzy, chances are you already own this release. If you want a fun experience, then this is a nice double feature that is sure to go down a treat at a drunken gathering! Both films are presented in their original aspect ratio and have been cleaned up as best as possible by Vinegar Syndrome. There is clear print and sound damage, but you have to remember that chances are the original prints were probably not in the best shape. The bottom line is this is the best presentation of these films we will ever get. There are no special features on the disc, but like I said, these are two early deRenzy films so we should be thankful we have them widely available. Let's not forget that the Peekarama series is always brilliantly priced, so you are definitely getting your money's worth. This is a must own release and I look forward to what deRenzy treats we will get from Vinegar Syndrome in the future!

The Little Sisters and Powder Burns double feature is available from Vinegar Syndrome here as well as your favourite online retailers.

Vinegar Syndrome Reekarama Review: Come Under my Spell (1979) / Lady Dynamite (1979)

COME UNDER MY SPELL

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1979)

“The film that will bring you up to a joy you're paying for!”

  The film opens up in hip and swinging San Fransisco and instantly we are introduced to some heavy student action. Before the memories of university life get the better of me (yeah right!), we are introduced Fernando, played by Fernando Fortes (I Am Always Ready). Fernando is a foreign exchange student who really, really like animals! Unfortunately for him, he hasn't had any human action since arriving in America. Thankfully, his friend Dave, played by Blair Harris (Teeny Buns) is on hand to try and rectify that. He sets Fernando up with a threesome, but it doesn't go to plan. Being the good friend that he is, Dave decides to cheer him up by buying a cheap copy of a sexual hypnotism book. After studying hard through the power of montage, Fernando embarks on his sexual adventure one woman at a time. He even gets to see some lesbian action! To show his gratitude, he allows Dave to join in from time to time, even if it can get messy (don't worry, you'll see!). The pair even take their creepy new trick to Dave's family at a wedding. How far will they go? How many notches will Fernando and Dave rack up? Will it get in between their friendship? You're either going to have to watch for yourself or find your own hypnotism book!

  Come Under My Spell is as innocent of a film about unwilling sex as can be I guess? The film is played as a slapstick comedy that I'm sure all the feminists and social justice warriors will adore! I found the comedy to be hit and miss. You will laugh more at the clumsy dialogue, especially when it's being delivered by Fernando. Aside from having a few memorable moments, the film does suffer from the occasional dull patch. In terms of the sex, it does deliver. That being said, you will be unintentionally balling (no pun intended) at the sight of little Fernando in nothing but his socks and his arse bouncing around, he's clearly having major fun! I often sigh at Tobalina's extended use of the orgy scene, but thankfully the one (yes, only one!) in this film is much more tolerable than usuals. Thinking about the film in terms of its rather disturbing subject matter and themes makes me chuckle (I do enjoy misguided comedy!). Overall, it's a straightforward film with a fairly solid and paced story with the added bonus of having the likes of Connie Peterson (Chopstix), Liza Dwyer (Over Easy) and Vicky Zederquist (in her only credited role) on screen. It also should be noted that the final third of the film is genuinely great.

LADY DYNAMITE

(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1979)

“Ready to please!”

 

Colleen Brennan (Supervixens) stars as Valerie, a loyal housewife of 10 years who has just found out from her doctor (Tobalina in an uncredited cameo) that she has contracted the clap thanks to her unfaithful husband. She decides that enough is enough and once cleared up, she begins a deep and personal sexual journey. Her first stop is a wealthy executive played by Blair Harris. He has wanted her for many years and luckily for him, it's all hands on deck on his boat. After a lot of hardcore nautical action, Valerie has a party to attend, a girls only party to be exact. All the girls hit it off straight away and they proceed to get to know each other better and deeper. After some serious ice breaking, the entertainment for the evening arrives in the form of hairy manly exotic dancers. One of which instantly (and disturbingly) reminds me of 80's era Alan Parsons (yuck!). After some seriously dope dance moves, it's orgy time with some added 80's sounding synth beats thrown in for good measure! After the party, Valerie's sexual journey comes to an end and she finds herself back at home with her grovelling husband. Is this her return or the final goodbye?

 
If Lifetime or Hallmark did pornography, this is what it would look like. A very simple melodrama about a woman's personal journey after having her life ruined by someone she loves. What Valerie lacks in logic (remedying Gonorrhoea and a cheating husband by sleeping with multiple partners is completely rational) she makes up for in sass and sex appeal. That is of course thanks to Brennan's performance. Even surrounded by good looking co-stars (I'm talking about the party scene before Alan Parsons cock blocked me!), she is centre of attention. All in all, it's a well acted film with some equally well performed sex scenes (once again, Brennan shines above all!). That being said, some set pieces do tend to drag. The film is re-watchable, if only for the cheesy charm of the music, style and of course Brennan. Fans of Brennan definitely need to pick this one up. Just make sure to use precaution!

Lady Dynamite could be considered the 'better' film of the two, but Come Under My Spell was more enjoyable (albeit unintentionally) for me. Both films do have their moments and it's a better pairing of Carlos Tobalina films compared to some of the previous releases I have covered. Both films have been restored and presented wonderfully. There may be a few visual and audio niggles here and there, but it doesn't detract from Vinegar Syndrome's good work. Each film comes with a trailer, which is always a bonus. Overall, this is a solid release. They may not be Tobalina's most entertaining efforts, but they are far from his dullest. A great introduction to his work as well as an essential release for those completing their Tobalina collection.

Come Under My Spell and Lady Dynamite double feature are available directly from Vinegar Syndrome here as well as most of your favourite online retailers.

PDx

Champagne for Breakfast (1980) Review (Vinegar Syndrome DVD)

CHAMPAGNE FOR BREAKFAST

1980, dir: Chris Warfield

“The called her “Champ”... and she was!”

 

Leslie Bovee (Maraschino Cherry) stars as Champagne, a young, attractive and majorly successful advertising executive and vice president of her fathers cosmetic company. She's on the search for a new chauffeur. Thankfully, she may be in luck. Enter Harry ((he'll be doing that a lot), a simple everyday Joe, played by John Leslie (Dracula Sucks). Harry works as a small time chauffeur, but also applies to be a bouncer at a strip joint. Even though he makes a GREAT first impression with his new potential employer and her friend, John puts professionalism before leisure and pleas to his employment agent Gladys Whitmore, played by Kay Parker (Untamed), that his job provides him with too many horny women! Unfortunately for him, Gladys is also a bit of a 'freak'. Sick of it all, Harry hears of Champagne's search and does what any sensible person would do. Yes, you guessed it! Pretend to be gay to secure the job! It obviously works (take notes everyone!) and he's given the job. Straight away he's tasked with driving her to a local bar for a little pick-me-up. Aside from driving her from sexual liaison to sexual liaison, he also takes the role of being her bouncer, masseur and all round gay BFF. Of course, being so hands on with the lovely Champagne leads Harry to develop some strong feelings and sexual urges of his own. Can Harry keep up with his 'professional' work ethos? Will he get found out? What capers will he and Champagne get in to on the way? You're going to have to get yourself comfortable, pour yourself a glass of bubbly and find out for yourself. You Devil you!

  Overall, Champagne for Breakfast is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of comedic porno chic. Chris Warfield (Sexworld) has crafted a genuinely stylish and funny film. This comes as no surprise as the film has an intelligent and witty script penned by John Hayes (Baby Rosemary), as well as great performances from both Leslie and Bovee. Leslie's portrayal of a gay character is never over the top or a misfired caraicature. He is instantly likeable and you are happy to follow his story. Bovee's Champagne is a strong minded woman who is elegant and has an innocence that makes her steal nearly every scene that she is in. Credit also has to go to the supporting cast. The likes of Kay Parker, Bonnie Holiday (Fantasies), Paul Thomas (Pretty Peaches) and Sharon Kane (Babylon Blue), to name just a few, all put in great performances (no matter how big or small) and make this a star-studded event. Not only that, but Elton Fuller's (Purely Physical) cinematography and the overall art direction from Vincent Earle (TheRibald Tales of Canterbury) and related crew make this a very aesthetically pleasing piece of film. There is also a great use of both interior and exterior locations. These stylish aesthetic touches, as well as the theme tune from Jack Stern (C.H.O.M.P.S) and the library music score make this film really stand out. If you want comedy in a porno setting that genuinely works, this film delivers. It's witty when it needs to be, just as it's slapstick when it needs to be. There's also a great segment of dark humour involving Paul Thomas that will have smiling from cheek to cheek (you sicko! You know who you are!). Naturally, with cast that this film has, the sex is of the highest quality and very varied. Champagne gets involved with a group of rent boys, a builder and of course a female friend. There's also some good action for Harry involving a car wash with a difference. With a runtime of around 102 minutes, there's thankfully a great balance of high quality smut and genuine story. This is a very stylish, funny and satisfying film that would go great as a double feature with the likes of Maraschino Cherry or Barbara Broadcast.

The film is presented in the original aspect ratio and has been restored in 2k from the original 35mm negative. It's safe to say that the film looks and sounds great. It's definitely an upgrade from Alpha Blue's Kay Parker Double Feature DVD (as if that would be a surprise!). In terms of special features you get both hard and soft trailers as well scenes from the soft version of the film. If you are a fan of this film, this is an essential upgrade to say the least. If you are looking to get in to the world of porno chic, this is also an essential release as the film stands up with the best of them. I have to raise a glass (I HAD to include another pun) to Vinegar Syndrome for this release. A beautiful restoration job of a genuine gem of a film. Go out and buy this one as soon as you can!

Champagne for Breakfast is available directly from Vinegar Syndrome here and most of your favourite online retailers.

PDx

Weisse Haut auf schwarzen Schenkeln (1976, dir: Jess Franco) Ascot Elite / Illusions UNLTD Blu-Ray Review

The film opens up on the Mondo Erotico set. You know, the obscenely small and narrow black room with the white fluffy bed. It's here we meet Marga, an exotic erotic dancer played by Diotta Fatou (DIE SKLAVINNEN). She's in the middle of one of her stage shows. In the audience we meet Robert, a wealthy middle-aged man played by Roman Huber (DAS FRAUENHAUS). He enjoys the show so much that when Marga has finished her little dance, he decides to take her back to somewhere private. The pair get down to business and instead of enjoying that wonderful post sex cigarette, Marga does the next best thing and throws herself out of the window. Yep, bitches be crazy! The next day Robert is arrested for the attempted murder and it's down to his wife Lola, played by Pilar Coll (MONDO EROTICO), to prove his innocence. She does this by tracking down the nightclub and meeting the owner and Marga's lover Lena, played by Kali Hansa (COUNTESS PERVERSE). Lena seduces Lola and takes her back to her place. The pair eventually make love and form a relationship. Lola hasn't given up her quest yet however? She loves and adores her pig husband. Lena finds a diary belonging to Marga and reads it to Lena. We find out about the rather depressing and troubled life of Marta, including her relationship with Victor, a sleazy and manipulative psychologist / hypnotist type played by Franco's go to hunk, Erik Falk (ILSA THE MAD BUTCHER). Will the diary hold the answer to this strange situation? Will Robert be set free? What dark secrets will be revealed?

Overall, I'm sorry to say that this was a rather dull film. Although a solid enough story, there's nothing really engaging at all with this one. There are some nice moments every now and then including a rather unnerving S&M dream sequence and a genuinely funny off-screen appearance from a man from Mars (you have to watch to truly understand). Those moments are completely overshadowed by long, drawn out attempts at eroticism and clumsy erotic dancing (you may get a laugh out of those scenes). Fatou has no onscreen presence at all and it pretty much looks like she had no clue what she was doing except receiving a paycheck. The scenes involving Falk, although largely unrelated to the actual story are the highlights of the film just for the sheer absurdity. Aesthetically, this rather unimpressive. Lazy set design (clearly utilising not even a handful of locations) and horrendously out of focus cinematography make this is a visually unappealing film. Not even the female cast can make up for that because aside from Coll, there's literally no talent on show that's pleasing on the eye. Sure, that's probably a pig-headed thing to say, but even though this essentially a melodrama, Franco is still trying to titillate the audience with his signature close up shots and taste for good old-fashioned lesbianism. It misses the mark completely as a piece of erotica and drama. As much as I love Jess Franco (even for his downfalls), I really have to chalk this down as one of his worst. It's little wonder that Dietrich has now finally credited the film back to Franco.

The restoration is hit and miss. Some scenes look fantastic, but a lot the blacks in the film (especially the nightclub setting) can be very blocky with clear distortion. This is a cheap film anyway, so I won't whine too much. The sound is fairly solid throughout so that's not an issue. I would say that if you're going to pick this film up, don't be worried about HAVING to buy this on Blu-Ray because the film doesn't benefit from it too much. If you can save yourself a bit money, opt for the DVD release. On the disc itself the only language options available are a German dub (presented in both DTS-HD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0) and English subtitles. In terms of extras you a selection of trailers including the original theatrical trailer for the film, a photo gallery, Jess Franco audio interview (Spanish with German subtitles) and the same Erik Falk featurette that appears on Mondo Erotico's release. Overall, as much as I didn't really enjoy the film, I have to give major credit to both Ascot Elite and Illusions UNLTD for presenting the die-hard Francophiles a little-seen gem that was initially credited to producer Erwin C. Dietrich. That's the only demographic I can really recommend this film and release to. Newcomers to the world of Jess Franco will be majorly unimpressed.

Weisse Haut auf schwarzen Schenkeln is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Ascot Elite Home Entertainment and Illusions UNLTD.

6 Schwedinnen hinter Gittern (1980, dir: Ann Perry) Illusions UNLTD Blu-Ray Review

 Candide Royalle (Ultra Flesh) stars as Lolita Wanamaker, a young and attractive woman recently sentenced to a few years in prison. She immediately makes a good first impression. Neither the prison guards or her fellow inmates can't take their hands off her. The inmates are a close-knit group who go by the name of 'The Beavers'. When they aren't getting it on with each other, they're having their own fun with the prison staff. Seems like it's more of a holiday camp than a prison right? Wrong! You see, the girls have to live in squalid conditions and they've had enough! They do what all disgruntled prisoners usually do and sign a petition? Unfortunately for them, Warden Blowhard, played by Ian McGregor (Undercovers) is a tight-fisted and selfish chap. When he isn't being an arrogant prick, he's getting some extra service off his lovely secretary Miss Cole, played by Lisa De Leeuw (Center Spread Girls). After having a small riot, the inmates get a chance to have their voices heard properly, by having a baseball match with the prison guards who call themselves 'The Dicks'. Will the girls get their own way? Will the warden have a change of heart? You'll have to find out for yourself!

Overall, 6 Schwedinnen hinter Gittern (known to most as Ballgame) is light-hearted Women in Prison flick with a simple premise. Aside from some of the talent on show, this is a pretty uneventful film. The comedy is hokey and feels dated for even for when the film was produced. The likes of Candid Royalle, Herschel Savage (Debbie Does Dallas) and Tawny Pearl (Taboo) are really the only memorable aspects of the film. Not even the sex really held my interest. That being said, this film does have quite possibly the hottest training montage sequences I have seen in a long time (combining squat exercises with face sitting is something I want to see more!). I do also have to give props to the selection of library music used throughout. There are some fun and genuinely great songs for those who like that sort of thing (I certainly do!). Yeah, in terms of a Women in Prison film, it doesn't really deliver. As a piece of pornography, it's pretty hit and miss. Aside from the typical lesbian scenes, you may find yourself fast forwarding a few times. The film could have been trimmed down about 10 minutes to make it a 60 minute feature. Some may appreciate the film more than I did and I certainly know a lot of people who will love this.

Unfortunately, the Blu-ray transfer isn't fantastic. The picture is quite grainy and doesn't actually look like it's a Blu-Ray you are watching. To go with that, the English language track (the version I watched) is very muddy in places and a buzzing sound can be heard quite a lot throughout. That being said, the film also comes with a much superior German language track and English subtitles so that's not a problem. This is however a much better presentation than the Caballero disc so get rid of that one and buy this if you want to see this film. In terms of special features you get a trailer for the film, a photo gallery and a selection of other trailers (some great viewing there). Overall, it's a pretty standard release, but definitely worth looking in to if you are a fan of the genre. Just take in to account that you may be better off buying the DVD version of the film. Either way, hats off to Illusions UNTLD for presenting this film in an affordable way.

6 Schwedinnen hinter Gittern is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Illusions UNLTD.

Ascot Elite Home Entertainment / Illusions UNLTD Blu-ray Review: Mondo Erotico (1976)

Mondo Erotico (In 80 Betten um die Welt)
(1976, dir: Jess Franco)

Ah, a Jess Franco Mondo film! Right off the bat I'm excited! Being a fan of efforts like Bruno Mattei's Libidomania, the idea of a sleazy Mondo film excites me and boy does uncle Jess deliver in his offering! Basically, the film is staged as a light night sex show (think Sexcetra, but miles better and hairier). Our hostess takes us around the world on a sexual journey starting in America. In New York we witness an exclusive Black Mass hosted by an overweight Siouxsie and the Banshees fan in a tiny room. Then it's a quick stop in San Fransisco to meet a prostitute awkwardly fondling and licking a flaccid dick before meeting a woman who enjoys the skin care benefits of semen (insert childish facial joke here). Once we are done with the States we travel to Copenhagen to enjoy a live sex show in the same small room clearly decorated differently. There's some audience participation done in the style of good old-fashioned bingo! Once that's over, it's time to visit Germany to meet Hamburg's most famous dominatrix. She's very open to interviews and is of course extremely modest! We get to witness one of her shows (guys may want to hold their balls for this sequence!). America and Europe is fun and all, but a change of scenery and climate is in order. Thankfully, we get treated to the golden sands of Agoa. A tropical paradise in which all the natives are pale!? Oh well, not to worry because we get to see how the locals deal with marriage. Let's just say that being a godfather has perks! Once Erik Falk (Ilsa the Mad Butcher) has his fun in the sun, we find ourselves in Amsterdam. It's time for sex education with a difference! So that's how you're supposed to masturbate! Very awkwardly! Not only that, but I know what an 'Aerodynamic Bitch' is! Once class has finished, blow up doll demonstrations and all, we finish off our journey on the Orient and experience some cosmic sexual intercourse, or is it sexual miming!?

Overall, Mondo Erotico is an odd and extremely entertaining film that is often silly and downright absurd! It's also both an intentionally and unintentionally effort. The budget was clearly tighter than the labias on show as it's clearly noticeable that both the cast and sets are used over and over. This especially entertaining with regards to the small interior set used for most of the set pieces and the Agoa sequence. Stock footage is inserted to give the impression that this is a globe-trotting effort, but you won't be fooled. The highlight for me has to be the sex education scene, I haven't been that amused in a while! If you want a trip, you're gonna love the final segment too! The film is very graphic in terms of sexual content even though it does seem that some parts are hardcore inserts shot separately, gotta love stunt cock! The film never takes itself too seriously. It's a jigsaw of elements we have come to love about Jess Franco films and the final picture is a well-rounded hardcore Mondo film that stands toe to toe with the best of them. If you are somewhat new to Jess Franco's work, this is a great example of him at his scuzziest. Don't get me wrong, it's far from 'extreme', but it's damn sleazy. That being said, there's a light-hearted tone to the film. Just a fun and enjoyable entry in to a genre that can get quite tedious (I'm looking at you Mondo Cane!).

The picture and sound quality are of a very high standard in my opinion. Of course, the nature of this production means that you are going to expect print damage, but it never detracts from the restoration. Hats off to those involved in the restoration! The film is presented in German with English subtitles. Overall, this is an extremely solid release for Francophiles and newcomers a like. In terms of extras we get a weird and wonderful featurette with Erik Falk revisiting some of his films and sharing stories as well as treating us to his philosophy on sex and sexuality. Not only that, there are plenty of trailers, a photo gallery and reversible artwork. The only downside is the Jess Franco audio interview which isn't English friendly. That being said, it's a tiny flaw which doesn't take anything away from this release at all. I have to say, of all the Ascot Elite releases, this is my favourite. A very noteworthy entry in to Jess Franco's filmography that has received a fantastic release!

Mondo Erotico is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Ascot Elite Home Entertainment and Illusions UNLTD.

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