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Throwback Thursday – Hall of Fame Stars – Kay Parker

The adult industry has just lost another of  it’s stars, icons and legend from the Golden Age of porn. The incredible Brit, Kay Parker, passed away from complications with cancer at her home in Chatsworth, California on October 14, 2022. She was 78 years old.

 

Kay Parker – Inducted  1990

A True Legend in Porn

Kay Parker was born on August 28, 1944 in Birmingham, England right at the height of WW II. She grew up in Malta & Kent. Her father was an officer in the British Royal Navy. She spent her teen years in Germany, when she was 21 years old she moved to United States at the invitation of an older couple who wanted her to be part of their family.

Once in the states she worked a variety of jobs including being a waitress and at a head shop. She also did some acting in minor roles and had absolutely no thoughts of the adult industry, but a chance meeting with John Leslie would eventually change that. He had suggested she should appear in one of his films but the idea of porn turned her off and she said no. After a while she changed her mind and eased into it by doing several small non sex roles in the beginning.

By this time Kay was 33 years old and in 1977 she would make her hardcore debut in Anthony Spinelli’s “Sex World” which has gone on to become a porn classic. Her very first sex scene was with Joey Silvera and from that point on Kay Parker would continue to amaze and enthrall both cast members and fans with her all out sexuality, acting talents and that classy, elegant British look. Ms. Parker would next star in a film that would also become a classic, “7 into Snowy” a Mitchell Brothers production that was a takeoff on Snow White with Kay perfectly playing the domineering and mean stepmother.

As good as she was in those films, it was a film in 1980 that would forever seal Kay Parker’s place in porn as one of the great legends of the industry. That was “Taboo”,  a film with an incest theme, something unheard of back then. Mike Ranger played her son in the film and after the movie was completed these two would carry on a real life affair for a time. This film, because of the subject matter, would create a lot of publicity, both good and bad, controversy and popularity. One area that everyone agreed on was the fact that Kay Parker was the only one who could have played that role and carry it the way she did. She would appear in the next two sequels as well.

While it was “Taboo” that really brought her to prominence, Kay appeared in more than 120 films during her career and always displayed top notch, serious acting chops and a raw, mature sexuality that was very explosive. Among other films she appeared in were “Vista Valley PTA”, “The Dancers”, “Memphis Cathouse Blues”, Private Teacher” and “Matinee Idol” to name a few. Ms. Parker has said  she actually started her career in adult films as a way of exploration into her own sexuality, something several females in the industry have said as well..

She left adult films after 1984 mainly due to the AIDS scare along with other personal reasons. She eventually would return to the industry, only this time behind the scenes working for Caballero Video in their public relations department. She was also very much into the spiritual and went into intense spiritual study in late 1980s which led her to the path of meditation and spirituality. Since that time she has been a spiritual mentor.

Today, at age 77, Ms. Parker still has that look of elegance and class.  She wrote her biography, “Taboo: Sacred, Don’t Touch” and discusses her childhood, life as an adult, spiritual experiences and getting into metaphysics. It is a very interesting and honest read. Jill Nelson listed Kay in her book, “25 Legendary Women of Classic Erotic Cinema”. She is a well respected and worthy member of both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame as well as the Legends of Erotica. She has been a counselor and lecturer about the New Age metaphysical and is well respected in the field

               

When there is a discussion regarding the women of porn’s past this classy lady’s name is always at the top of the list where it belongs. She gave the adult industry so much during her time in front of the cameras. There were classic performances and classic films along with awards, admiration and love that all go hand and hand with this legendary star. Kay Parker was, and is, one of a kind and we are very fortunate to have had a woman of her stature grace the adult screens with so many memorable and unforgettable performances. Now, as she meets and sings with the angels we will always remember this remarkable lady and all that she gave not only the industry, but the world. R.I.P. lovely lady.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

 

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SHALINA DEVINE, ANGELICA HEART & GEISHA KYD  Topline DORCEL’s ‘Girls At Work – After Hours’
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Porn Classics Revisited – “The Nicole Stanton Story – The Rise” – 1988

The decade of the 80’s were coming to a close so what do you remember from the year 1988? Let’s begin as we always do by taking a look back at the cost of living during that year.

The average annual income was $24,500 a year, the average price for a new 3 bedroom home was $91,000 and the average price for a new car was $10,500. As for costs, gas was creeping towards the $1.00 mark at 92 cents a gallon. You could get a gallon of milk for $1.89 and pork chops for just 40 cents a pound. A dozen eggs were only 65 cents and the cost of a movie ticket was $3.50. You could buy a brand new Ford Taurus for $9,900 and a Volkswagen Rabbit for $7,100. In some of the 1988 news headlines………The Hubble Space Telescope goes into operation to explore deep space and is still in full use today mapping our universe……… A bomb explodes on Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie in Scotland……… Prozac is sold for the first time as an anti-depressant…… US Shuttle program resumes 2 1/2 years after the Challenger disaster…….The first major computer virus infects computers connected to the Internet…… The U.S. unveils the Stealth Bomber………The first laser eye surgery is performed in the U.S…….. George H. W. Bush defeats Michael Dukakis to become our new President.

In the world of entertainment among the big movies in 1988 were Rain Man, Die Hard, Big, A Fish Named Wanda and Beetlejuice. In music the hit makers included Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys, Guns n’ Roses and Gloria Estefan. For TV watchers some of the popular shows were Rosanne, Family Ties, The Cosby Show, Who’s the Boss and Murder, She Wrote. Among the celebrities we lost were singer Roy Orbison, actor/director John Houseman, Andy Gibb of the Bee Gees, basketball star Pistol Pete Maravich and porn star John Holmes.

In the porn industry there was a new look with the excessive big hair,  enhanced breasts and clean shaven privates from the ladies. Most productions were now all California based. There were some excellent films and performances in 1988 and such as the one we take a look back at today. It was a a two part film with part one released in 1988, both having the same cast in the same roles. That film was, “The Nicole Stanton Story – The Rise”.

The Nicole Stanton Story Part One – The Rise – Caballero Films – Director – Henri Pachard – Cast – Eva Allen, Annette Haven, Megan Leigh, Jade East, Kendal Marx, John Leslie, Randy West, Peter North, Joey Silvera, Scott Irish

Shot on 35mm film this is an erotic gem that deserves being a classic. Between the direction of Pachard, the cinematography of Alex De Renzy plus an all star cast this film shines not only visually, but story wise and sexually with some absolutely terrific chemistry between the actors. It is a well constructed story that keeps viewers interest simply because the film has a cast that can really act and deliver lines in very mainstream fashion. Then add in the sex scenes and this entire film leaves you wanting more. That is answered with part two, “The Nicole Stanton Story – To The Top”.

The plot of the film is built around Nicole (Eva Allen) who goes from a sleazy low class hooker to the wife of a rich, but lonely widower Gerald Stanton (John Leslie). How she meets Leslie and entices him into marrying her is quite a buildup. It comes by way of a play for pay scheme that is set up by Violet (Annette Haven). She meets the widower, comes to his lavish house for dinner and literally seduces him right in front of his daughter Marie (Megan Leigh) and her boyfriend Tom (Peter North). Nicole is a schemer and knows what she wants and almost has Gerald begging for her favors. She plays him until the time is right then marries him. It is from that point on that Gerald literally falls under her spell and she gets whatever she wants from her wealthy husband. Some of Gerald’s friends, especially Dan (Joey Silvera) think he’s making a mistake because they know what Nicole is after. Gerald is so infatuated with her he ignores their advice and marries Nicole. That sets the stage for her to begin her rise to the top and nothing, or no one is going to stop her. The film ends with the guarantee that there is even more conniving, back stabbing, and devious plans in Nicole’s future as well as plenty of sex. That all comes to fruition in the follow up film “The Nicole Stanton Story – To The Top” which we will cover in another edition of this series.

The story is sharply written, the cast brings a lot of depth to their characters. Leslie is outstanding as Gerald Stanton and plays his role with a total mainstream flair. Eva Allen, whose porn career was a short one, creates a very good Nicole and really comes into her own as the film builds. Randy West also does one of his better acting performances. The entire cast shows off excellent acting chops to create a very realistic production. The sex scenes have steam and sizzle and well captured by the camera with plenty of great visuals.

Under the direction of Hall of Famer Henri Pachard, this is a true masterpiece that offers solid entertainment start to finish. It is available of DVD as is the follow up, so enjoy some fantastic performances by a top notch cast, most of who are now residing in either the AVN or XRCO Halls of Fame, or both. This is definitely a classic to get hold of and enjoy.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

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ART OF ADULT – Porn Classics Revisited – Eruption – Cal Vista – 1977

This week we go back forty five years to 1977.  For me and my family, 1977 was the year we made the decision to move from New Jersey to Florida. It turned out to be the right move at the right time in many ways. What do you remember?

As always, we begin by taking a look at the cost of living then. The average income in the U.S. was $15,000 a year and the average cost of a brand new 3 bedroom home was $49,000. A brand new Chevy Nova was $3,900 and gas was just 65 cents a gallon. You could by a 5” portable TV for $150 and complete stereo system for $250. Women’s tunics were in fashion and only $11 and men’s leather slip on shoes just $14. Some of the 1977 news headlines……New York City suffers a total blackout that lasted more than 24 hours……Jimmy Carter is elected President…….the Trans Alaskan pipeline opens…….The Medal of Freedom was awarded posthumously to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr……The much heralded World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City are completed……The death of Elvis Presley at age 42 shocks the entire world……..Apple introduces the first computers…….Voyager I and Voyager II are launched unmanned to explore the outer solar system………A new diet program called Slim Fast comes on the market And of course, who could forget the introduction of the Chia Pet?

In the world of entertainment some of the big hit Hollywood films include Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Rocky, Annie Hall, Saturday Night Fever and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Among the pop music hit makers were The Eagles, Barbra Striesand, Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees and Fleetwood Mac. As for TV shows The Carol Burnett Show, McMillan and Wife, Columbo, Family Feud and Welcome Back Kotter were among the big hits. In 1977 we lost a number of celebrities, among them comedian Groucho Marx, basketball coach Adolph Rupp, actress Joan Crawford, band leader Guy Lombardo, singer/actor Bing Crosby and comedian/film maker Charlie Chaplin.

In the world of porn it was becoming more popular as films continued to mesh good storylines and good acting with sex scenes. Most were still being done in New York, but there was some west coast movement. Regular movie theaters were showing porn films on a limited basis as popularity among older couples began to increase. There were some excellent adult films in 1977 such as the one we revisit today, “Eruption”.

“Eruption” – J.G. Films/ Cal Vista – Director – Stanley Kurlan – Cast – Leslie Bovee, Susan Hart, Carry Welton, John Holmes, Eric Evol, others

This porn classic went where few had gone in porn’s early days. The entire production was filmed on location in Hawaii and it had, for that time, a large budget of more than $45,000 along with a large cast. It was a solid takeoff of a 1944 Hollywood film that had been nominated for seven Oscars, “Double Indemnity” which starred Barbara Stanwyck, Fred McMurray and Edward G. Robinson. When all was said and done director Stanley Kurlan pulled off an excellent adult film that would go on to become one of the true classics of the golden age.

In this X rated version, the story and plot centers on Sandra (Leslie Bovee) a wealthy heiress. She meets up with an insurance salesman, Peter (John Holmes) on the beach. She wants nothing to do with him the first time they meet and can’t stand his forward style. However, Sandra is a deceptive woman and begins to think he just might be the perfect partner for the plan she has. So they get to know each other and she is convinced Peter will be perfect for her devious plot. Sandra persuades Peter to sell her husband a $2 million life insurance policy. After having a sexual encounter with Sandra it’s hard for Peter to resist her in any way. Now that she has Peter hooked she easily persuades him to knock off her husband so she can get the money, they can share it and live happily ever after. He is so wrapped up with Sandra and the sex they have he gives in and does what she asks. It all goes off without a hitch, or does it?  This brings in a hardnosed P.I. and things begin to change. Peter finally puts it all together and realizes Sandra was using him and is going to betray him and leave him hanging.

So he turns to her sex hungry stepdaughter Angie (Susan Hart) to help him turn the tables on her and also Angie’s boyfriend, Scott. As they plan to expose Sandra, they become aware the boyfriend Scott, has been in cahoots with Sandra all along to get the money and then Sandra and Scott would run off together with the money after they do away with Peter and Angie leaving no chance of discovery behind.

The sex scenes are captured very well with great backdrops, lighting and pack plenty of steam. Watching Holmes huge bone getting the oral treatment from Leslie is truly something to see. In turn he gives the ladies a good ride and all of the sex scenes in this film offer plenty of sizzle from a competent cast.

The entire production is extremely well done from every aspect with the great 70’s Hawaiian background. The acting performances are convincing and well done. In probably one of his best roles, Holmes showed some skilled acting chops. Taking a major Hollywood Oscar contender and doing a porn version back then was a very big risk. However, Kurlan and the cast gave the viewers an excellent movie that still holds up today. It has your interest from start to finish because of the dramatic plot as well as the steamy sex that ties the entire production together. You can find it on DVD and I highly recommend getting one of the golden age’s true classics, “Eruption”. It is a film that has everything you could want in an adult offering.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

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Throwback Thursday – Hall of Fame Stars – Gloria Leonard

 Gloria Leonard – Inducted 1989

A True Porn Pioneer

Gail Klinetski came into this world on August 28, 1940 in New York City. She was raised in the Bronx, went to school and got her college degree in New York. She became a successful Wall Street stocks and bonds company rep. She also worked in PR for Elektra Records as well as working for Johnny Carson’s publicist prior to entering the world of porn.

This was her very corporate life before becoming one of the great legends of porn’s golden age as Gloria Leonard. She was one of the most popular names back in the 1970’s and ‘80’s. Though she was successful in her various PR roles a chance meeting with a friend in the booming adult film business in New York changed everything. She gave up her corporate career and got into the growing world of porn in New York.

Tall (5’ 10”), and with an all natural 40-33-37 knockout figure, brown hair and eyes that had a sensual, seductive look, Gloria was a natural in front of the camera. She made her hardcore debut in the 1976 film “Sex Maniac”, but it was in “The Opening of Misty Beethoven” that her career really took off. During her time in front of the camera Ms. Leonard did about 70 films that included “The Trouble With Young Stuff”, “Fortune Smiles”, “All About Gloria Leonard” , “Intimate Desires” and “Heat Wave” among them until she left in 1984.

Her seductive look, a seemingly nonstop sexual appetite and the fact she was a natural as an actress made her a very popular performer. Gloria wasn’t content to just be in front of the camera and would be one of the first females to go behind the camera and direct. In 1981 Gloria married well known porn producer Bobby Hollander and they remained married until divorcing in1990.

After she left the film part of the industry Ms. Leonard became the publisher of the popular men’s magazine, High Society. She basically oversaw every facet of the magazine and held that position for 14 years. She also brought many innovations to men’s magazines. She created the genre of “Celebrity Skin”, along with pioneering the phone sex industry. It was Ms. Leonard who took her fight for this innovation all the way to the Supreme Court and won. That ruling and this new business created by Ms. Leonard would open up another lucrative door for adult entertainment to be a major part of in the years ahead. The phone sex industry became very popular and a big money maker for a number of years and is still in existence today.

In 1993 Ms. Leonard moved to Hawaii to settle down with her daughter, who ran a very successful art gallery. In 1997 she returned to California and went to work for the Private Media group for a time. She was also president of the Free Speech Coalition and stayed active in many First Amendment battles appearing on TV talk shows to fight for the causes she strongly believed in.

She was living a good life in Hawaii then on January 31, 2014 she suffered a massive stroke. Ms. Leonard was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. As a result of the stroke, Gloria suffered very extensive brain damage. This wonderful lady passed away a few days later on February 3, 2014, at the age of 73, after having her life-support systems disconnected.

Gloria Leonard was an award winning actress and a member of both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. She was truly one of porn’s early female pioneers in many areas besides films. Her fan website www.glorialeonard.com  is still a very popular and busy one. Through today’s technology, most of her films are available on DVD. She is considered as the “grand dame” of porn and when you see some of this exquisite lady’s great performances you will understand why Gloria Leonard is so well regarded to this day by both the industry and fans young and old.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

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DORCEL’s ‘Stars #08’ Uncovers a Galaxy of Heavenly Bodies
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Throwback Thursday -Hall of Fame Stars – Lisa De Leeuw

Inducted in 1993

She was born Lisa Trego on July 3, 1958 in Moline, Ill. and was the typical mid western farm girl and very much a tomboy growing up. Growing up she was very athletic and always played on boys teams taking part in a number of sports. She had her first sexual experience with a boyfriend and his friend when she was in her teens. She had a boyfriend who managed a theater that showed X-rated films. Lisa was overweight, but ready to leave farm life behind. So in 1978 she and the boyfriend made their way to Los Angeles

Once there she devoted herself to losing 40 pounds. With that mission accomplished Lisa began making some good money modeling for several men’s magazines. With her big natural breasts, freckles, natural flowing red hair, the weight loss and striking look she was quite a hot picture. It was then the suggestion came about she could do well in porn films. She was told to think about it but while Lisa had a high sex drive she wasn’t sure she could do it. She had her dreams set on becoming a legit actress. However, with a promise of very good money and steady work she changed her mind. She also changed her name to Lisa De Leeuw and first did a few loops for Swedish Erotica. Though inexperienced when she began, she was a fast learner and would go on to become a very steamy and accomplished sexual performer.

Lisa made her debut in the 1979 film, “800 Fantasy Lane” when she was offered the starring role by director Svetlana, who could be a tyrant on the set. For newbie Lisa it was intimidating, but she worked through it and quickly established herself in porn. She became an instant favorite with fans and co stars because of her never ending appetite for sex which came across in every performance. She had a sexual intensity and realism that shined. She also had a natural flair for acting making her roles even better and her characters very real. With her brassy, outgoing personality, her sexual talents and seductive manner some thought of her as the Mae West of porn.

During her time in adult films she appeared in over 200 that include her award winning performance in the 1981 porn classic “Amanda by Night”. Some of her other great films include “Ultra Flesh “ with Seka, “Pro Ball Cheerleaders”, “Garage Girls”, “I Like To Watch”, “Aunt Peg Goes to Hollywood”, “Coed Fever” and “Dixie Ray Hollywood Star” (a favorite of mine) which would bring Lisa a Best Supporting Actress award, an award she would win four times in her career. Though at times she could act like a diva on the set, by and large she was very well liked by everyone who worked with her. They all agree when it came to sex Lisa never once faked it in a film. What you saw was the real deal all the time and made her scenes even hotter!

Like many back in the 80’s porn scene, Lisa got involved with drugs which actually began to take hold when she was losing the weight. Film director Svetlana had put Lisa on a strict diet of pills and over time that would lead to other drugs and what would turn out to be her eventual downfall. She was also one of the first female performers to sign an exclusive contract with one film company, Vivid. She also appeared in a number of photo spreads in the top men’s magazines. In just about every film and photo you can see Lisa wearing a lion’s head pendant. It was her good luck charm and she was rarely without it.

Then in 1987 Lisa made the decision to leave adult films. She wanted to concentrate on a lucrative personal appearance schedule as a feature dancer at top clubs around the country. For a couple of years she was a major draw, making good money and seemed to have everything under control in her life. Eventually she would leave the business altogether and go about leading a normal life. Some had said the reason Ms. De Leeuw left the industry while she still was extremely popular was the AIDS scare that had many very worried and concerned.

In 1993 it had been reported that due to complications from AIDS Lisa De Leeuw had died. However, in 2000 the story was discovered not to be true and that Lisa was in fact, alive, healthy and living a life far removed from the adult industry. As a tribute to her contributions to the adult film industry, the sexy redhead turned 63 this past July and is a deserving member of both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. There is also a fan website www.lisadeleeuw.com  you can go to that will bring back a lot of great memories.

She will always standout among her peers and fans because of that red hair, her total presence and her voracious sex appetite. Many of the great films of Ms. De Leeuw are now available on DVD. If you have only heard about, but have never seen, this steamy redhead in a film you are missing quite a visual and sexual treat. The adult industry was very fortunate to have Lisa De Leeuw during its golden age and to leave behind some unforgettable memories everyone can still enjoy.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

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Porn Classics Revisited – The Devil in Miss Jones – VCX – 1973

Can you believe that this week’s classic was done almost fifty years ago? Wow, time does fly! The 70’s were a defining decade in many ways. If you were around then, what do you remember from that year?

As we always do, we begin with the cost of living back then. The U.S. average yearly income was $13,000. The average cost of new 3 bedroom home was $32,500 and if you rented the average for an apartment was $175 a month. The cost of a gallon of gas was at 40 cents and brand new cars ranged from $2,900 for an AMC Javelin or about $3,900 for a Ford Galaxy. As for food, a dozen eggs went for 45 cents, Morton’s TV Dinners were 39 cents, pork roast was just 59 cents a pound. As for some items, how about 8-track stereo tape player for $50, a Crock Pot cooker $18. And one of the fashions “in” things for men were Paisley slacks for $23. Here were some of the news headlines in 1973……The Alaska Oil Pipeline bill is passed to allow construction of a pipeline to access oil from the North Slope of Alaska…….The Supreme Court rules on Roe v. Wade and makes abortion a US constitutional right…….Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned after dealing with charges of tax evasion and receiving bribes……..The Sears Tower is completed. With 108 floors and being a 1,729 foot tall structure it would be the tallest building in the world at the time………The famed New York Yankees baseball team is sold by CBS to a group headed by ship builder George Steinbrenner……….US Troops are withdrawn from Vietnam and U.S. involvement in Vietnam as the war ends with the signing of the peace treaty………The Watergate Hearings begin in the U.S. Senate and President Richard Nixon tells the nation, “I am not a crook.”……The Bahamas gain independence from Great Britain.

In 1973 some of the big hit films from Hollywood included The Exorcist, Deliverance, Live and Let Die, Jesus Christ Superstar, American Graffiti and The Sting. In the world of pop music some of the big hit makers were Stevie Wonder, Elton John, ABBA, Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney & Wings. When it came to the hit TV shows they included The Odd Couple, The Partridge Family, Columbo, McMillan and Wife, M*A*S*H and The Bob Newhart Show. Among the celebrity deaths were former President Lyndon B. Johnson, painter Pablo Picasso, singer Bobby Darin, actor Bruce Lee, actor Edward G. Robinson. playwright  Noel Coward, actress Betty Grable and singer Jim Croce.

Porn was still in the early stages of what would become known as the golden age. Just about everything was filmed in the New York area. Some non adult theaters began showing porn on a limited basis to packed houses. Many New York TV and Broadway technicians were moonlighting on adult films for extra income. One of the groundbreaking films of 1973 would become an all time classic as we take a look back at, “The Devil in Miss Jones”

“The Devil in Miss Jones” – Director – Gerard Diamiano – Cast – Georgina Spelvin,  Judith Hamilton (Claire Lumiere), Sue Flaken, Harry Reems, John Clemens, Marc Stevens, Levi Richards,  Gerard Damiano (Albert Gork)

This was a groundbreaking adult film that would set the tone for everything that followed. It was a film that had a mainstream feel with a very good story line, terrific plot and a cast that could really act, deliver lines in believable fashion and make their characters very real. Ms. Spelvin had performed on Broadway as a singer, dancer and actress before porn. She even took over the lead role in “Pajama Game” from Shirley McLaine when she left for Hollywood and a film career. Mr. Reems studied with the New York Theater Ensemble and National Shakespeare Company and had done some off Broadway productions prior to getting into the world of porn. This would also be the benchmark for director Damiano as he would always employ actors who could act and not just have sex and perform in well written, story line and plot films, which became his trademark.

This film is one of the greatest porn classics of all time and in some ways was ahead of its time in some of the scenes and dialogue that take place in the film. The story centers around Justine (Georgina Spelvin) who is a lonely, virginal spinster who has never had a relationship, sexual or otherwise. She has led a very simple, pure life but now is at her wit’s end about the miserable life she has. So while Justin is in the tub taking a bath she also decides to take her own life by slitting her wrists. She feels that she will be better off in Heaven. However, because she committed the sin of suicide she is not allowed to enter Heaven.

Abaca (John Clemens) is the one who makes the decisions on who goes to Heaven or Hell. She pleads with him about wanting to feel the lustful desires she never did. Abaca decides to give her one more chance to redeem herself and sends her back to earth so she can experience all of the lust and sex she missed out on. Once she is back she meets The Teacher (Harry Reems) who wastes no time showing her what she must do, what she has missed and it begins with him taking care of her in every way, including some anal (which was rare back then).

Justine is just getting started with her sexual cravings and lust filled life back on earth as there are several other scenes that The Teacher gets her to live out in her need to be a total slut. One of them is a three way that takes place with Marc Stevens and Levi Richard. At one point as they double penetrate her (also a rarity then) she asked the men if they can feel themselves rubbing against each other inside her, do they enjoy it and how does it feel? That might not work today. Still it is an engrossing scene that allows for Justine to get ravaged and enjoy another thing she had missed. There is much more that takes place sexually and non sexually before Justine’s time is up and she can then go to either Heaven or Hell. Ms. Spelvin’s performance throughout is simply brilliant. Where does she end up and how does this end? I will leave that for you to discover in this all time classic. I will tell you that the ending is one you do not want to miss.

Here it is forty nine years later and this film still holds a deep fascination for porn fans and rightly so. The cast is superlative in every way, the camera work is exquisite, the writing, music, settings all make this film the classic it became. If there is one film from the golden age to have,  Gerard Damiano’s “The Devil in Miss Jones” is it. This film spawned a lot of sequels in the years after, but this, the original, now on DVD is the ONLY one truly worth your time.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

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THE ART OF ADULT – The Porn Classics Revisited – “Taboo” – VCX – 1980

It was the new decade of the 80’s and a lot of excitement accompanied the beginning of the new decade. How much of it do you remember? As always we begin by taking a look back at the cost of living in 1980.

The average yearly income was $19,500, the average cost of new 3 bedroom house was $68,700, the average cost of a new car was $7,200 and a gallon of gas had jumped all the way up to $1.19. A pound of ground beef was $1.39, you could by a Magnavox VHS Recorder for “only” $699. or a VHS Home Movie Camera for “only” $1,599., while a Pontiac Firebird was just under $6,000. Some of the 1980 news headlines……..Former movie actor and Governor of California, Ronald Reagan defeats Jimmy Carter to become President…….The start of a decades long war between Iran and Iraq begins. Look at where it is today…….Japan surpasses the U.S. and becomes the world’s largest auto producing country……The U.S. leads a boycott of the Moscow Olympics in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan………The Killer Clown, John Wayne Gacy Jr., is sentenced to death for the murder of 33 boys and young men……..Former Beatle John Lennon is shot to death outside his New York City apartment…… Fire destroys the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas……..VHS cameras and recorders are a big hit as the first domestic camcorders and fax machines are available in Japan. There is the release of the Pac-Man arcade game. CNN becomes the first 24 hour news station.

In Hollywood among the big films were Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Superman II, Raging Bull and Coal Miner’s Daughter. In music the big hits come from Blondie, ABBA, Diana Ross, Black Sabbath and Queen. In the world of TV, The “Who Shot JR” episode of Dallas is watched by millions. Other hit shows that year include Love Boat, The Jeffersons, Little House on the Prairie and Dukes of Hazard. Among the celebrities we lost were ex Beatle John Lennon, director Alfred Hitchock, singer Bob Marley, and actors Steve McQueen and Peter Sellers.

In the world of porn the 80’s would bring a lot of changes, much of it due to the emergence of VHS tapes, recorders and cameras. It would be the beginning of the amateur home video craze that today is bigger than ever. In 1980 there were several top adult films released, but none captured audiences and critical acclaim like the one we look back at today, “Taboo”.

Taboo – VCX – Director – Kirdy Stevens – Cast – Kay Parker, Dorothy LeMay, Juliet Anderson, Holly McCall, Brooke West, Miko Yani, Tawny Pearl, Mike Ranger, Don Fernando, Turk Lyon, Ken Scudder, Jesse Adams and others.

As much controversy and popularity that “Deep Throat” created in 1973, this 1980 film took porn to an entirely new level of controversy and with it, popularity. It was film that dared take on a subject considered verboten and turn it into a masterpiece of adult film making. Directed by Kirdy Stevens and with a stellar, professional cast it pushed the porn envelope further than it had ever been.

The subject matter is incest. Shocking of course, but it is something that does take place in today’s society worldwide. Stevens took on the subject turning out an extraordinary film that holds your interest from the first frame to the last. It is a study in frustration, taboo sexuality and its end result. The story centers around Barbara Scott (Kay Parker) whose sex life with her husband has no passion, chemistry or love as you discover right in the beginning. He leaves her for his mistress and suddenly the son Paul (Mike Ranger) has to become the man of the house. He quits school to get a job to help out his mom, who it obvious he has feelings for that are more than normal. He has a girlfriend (Dorothy LeMay) who he enjoys sexually and at one point another girl (Tawny Pearl) joins in the action. But it becomes more obvious it is his mom who he wants. He spies on her taking a shower and watching her work over her naked body.

Mom goes out to a party that turns into a full blown orgy, but she only watches what goes on and comes home totally frustrated and filled with lust. Heading to her room she sees her son asleep and can’t help notice his manhood. Defying all that is right she goes into the bedroom and the scene that takes place is filled with lust and is very explosive to say the least. The next day feeling all kinds of guilt Barbara packs her bags and leaves. She goes to see her horny friend and confidante Gina, delightfully played by Juliet Anderson, to talk about what has happened. Gina gets off on all the juicy details along with some very funny dialogue. Anderson makes this a memorable scene. What else takes place in this film is important to the story and the ending leaves you wondering where does it go from here?

There was no other star of the time that could have played the Barbara Scott role other than the classy, sexy, erotic Brit, Kay Parker. She was not only the perfect choice, but her performance was perfection throughout. In addition the rest of the cast were ideal in their roles. They deliver dialogue in real dramatic fashion adding to the entire realism of the story and plot. With the subject matter being what it was, the need for performers with real acting chops was essential and Stevens hit a grand slam with this group  of performers.

The writing by Helene Terrie was mainstream quality, the production values, lighting and sets were all top line. The cinematography was exceptional giving the viewer angles, fades, close ups and views that hadn’t been seen or explored before. Stevens direction was beautifully etched and paced throughout the entire film.

The immediate popularity of this film, due to its subject matter, and the press it got would spawn a long number of sequels over the years that were not nearly as good. Then again, when you have such a superlative film like this doing sequels that can match the original is almost impossible. Stevens would direct several of the sequels and both Kay Parker and Juliet Anderson would appear in some, but in minor roles. All those that followed basically used the subject matter as the “hook” to grab viewers and buyers attention and just did not measure up either in the writing, subject or performances.

There is only one “Taboo” to get and that is the 1980 original. It is now on DVD with a lot of good extras, interviews, behind the scenes and more. It is a true classic of the golden age, that is in both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame, as are Kay Parker, Juliet Anderson and Dorothy LeMay. This is one title that should be a part of every porn film fan’s collection.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

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Throwback Thursday – Hall of Fame Stars – Annette Haven

Annette Haven – Inducted 1986

A True Pioneer of the Golden Age

Annette Haven is another porn star who calls Las Vegas her birth home. She was born on December 1, 1954 to very conservative Mormon parents. After graduating from school with good grades, Annette took on several different jobs before the world of porn films came calling. She held jobs as a nurse’s aide, massage therapist and also took her turn as an exotic dancer. According to Ms. Haven, the reason she got into porn considering her religious background, was to prove sex was not sinful. She wanted to show that it could, and should be, pleasurable and enjoyable.

She left the regular job world behind and began doing some gigs as an exotic dancer in San Francisco. It didn’t take long before she became a full fledged stripper. With her natural body, full breasts, a butt that was just about perfect, very expressive and telling eyes she was a real dazzler on stage. Add to that Annette was truly enjoying herself and the reaction she received. Then a chance meeting with porn star Bonnie Holliday during one of her stage shows happened and that opened the door for her entry into adult hardcore films.

Right from the start when she made her debut in Alex De Renzy’s 1973 film “Lady Freaks”, Ms. Haven became a major fan favorite and that popularity is still very evident today almost 47 years later. After that auspicious debut, the extremely talented performer/actress would go on to make many memorable award worthy films in her career. They would include the 1976 classic “Autobiography of A Flea”. She also starred in films like “Femmes De Sade”, “Easy Alice”, “Tell Them Johnny Wadd Is Here” with John Holmes, “Honky Tonk Angels”, “Lust At First Bite” and “Barbara Broadcast” among them.

During her career Ms. Haven did just over 100 films. She was very selective about the productions and cast members she’d work with. She was a class act with a discerning taste in men for her movies and very selective when it came to a film’s content. Ms. Haven was opposed to violence of any kind, facials or bondage. If a film had any of that included she would refuse those scenes. While some producers in the business have let a performer go because they wouldn’t do certain scenes that wasn’t the case with her. Ms. Haven’s star status and her total professionalism ruled. She was not only a tremendous all out sexual performer, but an extremely competent actress who could deliver dialogue with the best and was always the consummate professional on the set.

Ms. Haven retired from adult films in the late ‘80’s. After leaving adult she was able to get in some mainstream work that included the movie “10” with Dudley Moore and Bo Derek. She was even set to have a co starring role in the 1981 hit “The Howling” but turned it down because of her stand on violence. In 1984 Ms. Haven was also very heavily considered for the lead role in the Brian De Palma film “Body Double”. He was very taken with her acting skills and really wanted her for the film’s female lead. However, just as it is today, the big studios would never allow a porn star to have a lead role in a major mainstream movie. So rather than Ms. Haven possibly setting a precedent, the role went to Melanie Griffith, but Annette stayed on as a technical advisor to the film and coach to Ms. Griffith.

Today, at 68, Ms. Haven has been totally divorced from the adult industry since the ‘80’s. She is a member of both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. The last that was known about her was that she was happily married and living a good life in Marin County, California. Thankfully many of the great films of Ms. Havens are available today on DVD, so fans, both old and new, can enjoy one of early porn’s true stars. In addition there is also a website www.annettehaven.com that fans can check out as well.

Annette Haven was definitely one of the most sought after and popular female stars of porn’s golden age and will always be remembered as a major part of the industry’s early growth and success. If you have never had the opportunity to see this very talented Hall of Famer then please check out a couple of the one’s mentioned in this piece and enjoy one of porn’s all time great stars.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN

Porn Updates & Upcoming Porn @ UpdatesZ.com

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