I'm pretty familiar with the 70's porn era, and I started seeing films in the 90's, so I know that era pretty good - but what about the 80's? it's like that period is (at least for me) a real unknown quantity. Are any films must sees that I should track down as a porn enthusiast?
Absolutely! The early 80s rivals the 70s in quality output. Here are some must sees: AMANDA BY NIGHT (Gary Graver, 1981) - Current DVD from Caballero looks awful and is cut but 6 min AMERICAN BABYLON (Roger Watkins, 1985) - Not currently on DVD. Released uncut on VHS by VCA. BETWEEN LOVERS (Ron Sullivan, 1983) BLONDE AMBITION (Amero Bros, 1980) - Available in a restored 2-DVD collector's edition from www.distribpix.com CAFE FLESH (Ribse Dream, 1982) - Note: current [possibly unauthorized] DVD from VCA is cut - part of the ending is missing. CORRUPTION (Roger Watkins, 1983) - Not currently on DVD. Released on VHS by VCA. Later tape editions are cut to remove necrophilia. THE DANCERS (Anthony Spinelli, 1981) DEVIL IN MISS JONES 2 (Ron Sulliva, 1982) DRACULA EXOTICA (Shaun Costello, 1980) - Current [unauthorized] DVD from TVX is edited and looks awful. Track down the VHS from VCA. 'F' (Svetlana, 1980) FASCINATION (Larry Revene, 1980) IN LOVE (Chuck Vincent, 1983) - Not on DVD. Released on VHS by VCA. JACK N' JILL 2 (Chuck Vincent, 1984) NOTHING TO HIDE (Anthony Spinelli, 1981) RAW TALENT (Larry Revene, 1984) - Current [unauthorized] DVD from VCA is heavily cut, as are most of their tape versions. Only the first edition VHS is complete. ROOMMATES (Chuck Vincent, 1981) SADIE (Bob Chinn, 1980) - Not on DVD. Very rare original VHS from Eros. WANDA WHIPS WALL STREET (Larry Revene, 1981)
There are many more great 80s films, but any of these would be a good place to start. Quality really went down after '83, due to shrinking budgets brought on by video.
pornography wasn't sex but fantasies of an impossibly hospitable world 12377 Posts 9/07
Posted - Nov 23 2011 : 4:46AM
Some great films in the early 80s. John has covered a lot of the great ones, I'll also mention Spinelli's DIXIE RAY HOLLYWOOD STAR and NOTHING TO HIDE. BORDELLO: HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN, SEX DRIVE and VOYEUR are all good mid-80s features directed by Vincent. Not really 'good' films but Phil Prince's rabidly sleazy movies (TAMING OF REBECCA, STORY OF PRUNELLA, KNEEL BEFORE ME) are certainly memorable.
NEW WAVE HOOKERS (1985) is a favorite of mine, and it's readily available on DVD. And while I'm not particularly into BJ-themed material, SWEET THROAT (1980) is a lot of fun to watch, for Beth Anna and the music alone. The DVDs of both are pretty good quality, too.
It's no surprise that my favorites from the decade are all from the early '80s. Amanda by Night (1981) American Desire (1981) Bella (1980) Desire for Men (1981) Nothing to Hide (1981) Playing with Fire (1983) Roommates (1981)
Thanks for the lists! I guess I thought Cafe Flesh was non-X, because I have seen that one (and I wish the soundtrack were available). I haven't heard of the others, but New Wave Hookers sounds good to this fan of New Wave music and early 80's fashions. Amanda By Night and "F" sound interesting by title alone... is Dracula Exotica related to the Jamie Gillis Dracula film?
