The White Rabbit: She’s embarassed – I think she’s still a virgin.
Mad Hatter: Well if that’s the case, she should be embarassed. I’ve never heard of such a thing.
Alice: Well I’m trying to learn, honestly, but I can’t have everything shoved down my throat all at once.
Mad Hatter: Well I don’t see why not.

This Ain’t Your Childhood “Alice In Wonderland!”

As the dialogue above clearly warns, this is a VERY different approach to a childhood classic – and a fascinating look at a cult Hollywood classic!

The characters may be the same – but their motivation is completely different! Meet Kristine DeBell – who debuted as the star of an X-rated MUSICAL version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the age of 22!

Yes, it was a musical! Check out the trailer!

Hooray For Hollywood!

It’s a story as old as Hollywood itself – find a classic story and exploit it! This 1975 movie is notorious for a number of reasons – but first, meet Kristine DeBell…a young Actress who got the break of a lifetime in 1975 when she was cast to star in an “adult” version of a classic children’s story!

In this X-rated musical version of “Alice In Wonderland”, Alice is a cheerful, outgoing and virginal librarian. After rejecting the offensive advances of a man named William, a white rabbit magically appears to take her to Wonderland. And in THIS wonderland, it’s all about X-rated pleasure!

Or Was It An “R”-Rated Musical Comedy?

While the first poster clearly says this is an X-rated movie, one other fascinating aspect of this story is that there were THREE separate versions of the film! Yes, it was an “R”-rated musical comedy as well…look at this version of the poster!

You see, this film was cut into many different versions to satisfy a wide variety of audiences! This wasn’t that unusual in the 70’s: movies were made in multiple versions to maximize their distribution, as many drive-ins around the country wouldn’t show X-rated films…

“Dirty Dorothy?”

According to David J. Hogan’s book “The Wizard of OZ FAQ,” Bill Osco, the producer of “Alice in Wonderland” had originally intended to star Kristine DeBell in an X-rated parody of the Wizard of OZ to be entitled “Dirty Dorothy.” He eventually decided to do a take-off on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice” books instead, because their rights were in the public domain and there would be less risk of a copyright infringement lawsuit!

So What EXACTLY Did Kristine DeBell Do In The Film?

And what about THIS XXX-Rated version of the movie? Yes, there was an even more extreme version of the film, which was shown in grindhouse theaters that catered to a more extreme audience. It raises the question: just what did Kristine DeBell do in this movie?

As I told you, there were three versions of the film released: the original X-rated version, plus a cleaner “R” version…and a notorious XXX-rating as well!

Thanks to the terrific SHOCK magazine issue #49, DeBell addressed the multiple cuts:

Once I was hired, at some point I said, ‘eww yuck! I mean, I’ll do that maybe, but I’m not doing that!” She adds, “They actually cut out three minutes to get an R-rating. It’s funny that after they released it as an R, one year later, the producers came out and said (husky voice) ‘oh yeah, yeah, here’s all the XXX that we filmed but didn’t put it in then.’ It’s like, ‘REALLY?’ (laughs)”

Several years ago, DeBell posted this great response on her Facebook page, where she describes exactly what she did and didn’t do in the movie:

“I have had the opportunity of late to set the record straight about my appearance in “Alice In Wonderland.” I think my comment on the film that sums it up best is “who’s in the triple X version? I did three naughty things in that movie…”

Here is a great writeup from DeBell’s Facebook page that explains it all:

https://www.facebook.com/kristinedebellfans/posts/487318431324689

In addition to appearing in “Alice In Wonderland”, DeBell also appeared in Playboy…she was on the April 1976 cover of the magazine…

Hello, Bill Murray!

After her notoriety playing Alice, Kristine moved into mainstream film and television. Her most prominent film role was camp counselor A.L., alongside Bill Murray in the comedy “Meatballs!”

After appearing as Jackie Chan’s girlfriend in “The Big Brawl”, she appeared in a number of television series, including “The Young and the Restless”, “B. J. and the Bear” and “Night Court”.

DeBell achieved fame through a unique role – and she’s not the only sex kitten to do so…

The “Queen Of Artsploitation!”

Swedish Actress Christina Lindberg was the “Queen of Artsploitation”, with a string of provocative european art films full of “adult situations”…

She achieved the same sort of X-rated notoriety for her role in “Thriller: A Cruel Picture”, which was also released in multiple versions…you can read all about Quentin Tarantino’s favorite exploitation film by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

Another way to become famous was to be a “Bond girl”, starring in one of the many 007 films…

Claudine Auger achieved fame as the “Bond girl” in “Thunderbolt” – you can read all about her career by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/18/sexiest-bond-girl-ever-sex-kitten-claudine-auger-james-bond-and-giallo-horror/

Starring in an exploitation film isn’t always the key to stardom…here is one cautionary tale:

Anne Sparrow starred in the cult classic “The Sinful Dwarf” – yes, if you follow my blog, you know all about this film:

“The Sinful Dwarf” was also released in many different versions, and the young actress who stars in the film, Anne Sparrow, made this film and then disappeared forever!

Read all about this cinematic mystery by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/16/sinful-sex-kitten-anne-sparrow-the-mystery-of-a-disappearing-starlet/

There you have it: a look at how movies are made once but released in many different ways…let me know if you’ve experienced any of them!

You Don’t Have To Go To Texas For A Chainsaw Massacre!

Well, that’s helpful to know. It also helps to know this:

“While we out fiddling with that music, the lousy bastard was in there killing her! BASTARD! BAAAAASTAAARD! BASTAAARD!”

And with that classic dialogue, it is time to discover the incredible over-the-top bad taste and great grind house entertainment that is:

“Pieces!” It’s Exactly What You Think It Is!

How can you go wrong with a poster like that! And look at this one, which includes a special line underneath the title on the left:

“AN IMPORTANT FILM”

Indeed!

“Pieces” is a notorious shocker from 1981 that was banned in several counties, and included some of the bloodiest scenes in motion picture history! In fact, look how they chose to promote the film:

It always begins with a young boy who is traumatized…flash forward to college, when young co-eds are being cut up by a chainsaw killer! The madman is attempting to put together a human jigsaw puzzle made from body parts – “PIECES!”

In the 80’s, horror films turned very violent, with slasher movies turning screens blood red:

This era may not have produced great films, but they were shocking and fun to watch, perhaps no more so that this classic:

Linnea Quigley was a big star of 80’s horror, and you can read more about her here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/28/scream-queen-linnea-quigley-naked-graveyard-dancing-horror-demons-too/

If you love this era of film, then the newly remastered Blu-Ray version of “Pieces” is for you!

Grindhouse Releasing has a great special edition of “Pieces” on Blu-Ray, including the U.S. theatrical and Spanish versions of the film, and a bonus video of American horror director Eli Roth presenting a theatrical screening of Pieces to a Los Angeles cult audience!

Roth most recently directed his homage to the 80’s cannibal films, “The Green Inferno.” You can read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/05/enter-the-green-inferno-eli-roths-homage-to-shocking-cannibal-holocaust/

Perhaps the greatest extra bonus on the new “Pieces” release is this:

42ND STREET MEMORIES: All-new feature-length documentary about the legendary “Grindhouse” era of New York’s 42nd street, including interviews with Bill Lustig, Larry Cohen, Frank Henenlotter, Buddy Giovinazzo, Jeff Lieberman, John Skipp, Lynn Lowry, Terry Levine and other exploitation icons!

This was a fascinating era in movie history: Time Square lit up with theaters playing the wildest sexploitation movies of the time, suavely 24 hours a day!

I can’t wait to see this new documentary, and if you want to see some of the greatest “grind house” films of the era, you can check out my story here:

Sexy “Honey”! Dirty “Brine!” Grindhouse Classics, “Prurient” Style!

Folks, these were some wild wild films!

42nd Street was a seedy, dangerous place in the 70’s and 80’s, and the movies had to deliver!

Here are some more of the classic movies of that era:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/06/12/dirty-keyholes-immoral-wives-the-naked-truth-about-cult-grindhouse-cinema/

You see, the films were full of sex and violence, and legend has it that the movie theaters of Times Square were as well! That meant you need films like this to keep the customers satisfied:

Lurid, pandering, and usually hilariously bad, these films are worth checking out just to see how gullible the public was at the time! Here are a few more great examples:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/02/70s-sin-ema-massage-parlor-murders-ursula-gets-naked-gritty-grindhouse-classics/

Let me know if you are falling to “Pieces!”

Meet The Face Of J-Sploitation!

One of the world’s wildest genres of film features one of the world’s most popular Actresses…here is a look at some crazy movies of Japan, with one very busy star!

Meet Asami – J-Sploitation’s Queen Of Ass Kicking!

Asami Sugiura is one of Japan’s most popular – and busiest stars! In the early part of her career, she performed under the singular name Asami as a “Gravure Idol”!

What’s A “Gravure Idol?”

In Japan, the phrase “Gravure Idol” refers to a model who primarily appears in magazines marketed to men. Gravure idols, in most cases, emphasize their sexual attractiveness…wearing skimpy clothes and smelling seductively…it’s a unique aspect of Japanese culture…

Beyond her work as a “Gravure Idol”, Asami achieved J-Sploitation notoriety for her starring roles in a number of great japanese exploitation films – like this classic of the genre:

The Machine Girl!

This is one aggressively entertaining movie! Asami starred with Minase Yashiro, who was “The Machine Girl” – a young woman brutalized by the mob in Japan…with her friend Asami’s help, they get bloody revenge!

Get ready to have your eyeballs sucked out of your moviegoing head when you see this trailer!

Welcome To The World Of “J-Sploitation!”

This is an insane – and insanely entertaining – type of film you have to see to believe! The Japanese exploitation genre known as “J-Sploitation” follows exploitation rules closely: women put in dangerous situations, but they always come out on top! Oh, and there is a lot of action, nudity, and blood!

“The Machine Girl” has an over-the-top vibe, and Asami has the chance to kick lots of ass in the film! Any movie that involves revenge, Ninjas AND fried food as a weapon of destruction is right up my alley!

You can read more about this cult genre of film by clicking on my story here:

Mutant Girls! Toilet Zombies!! Japan’s Wild Female Ninjas!! Bloody J-Sploitation Fun!

Asami’s film credits are full of classic “j-sploitation” cinema…each one seemingly intent on out-grossing the one before…there are a lot of great ones, but this is one of my favorites!

Behold the “Citizen Kane” of killer sushi movies!

“DEAD SUSHI!”

“Dead Sushi”is a “Japanese splatter action comedy” about “flying killer sushi monsters,” and it’s on blu-ray for you to enjoy!

“Dead Sushi” stars Japanese Actress Rina Takeda along with Asami – and is chock full of outrageous moments…check out the trailer!

Asami has a blast in this film – and yes, if you are noticing a trend, that’s because these movies all adhere to a very specific style and tone – but that’s why they work so well!

RoboGeisha!

Asami also starred in this classic! “RoboGeisha” is full of great special effects, classic action, and over-the-top mayhem! To see more of this Director’s work, click on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/07/30/killer-sushi-the-robogeisha-director-is-back-with-more-fried-shrimp-death-and-japanese-mayhem/

Now, at this point you are asking yourself: why hasn’t Asami done any zombie films? Well, I think you know the answer to that!

“Zombie Ass: Toilet Of The Dead!”

Prepare yourself for the majesty of Asami’s “Zombie Ass!” Here is the trailer:

The plot is simple: a group of friends decide on an outing in the woods…

Things start to go badly when one of them finds a parasitical worm inside a fish they catch – and wolfs it down alive, in the hope that it’ll help keep her skinny! And then… zombies!

Needless to say, “Zombie Ass: Toilet Of The Dead” is a “campfest” of wild action, lots and lots of blood, and tongue firmly in cheek!

Some of Asami’s more adult films, however, are much rougher and no laughing matter…

Asami also has acted in a number of “pink” films – a specific category of japanese sexploitaiton film, which have more erotic content and nudity. She starred in “Female Prisoner Ayaka” and also “Three Slave Women” – which won Asami a Best Actress award in Japan.

Meet Asami’s “Gun Woman!”

One of Asami’s most recent films is “Gun Woman”, which is as crazy as anything she has done!

Check out the trailer:

Here is the plot in a nutshell: A Doctor seeking revenge trains a young woman to become an Assassin – with all of her weapons embedded inside her! What else do you need to know?

The doctor concocts a plan for Asami to crash a party. Gun parts have been implanted in her body. Once inside, she must go on her killing mission by tearing her sutures, retrieving the parts and assembling the gun before bleeding to death!

All of these films can be found now on DVD or Blu-ray, so there is no excuse NOT to try out some of the wildest movies ever made – and bravo to Asami for her career!

“Well, I must admit that since the curfew, Peckham has been more boring than usual.”

And with that sterling line of dialogue, time to buzz around the campy cult fun of “Invasion Of The Bee Girls!”

This 1973 camp classic has a simple plot: A powerful cosmic force is turning Earth women into queen bees who kill men by wearing them out sexually!

Here is the incredible trailer for the film, including some very funny uses of graphics to cover what they call “Naughty Bits”! –

Thanks to “The Odeon” for posting this on YouTube!

As you can see from this movie still, they use what is called a “hivemaker” – you can only imagine the scientific research that went into the making of this classic!

Drive-In Movie Culture Lives!

“Invasion of the Bee Girls” is a classic example of a “drive-in movie”. These softcore, “R”-rated films were shown mostly in drive-in movie theaters across America in the 70’s – movies that offered a bit of nudity, mostly hinted at sexual situations and lots of goofy, campy horror…and dialogue like this!

Dr. Susan Harris: Well, I must admit that since the curfew, Peckham has been more boring than usual.

The trend in the 70’s was to offer a “sexy” look at all sorts of women’s professions, such as Cheerleaders:

Rah! Rah! Rah!

There were a string of these silly sex comedies in the 70’s and 80’s, and you can see them all here:

Cheerleaders! Pom Pom Girls! David Hasselhoff As “Boner!” Cult Classics – Rah Rah Rah!

The great David Hasselhoff even starred in one – how can you resist?

Greedy Movie Producers also managed to exploit another profession as well:

“Coffee, Tea Or Me?”

A book by that name was a huge bestseller in the late 60’s, hinting at the wild sex lives of Stewardesses – so of course movies jumped on the bandwagon as well!

Check out these high-flying sex comedies here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/30/naughty-stewardesses-swinging-cheerleaders-centerfold-girls-classic-70s-exploitation/

As I said, these movies mostly played drive-in movie theaters…if you miss the drive-in era, there is a great documentary that brings it back to life!

This terrific documentary looks at the past, present and future of the drive-in, as many groups have banded together to save the last remaining one from extinction! You can see that effort here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/04/02/the-drive-in-monster-rama-lives-scary-movies-in-your-car/

Finally, there is a great website that keeps cult films poster like this one alive:

The Rio Theater has a ton of classic exploitation movie posters, and you can see more of them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/22/classic-cult-movie-posters-the-rios-grindhouse-exploitation-art-sexy-double-bills/

Let me know your favorite drive-in movie – leave a comment!

Time To Get A Taste Of “Dolemite”!

I love exploitation movies, and one of the more outrageous entries in the film genre known as “blaxploitation” is getting a loving blu-ray restoration!

How can you NOT love a film with this instantly iconic dialogue?

Time For Some “Dolemite!”

Check out the trailer for this “Blaxploitation” classic from 1975:

Rudy Ray Moore is “Dolemite”, an ex-con out to settle some scores…Moore was known as the “King Of The Party Records” for his profane albums in the 60’s and 70’s…here is just one example of his raunchy X-rated catalog:

With a huge fanbase due to this comedy records, Moore decided to become a movie star, and his character “Dolemite” was immediately revered as one of the more outrageous entries in the “blaxploitation” category…

Bravo once again to the cult home video company Vinegar Syndrome for offering a beautifully remaster copy of this blaxploitation classic, restored in 2k from a newly discovered 35mm negative!

The new blu-ray comes with a ton of other great extras as well!

Here is the best option: this new blu-ray includes two framing options for the film: the intended 1.85:1 widescreen version and an alternate full frame ‘boom mic’ version. What does that mean?

Lowering The Boom!

That’s right, you can watch the original film which includes all of the camera crew equipment accidentally seen in the shot, like this boom much overhead!

While “Dolemite” might not be technically perfect, it is a classic slice of “blaxploitation”, a genre of film that needs to be appreciated!

Also on the new blu-ray release:

• “I, Dolemite” making-of documentary.
• “Lady Reed Uncut” featurette.
• “Locations: Then & Now” featurette.
• Historical commentary track by Rudy Ray Moore’s biographer, Mark Jason Murray.
• DOLEMITE – theatrical trailer.
• THE HUMAN TORNADO – theatrical trailer.

That’s right, they include the trailer for Moore’s sequel, “The Human Tornado!”

As always, the Mondo Digital website has a terrific review of this new blu-ray, which includes complete information on ALL of the bonus extras that come with the movie:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/dolemite.html

Bravo once again to Vinegar Syndrome for rescuing a classic film for the ages! You can see all of their releases at their website!

https://vinegarsyndrome.com

If you aren’t familiar with the “blaxploitation” genre, this should help:

“Shaft” is probably the most renowned in the genre, but there were many others…read them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/23/dolemite-hit-man-shaft-iconic-blaxploitation-stars/

Of course, the genre wasn’t limited to films about guys:

Pam Grier Rules!

Pam Grier is also a “blaxploitation” legend, with a number of classic films – you can read about them all here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/06/studly-superfly-sexy-sheba-blaxploitations-sexiest-stars-pam-grier-shaft/

The “Godfather” of the genre is the legendary Melvin Van Peebles, who exploded on the scene with his incendiary classic:

“Sweet Sweetback’s Badass Song” has been re-released on a blu-ray special edition as well and is well worth checking out…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/23/rated-x-by-an-all-white-jury-the-incendiary-sweet-sweetbacks-badass-song-blaxploitations-brilliant-godfather/

Among the other classic films in this genre is one that co-starred a very young but hilarious Richard Pryor:

Read all about “The Mack” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/04/25/the-mack-sweet-sweetback-blacula-blaxploitation-lives/

And leave me a message to let me know what you think about “Dolemite!”

Exploitation’s Legendary Sex Kitten Uschi Digard! Her Camp Classic “Toy Box”!

Exploitation cinema has a long and entertaining history of crazy films – and a bevy of sexy Actresses who bring their unique “assets” to the filmmaking process:

Uschi Digard has a unique name, and an equally unique career – everything from nudie pinups to sex kitten in a number of Russ Meyer cult classics!

Legendary Director Russ Meyer made some of the most outrageous sexploitation films of the 60’s and 70’s, including what many consider to be the greatest exploitation film ever made:

I have posted about a number of the Director’s films – and stars – and there are links below, but I want to spend a bit of time talking about one of his most visually distinctive stars of all:

Celebrating the Career Of Uschi Digard!

If you don’t know the name, you might recognize the face – Digard was in a number of Russ Meyer films in the late 60’s and 70’s, plus has a cameo in one of the best comedies ever released!

Let’s begin in Europe, where so many of the early Starlets got their start. Here is how she once spoke of her childhood:

“I was born in Saltsjö-Duvnäs, a little town outside Stockholm, Sweden, and am of Swedish/Swiss heritage. I was sent to a boarding school with nuns at an early age because those were the best schools in the country and I was pretty promiscuous as a little one — not with men, but with books. I loved reading and at age 6 I decided I wanted to learn languages because I couldn’t stand reading books that had been translated — they lost the essence. By age 7 I had read every book in the little village library.”

Russ Meyer Discovers Uschi!

Tigard’s big break came in the late 60’s…here is what happened, according to Digard’s official website:

“Uschi Digard got her big adult sex film break in 1969 when a film lab lost some footage of Russ Meyer’s “Cherry, Harry, & Raquel”. Russ Meyer, who had discovered Uschi Digard in a nude Penthouse feature, shot some sex action footage of Uschi Digard to replace the missing footage. This led to the casting of Uschi Digard in two other Russ Meyer films: “Supervixens” (1975) and “Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens” (1979).”

Russ Meyers was known, of course, for his love of the female body, and his films celebrated women like Uschi, in a series of wild sexploitation classics that were profane and hilariously funny…

She worked with Meyers on a number of his movies, in big roles as well as cameo appearances, and was a co-producer on “Up!” and “Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens!”

Aside from the Russ Meyer films, Digard starred in a slew of low-budget camp classics like this one:

Uschi’s “Toy Box”!

“Squaws did it for their Braves…why not Ralph?”

This is one of the strangest movies I’ve ever seen, beginning with that hilarious line of dialogue as our star decides whether to “please” her man – “The Toy Box” is an obscure oddity, a pure sexploitation horror film without any regard for a coherent plot! It doesn’t matter though, since Uschi Digard shows up in the film for one reason: to perform a totally nude solo scene on a bed as she imagines a ghost groping her!

Most of the film’s running time has naked hippies dancing to bad music and rolling around on the dirty floor…and yes, it is as unappealing as it sounds…except for Uschi, of course! This film was produced by Harry Novak, the King of Exploitation! He passed away a few years ago, but not before leaving us films like “The Toy Box” and others like this!

You can read more about this master of Sexploitation by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/03/weve-lost-the-king-of-mind-blowing-movies-rip-harry-novak/

Uschi Digard appeared in a wide array of films, with full frontal nudity and sexual situations a regular part of her cinematic routine. But she always exuded a aggressive female sexual persona – not a sex toy, but an empowered sexual being…

She had a number of other minor roles as well, including a small part as a prisoner in the bad taste cult classic “Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS” in 1975.

Digard Is A Bad Catholic Schoolgirl!

Of all of her roles, I will always remember this one!

In 1977, Digard had a cameo appearance in the hilarious fake movie trailer called “Catholic High School Girls in Trouble” from John Landis’s “Kentucky Fried Movie.”

If you haven’t seen this movie, you are missing one of the funniest films ever made, by the guys who went on to make “Airplane!”

Read all about “Kentucky Fried Movie” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/03/big-jim-slade-fistfuls-of-yen-its-the-kentucky-fried-movie/

In addition to acting, Uschi was one of the most popular “men’s magazine models” as well…

She was among the best known “big bust” models in the late-1960s and early-1970s, building up a cult fan base and unabashedly embracing her fame…

Retro-Seduction Cinema now has a great collection of her most offbeat and sensual movies in a special collection, and the Russ Meyer films are also widely available today…

Even though Uschi Digard is know for her physical appearance, she is also very intelligent – she speaks eight languages – German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, French and English!

This movie star still looks great today. Now married, she lives in Palm Springs and North Hollywood.

If you want to support this classic sex kitten, go to her website here:

http://www.uschidigart.com

Yes, it’s very NSFW once you enter, but it’s also a fascinating story of a time that is long gone in cinema…

If you want to know more about Russ Meyer, especially a closer look at this classic cult movies, click on my story here:

RIP Haji! FASTER, PUSSYCAT Star! Russ Meyer’s SEXPLOITATION CLASSICS!

Uschi is just one sex symbol that I have profiled, and it’s great to see she is living happily today. Another one who has prospered is the legendary Mamie Van Doren:

Mamie Van Doren
Screen Legend Mamie Van Doren launches Mamietage Wine
held at Eleven Restaurant – Arrivals
West Hollywood, California – 14.11.07
Credit: (Mandatory): Dimitri Halkidis / WENN

She starred in some of the most provocative films of the 50’s and 60’s, and she is still active on social media today! Read all about here here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/07/07/mamie-van-doren-legendary-hollywood-sex-kitten-untamed-sex-symbol/

Another more mainstream sex kitten from the 60’s turned into one of Hollywood’s best Actresses of the 70’s:

Ann Margret starred with Jack Nicholson in “Carnal Knowledge”, as will always be remembered for her “baked bean scene” from the classic 70’s rock opera “Tommy”:

Read all about this fascinating movie star by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/23/hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten-ann-margret-rock-operas-baked-beans-elvis/

Let me know if you’ve seen any of Uschi Digard’s work!

“That’s Sexploitation” – Cinema’s Greatest Genre Is “Docu”-mented!

Fans of cult movies have a reason to rejoice – the “Godfather of Grindhouse Documentaries” is here!

Yes, even THIS “Psycho Cat” is happy about it!

First, check out this trailer – safe for work – yet also full of what makes “sexploitation” one of the most hilarious genres ever committed to celluloid!

There are so many scenes in that trailer that showcase what an “anything goes” genre of film “sexploitation” was!

Here is how the terrific website “Mondo Digital” describes the company behind this amazing documentary “That’s Sexploitation!”:

“You’d be hard pressed to find a company more responsible for creating exploitation video addicts than Something Weird Video, which started off as a grassroots VHS seller in the ‘80s but exploded into an incredible resource for sexy, scary gems either absent from movie screen for years or, in many cases, never seen at all!”

Yes, the terrific cult video distribution company “Something Weird Video” rescued films like “The Defilers” from obscurity. The review goes on:

“From there the company started racking up the catalogs of names like Harry Novak and Doris Wishman, not to mention the remaining H.G. Lewis titles, while also churning out countless volumes of loops (sexy short films) ranging from nudie cuties to vintage hardcore.”

Movies like “Forbidden Love” were classic “grind house” films – movies that played the grungiest theaters in America, like these on New York’s 42nd street:

I’ve posted many stories about these legendarily seedy movie theaters from the early 70’s, and you can read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/11/23/sex-violence-grindhouse-have-a-purient-holiday-an-exploitation-gift-guide/

When Something Weird announced they were doing a documentary about this time in film, I knew it would be great!

Frank Henenlotter is the director of the cult classic “Basket Case” – another film that was part of the Something Weird brand – and “Frankenhooker”, a modern homage to “grind house” cinema. As Mondo Digital reports:

“His involvement with the company and friendship with the Vraney family included the beloved line of “Frank Henenlotter’s Sexy Shockers from the Vault” series, one of the company’s high points in its VHS prime, in addition to solidifying its voice by writing the vast majority of the incredibly witty and catchy copy for their releases.”

Henenlotter directed “That’s Sexploitation!”, and he had total access to the Something Weird catalog…this amazing new documentary also has a ton of extras! Here’s the product description from Amazon:

“From director Frank Henenlotter (BASKET CASE, BRAIN DAMAGE) and co-producer Mike Vraney (the late founder of Something Weird Video) comes the epic documentary critics call fascinating (Video Watchdog), titillating (Time Out Los Angeles) and jaw-dropping (Seattle Weekly): Henenlotter and legendary exploitation monarch David F. Friedman in his final film appearance are your hosts for this eye-popping expedition through the world of pre-code peekaboos, stags, sex-hygiene films, goona-goonas, nudie-cuties, roughies, druggies, white-coaters and more, featuring thousands of spicy clips from the SWV archives. And if that’s not enough. the Bonus Features include an additional 3+ hours of rare loops and shorts from five decades of Sexploitation history!”

Special Features on the Blu-Ray include:
Over 3 1/2 Hours of Sexploitation Shorts From The Something Weird Archives
Audio Commentary With Director Frank Henenlotter And Something Weird’s Lisa Petrucci
Trailer

I have mine pre-ordered so I can dig into this movie the day it comes out!

You can read Mondo Digital’s whole writeup of this incredible documentary here:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/sexploitation.html

And bravo to “Something Weird” for their passion for great cult films!

Sadly, SWV Founder Mike Vraney passed away two years ago, and I posted an homage to him here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/07/something-weird-wild-wild-cinema-celebrating-a-weird-genius-rip-mike-vraney/

I have also posted many stories about the “sexploitation” genre, films with provocative titles like this:

How can you go wrong with a movie title like that? Here is a look at some of the wildest movies of the genre:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/21/an-exploitation-primer-your-guide-to-the-world-of-classic-cult-spoitation-genres-cult-movies-to-make-you-blush/

There are so many great examples, it’s hard to cover them all – but as you see, they left almost nothing “covered!”

Here are some of the more “pandering” examples of the genre!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/07/20/sexy-bored-housewives-loves-agony-how-to-make-a-bed-classic-ecstasy/

Let me know what you think of this incredible new documentary!

Talk About A Tough Lady!

Dressed fully in black and carrying a sharp knife, this is one of the greatest action heroes that America’s NEVER HEARD OF!

Time to share a “J-sploitation” film series that combines action, violence and “women in prison” genres to terrific effect!

This classic Japanese exploitation series follows the adventures of Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion!

“Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion!”

Japanese star Meiko Kaji is Scorpion, and as you can imagine, the movie follows her travails inside a prison!

Check out the great trailer!

Here’s how one website described it:

“Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion contains everything you will find in the remainder of the series, so if you don’t like what you see, venture no further. We are talking soft-core couplings, lesbianism, slapstick prison wardens administering gleeful punishment and lots and lots of blood, usually shooting out jet-stream style from freshly severed limbs. But, seriously, what’s not to like about that?”

“Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41!”

As much fun as “Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion” is, it’s just the beginning!

The second film in the series is considered by many to be the definitive entry. In “Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41” has our heroine recaptured and placed in solitary confinement, before she plans an escape through the bowels of the prison – with six other inmates in tow!

Here is the trailer:

One website claimed that “Jailhouse 41” has even more nudity, gratuitous sadism, acid-tinged fantasy sequences – plus musical numbers and extreme martial arts as well!

Scorpion Gets “Armed!”

Next up is the third film in the series – “Female Prisoner 701 Scorpion: Beast Stable” – as our heroine is free but on the run from the law again…

Here is the classic trailer for the film, which includes her running with a severed arm!

Yes, A SEVERED ARM!

This is wildly inventive moviemaking, operating under the classic exploitation rules: these movies must feature lots of action, nudity, and over-the-top mayhem!

A Final “Grudge!”

The final film in the series, “Female Prisoner Scorpion #701: Grudge Song” has a different Director, and shows a gentler side of our Heroine…and if you want to see all four in all-new remastered editions with tons of great extras, check this out!

Arrow Video is releasing a new blu-ray box set with all four films and tons of great extras, so you can dive into the deep end of the “J-sploitation” pool!

Japanese “pinky” films were wildly popular in the 1970’s, and are legendary for their portrayal of “tough girls” in dangerous situations:

You can see some of the best of the genre here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/31/mutant-girls-pinky-violence-sex-fury-and-lady-snowblood-too-japanese-sexploitation-lives/

Even though these films are from the 70’s, the modern era of cinema in Japan includes the genre of “J-sploitation” as well!

One of the more recent films had a very controversial “jiggle” promo, which you can see here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/11/the-bikini-game-controversial-japanese-jiggle-movie-promo-new-j-sploitation-film/

The genre is also tongue in cheek, or in this case….

Yes, “Zombie Ass: Toilet Of The Dead” is a classic example of the “J-sploitation” genre, see it here!

https://johnrieber.com/2012/11/06/zombie-ass-yes-japans-wacky-cinema-is-calling-what-the/

You can also check out a ton of great new japanese horror films as well:

This is an amazing genre of film, see the best here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/13/yakuza-zombies-bloody-asian-halloween-horror-2015-shocking-japanese-exploitation/

Leave me a message and let me know if you’ve seen any of the “Scorpion” films!

PUT THE BLOODY KNIFE DOWN. Time To Talk More “Giallo!”

If you don’t know about the classic Italian “giallo” genre of film shockers, you are missing some of the most suspenseful thrillers ever committed to bloody celluloid!

“Giallos” are Italy’s version of “pulp fiction” – lurid thrillers with plenty of sex and violence – but they are also some of the best mystery films ever made!

Oh, they also have some of the wildest titles of all time: like “A Lizard In A Woman’s Skin” for one, and what about this subtle title?

The genre of Italian “giallo” film has resulted in some cinematic classics such as “Suspiria” and “Four Flies On Dead Velvet” – and I will share more about those in a moment….but first, time to explore a few more classics of the genre – starting with this classic title:

“Your Vice Is A Locked Room And Only I Have The Key!”

This cult classic is loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale “The Black Cat”, and is from director Sergio Martino – who also made the classic thriller “Torso”!

This is a classic cult film that you can read more about here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/06/06/psycho-go-go-dancers-delinquent-schoolgirls-and-candy-snatchers-more-70s-grindhouse/

But now, back to “Your Vice Is A Locked Room!”

First, here is an international trailer, but don’t worry: it’s all scenes and images from the film with a classic 70’s giallo soundtrack!

Well, that poster doesn’t leave much to the imagination, does it?

Here’s a brief synopsis: Oliviero is an abrasive drunk who amuses himself by holding drunken orgies at his grand country manor – and no surprise, his wife, played by Actress Anita Strindberg, doesn’t like it much!

Soon, a series of murders rocks Oliviero’s sordid world….and here’s a great fact thanks to IMDB: the title is a reference to Sergio Martino’s earlier giallo “”The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh”, in which the same phrase appears in a mysterious note apparently sent by a killer!

So, are you getting an idea of just how entertaining and twisted this genre is? And believe me when I tell you – they are very entertaining!

Perhaps the most well-known Giallo Director is the legendary Dario Argento:

Argento’s masterpiece is “Suspiria” starring Jessica Harper, best known for her starring role in Brian DePalma’s “Phantom Of The Paradise”…but Argeno also made such great thriller as “Tenebrae”-

You can read all about his great movies by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/29/dario-argentos-bloody-masterpiece-tenebrae-cult-giallo-goes-blu/

Some very well known movie stars appeared in these films – perhaps none more beautiful than “Bond Girl” Claudine Auger:

Aside from starring alongside Sean Connery in “Thunderbolt”, she starred in a classic “giallo” as well…see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/18/sexiest-bond-girl-ever-sex-kitten-claudine-auger-james-bond-and-giallo-horror/

One of the genre’s most controversial films was this classic – with an equally classic title:

“A Lizard In A Woman’s Skin” ended up in court! Click here to find out why the Director almost ended up in prison!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/15/a-lizard-in-a-womans-skin-halloweens-controversial-giallo-on-trial-slithering-italian-sex-shockers/

As you can see, it’s a movie category with plenty of controversy…another great Director was Lucio Fulci, and yes, he had some wacky film titles too!

Yes, the film “Don’t Torture A Duckling” is a classic Giallo shocker! Read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/09/halloween-giallo-masters-agentos-animal-trilogy-fulcis-tortured-ducklings-italian-pulp-fiction/

And finally, here is a title that doesn’t beat around the bush:

“Strip Nude For Your Killer” may sound like it’s pandering, and – well, it is! But it’s still a great mystery thriller, and you can read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/07/09/time-to-strip-nude-four-flies-and-baba-yaga-to-you-yes-its-classic-italian-giallo/

Let me know which of these classic “Giallos” you’ve watched!

“You’ve seen them give out prizes on Daytime TV – now see the goodies they give out at night!”

Well, it’s not difficult to see what this movie is up to – time to look at another unique genre of exploitation!

First, check out the wacky – and amazingly all over the map tonally – trailer for “Game Show Models”!

Bravo To “Vinegar Syndrome” For Showcasing These “Game Show Models!”

If you are a fan of cult cinema, this is the movie for you…a story that tears the band-aid off of the seedy underbelly of Hollywood…and includes a man have sex with a woman wearing THIS mask!

OK, let’s be honest: “Game Show Models” is just another great example of 1970’s sexploitation: find a topic that you can exploit with lots of beautiful young women, tons of nudity, some goofy comedy and a bit of social commentary – it’s what Hollywood does best!

the poster for the film promises lots of fun, and that’s what the movie delivers.

Here is a great in-depth review on “Daily Grindhouse” – check it out here:

http://dailygrindhouse.com/thewire/dvd-review-game-show-models-1977/

“Vinegar Syndrome” has released a number of great exploitation films from the 70’s – movies that played an important role in cinema – because they showed that people just wanted to get out of the house and have some “good, clean naughty fun” in the theaters, and these movies did the trick!

If you want to see more about this film – and why wouldn’t you? Then check out my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/28/a-saint-a-woman-a-devil-classic-vinegar-from-a-syndrome-you-need-to-control/

Many of these films were forgotten to time before Vinegar Syndrome brought them back for film buffs to re-discover:

“Sugar Cookies” is another example, and you can see that wacky trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/12/sugar-cookies-neglected-cult-troma-sexploitation-rescued/

Vinegar Syndrome also brought back what may just be the single most obscure cult film of all time – which I immediately bought!

“The Telephone Book” is almost impossible to describe, and here is the original theatrical poster which doesn’t help much!

See the trailer for this film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/25/the-telephone-book-a-legendary-mind-blowing-obscure-cult-classic/

As a cult movie buff, I appreciate what Vinegar Syndrome is doing to preserve these culturally fascinating films – see their entire release slate here:

https://vinegarsyndrome.com

Leave me a note to let me know if you plan to check out these “Game Show Models!”

Welcome To “Sharkansas!”

Sometimes, movies are so “bad” they become “great”, and here’s proof!

“Swamp” Sharks!

We’ve seen “sharknadoes”, now there are sharks that come from the swamps of Arkansas to feed on beautiful girls!

Time To Dive Into The “Sharkansas Women’s Prison Massacre”!

The trailer says it all:

It happens all the time in Arkansas: a “fracking” accident rips apart the earth’s crust, and out pour prehistoric sharks – who naturally attack a group of beautiful young women who happen to be staying in a remote cabin!

I have read reviews that point out this is “nudity free”, meaning it’s a classic “B” movie designed to air on cable channels all across your dial for years to come…Dominique Swain and Traci Lords star in the film, which doesn’t demand anything more than for you to sit back and watch the “sharks fly”!

Director Jim Wynorski made classic “B” movies like “SORORITY HOUSE MASSACRE 2” and “BIG BAD MAMA 2.” If anyone can make this kind of campy horror entertaining, it’s this guy…however, if you REALLY want a “women’s prison” film, then you should try this one…

If your “cult cinema” tastes run a bit more lurid, then you will find these “women in prison” more to your liking:

Pam Grier is the “Queen of Blaxploitation”, and “Black Mama White Mama” delivers the “women in prison” good in a newly remaster blu-ray – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/21/black-mama-white-mama-queen-of-blaxploitation-pam-grier-naked-showers-women-in-prison-classics/

If you want to see more killer animals, check out this cult classic…yes, “Frogs” that kill! See the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/18/zombeavers-the-latest-in-killer-animal-movies-frogs-ants-and-more-campy-horror/

These films aren’t only found in the US: there are hilarious cult horror films from Japan that will blow your mind!

“Killer Sushi” Anyone?

Yes, a great film tells the story of sushi that kills! See the trailer for “Dead Sushi” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/28/killer-sushi-toilet-zombies-karaoke-terror-tasty-japanese-exploitation/

Leave me a message and tell me what your favorite cult “B” film is!

James Gunn And The Origin Of “Dolphinman!”

Yes, “Guardians Of The Galaxy” Director James Gunn created the iconic Troma character “Dolphinman” – with my wife, Alex Duda!

James is shown above on the right, along with the terrific Tiffany Shepis, Sgt. Kabukiman and of course, “The Toxic Avenger”…from the Cannes film festival in the late 90’s, and THIS is Dolphinman:

The Origin Of A Superhero!

Why am I doing an “origin” story? I will explain in a moment. But first, I am ready to reveal “the man under the mask” – the first greg Actor to play this iconic movie character.

Nobody knew the amazing Actor behind this character, until now – because the first Actor to ever portray Dolphinman was none other than:

Steve Kmetko!

That’s right, Entertainment Journalist and E! News Host Steve Kmetko was the FIRST DOLPHINMAN!

Here’s how it happened: when Alex and I produced E!’s Cannes film festival coverage, we always shot special segments with Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman and his great Tromatic team:

James Gunn wrote some of the classic Troma films like “Tromeo & Juliet”, and was part of the team in Cannes getting attention for Troma’s slate of movies.

One year, my wife Alex and James created a new super hero for Troma – “Dolphinman” – it showed Lloyd neglecting his other Troma characters…there is more to the story to come, but why am I telling you all of this? Because “Dolphinman” is back!

Dolphinman Battles The Sex Lobsters!

Troma has unveiled the latest underwater superhero adventure – and Director John Brennan keeps the Dolphinman legend action-packed – check out the trailer:

You can see more of this film by going to the Troma website and signing up for their latest hits…here is a link:

http://www.troma.com/news/24174/world-premiere-of-dolphinman-battles-the-sex-lobsters/

Troma is keeping busy, with classic movies on their youtube channel, and new cult films like this as well:

How can you not love a movie like this? Troma always delivers a wacky good time. Here is a look at my top ten Tromatic Classics:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/11/tromas-top-ten-the-tromatic-classics-unveiled/

One of the latest new releases is Troma’s sequel to their classic:

“Readin’, Writin’ And Radiation!”

“The Class Of Nuke ’em High” is one of Troma’s best, and last year, they did a sequel:

Now, they are working on part two – which you can see here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/06/17/kick-troma-into-movie-theaters-sex-violence-support-the-return-to-nuke-em-high/

There are so many great Troma films, and thanks to blu-ray, some of the oldest are getting a second life!

Read all about the re-release of the legendary “Sugar Cookies” here:

“Sugar Cookies”! Neglected Cult Troma Sexploitation Rescued!

Now, back to Dolphinman – here is the story of how James Gunn worked on our terrific “Wild On The Riviera” creation of Dolphinman:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/08/director-james-gunn-geek-guardian-of-the-galaxy-my-cannes-photo/

Let me know your favorite Troma classic!

Time To Get A Little “Psycho!”

Run, don’t walk to your favorite blu-ray store or on demand device and check out three great examples of “cinema psycho cats!”

“This Is The Beginning Of An Unholy Nightmare!”

Well, it is according to the hilariously “over the top” trailer…check it out!

“Their Confessions Run Deep!”

Oh, and did I tell you that Mr. Raging Bull himself, Jake LaMotta, stars in the film?

Well, that’s not fighting shape for sure, but read all about this cult masterwork here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/03/celebrating-a-psycho-cat-raging-bull-jake-lamottas-exploitation-masterpiece/

Now that you’ve had a taste of crazy, time to meet “Lila”:

That’s right, she’s got a bad attitude and a big stick, so trouble is brewing! Oh, and she’s also a “go go” dancer!

“Lila” is a seemingly good-natured go-go dancer who strips at a seedy topless bar on the Sunset Strip. Don’t believe me? Here are the opening credits, with the least sexy “go go” dancing you’ve ever seen!

I love the lyrics to the song as they sing:

“Lila, Mantis In Lace!”

Why? Because they released the film with that title as well!

There is a lot going on here, which you can check out by clicking on my story…and if you do, I may even explain how THIS happened!

Yes, President Obama and Joe Biden are eating in a cafe with the movie’s poster behind them!

Psycho Go-Go Dancers, Delinquent Schoolgirls and Candy Snatchers! More 70’s Grindhouse!

If you need a more modern version of “psycho cat”, look no further than here!

“Living With A Roommate Can Be Murder.”

Finally, here’s a more modern take on crazy – as Bridget Fonda discovers when she uses the phrase “single white female” in an ad for a roommate…

Here is the trailer for this 1992 classic:

This is a terrific thriller, what I call a “B” movie with an A-list cast! Click here to see more about modern day psycho cats!

Single White Females With Fatal Attractions And Basic Instincts Wanted! Crazy Ladies Welcome!

Let me know what you think of this classic genre!

Linda Blair Makes Heads Spin Again!

She may be best known for one of the most shocking scenes in movie history – the moment in the classic horror film “The Exorcist” when the little girl Regan “turns” around to address someone – without moving her body!

Yes, it’s just one of many stunning images from this classic film – so what could Actress Linda Blair do to “out do” it?

Well, when she grew up, she did THIS!

Hello, Linda!

Time to look at one of the more controversial moves that Linda Blair made in her career – her decision to pose topless in the “Gentleman’s” magazine of that era, Oui!

I will refrain from showing any of the more explicit topless pictures, but I will share a link later in the story if you choose to get more info yourself…

First, let’s look at Linda Blair’s road to her provocative photo spread!

Linda Blair’s Breakthrough Movie!

Linda Blair has had a long and acclaimed career, but she got her start in the biggest way possible – by starring in “The Exorcist” when she was just thirteen years old. She was Oscar nominated and won a Golden Globe for her performance, which is one of the most shocking performances of all time…

Here is the original trailer, that only hinted at the intensity of this film:

In the more than forty years since it was released, “The Exorcist” has remained one of the most shocking films ever made….because of moments like this:

“Cue The Soup!”

The moment when Linda Blair unloads gallons of green liquid onto her guests is a legendary horror moment that never fails to shock…

Great “Exorcist” Trivia!

Here is some great trivia about the film:

The refrigerated bedroom set was cooled with four air conditioners and temperatures would plunge to around 30 to 40 below zero. It was so cold that perspiration would freeze on some of the cast and crew.

The air was saturated with moisture, resulting in a thin layer of snow once falling on the set before the crew arrived for filming!

Oh yeah, and then there is the “head turn” sequence! As you can see in this picture, Blair is holding a crucifix for all the wrong reasons…another scene that was so shocking that audience members fled the theaters when it was playing – this type of horror reaction just doesn’t happen any more!

You can read more great “Exorcist” stories here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/31/the-shining-room-237-the-exorcist-the-greatest-horror-movies-ever-made/

And now, back to some more Linda:

Making Controversial Choices!

Linda Blair took many courageous chances when she was young – such as starring in the TV movie “Born Innocent” in 1974, portraying a 14-year old girl sentenced to a women’s prison!

The film’s most notorious scene involved the rape of Blair’s character in the prison’s communal showers by a girl gang – with a plunger handle! This was the first all-female rape scene aired on American television!

Blair had a run of cult 80’s films as well, including “Savage Streets” – where she played a vigilante seeking revenge for her sister’s brutal rape and friend’s murder!

As you can see, Blair had a provocative pose in the film’s poster, as the Actress was pushing boundaries in her career.

Perhaps the most surprising choice she made was this one:

Oui! Oui!

However, in 1982 the Actress showed her most “adult” side by appearing in a photo spread for Oui magazine!

The pictures show the Actress in various stages of undress, and it was only a year later that Blair showed up in an Italian Playboy pictorial as well!

She wasn’t “little Regan” any more! If you want to see more of her Oui magazine pictorial, check out this story on the great “Cinesploitation” website:

http://www.cinesploitation.com/2016/03/photo-gallery-linda-blair-oui-magazine.html

The Actress has had some personal and professional issues over the years, but she has also become an animal rights activist. Blair also devotes time to a non-profit organization she organized, the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, focused on rescuing abused, neglected and mistreated animals.

Linda Blair has also written a Vegan Cookbook, and appears in various TV shows and films as well…

Bravo Linda for your varied career!

Blair wasn’t the only star who went from “innocent” to “provocative”…remember Ann Margret?

She starred with Elvis in a 60’s musical comedy, but in the early 70’s she ended up in bed with Art Garfunkel!

Read more about this sex kitten here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/23/hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten-ann-margret-rock-operas-baked-beans-elvis/

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment!

“She Ruled The Swamp With A Blazing Gun And A Luscious Smile!”

One of the 70’s most promising Actresses starred in several classic cult films, but just as she was growing as an Actress, she died tragically – here is the story of Claudia Jennings…

Jennings gained fame when she was named Playboy’s Playmate of the Year for 1970. As many Playmates did, Jennings used that fame to get into film.

The Love Machine!

Jennings got her start in the camp cult film “The Love Machine”, based on the notorious novel by Jacqueline Susanne, who wrote “Valley Of The Dolls.”

Listen to this plot, thanks to IMDB:

“Robin Stone, an ambitious, sex driven TV news anchor catches the eye of Judith Austin, the wife of network executive Greg Austin. She pressures Greg into promoting him to a higher position and before long, he is running the network while Greg recovers from a massive coronary. Meanwhile, Robin dumps his model girlfriend Amanda and begins an affair with Judith!”

Pure campy trash. Jennings followed this with roles in “Unholy Rollers” and “Group Marriage” – yes, exactly the kind of films you’d expect to see a naked Playmate in!

Just a few years after the groundbreaking “Bob & Carol& Ted and & Alice”, Jennings starred in a sex romp that imagined a whole new way to get married! Check out the trailer for this camp classic:

Next up, Jennings headed to the country for some classic “hicksploitation!”

“Truck Stop Women, My Head’s Still Swimming’!”

Talk about a catchy title song! “Truck Stop Women” from 1974 is a classic exploitation movie – just look at the double entendre in the poster!

Check out this trailer:

“Half Animal…ALL Woman!”

“Gator Bait” in 1974 was Jennings’ greatest film achievement – she got to get down and dirty in the swamp, and kick some serious ass at the same time…check out the trailer for this cult classic:

If you want to know more about the “hicksploitation” genre, click on my guide here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/12/gator-bait-country-lovin-hillbilly-brides-sex-action-missing-teeth-hicksploitation-lives/

Jennings took her success in this film and started to branch out, getting away from pure exploitation:

Jennings began to change her onscreen image. She was reluctant to do nude scenes any more, as she wanted to become a more serious Actress…

Claudia’s “Texas Dynamite!”

Jennings starred in several more serious films, in smaller roles, and then headlined this campy action film…

Here is the trailer for the film, a foreign version known as “Dynamite Women”:

Jennings’ boyfriend at the time was songwriter Bobby Hart, who wrote many hits for The Monkees. She was poised to grow as an Actress as she headed into the 80’s…

Her Tragic Death…

Then, a senseless tragedy.

Early in the morning of October 3, 1979, Jennings died in a car accident when a van hit her while she was driving her Volkswagen Beetle convertible along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. She was only 29 years old…

Hollywood is full of these tragic stories – stars who had personal problems or tragedies that cut short promising careers….

Cheryl “Rainbeaux” Smith was one such Actress…after a slew of roles in cult 70’s films, she lost her way…read her story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/20/hollywood-tragedy-70s-starlet-cheryl-rainbeaux-smith-the-runaways-caged-heat/

Juan Fairchild was another promising young Actress who starred with The Monkees at one point:

Her life took a tragic turn as well…you can read her story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/20/sex-kitten-june-fairchild-from-stardom-to-skid-row-a-starlets-shocking-death/

Leave a comment and let me know your favorite Claudia Jennings film!

“It’ll Grab You By The Pom-Poms!”

Ah, the happy days of grindhouse exploitation, when movie posters were full of double entendres and “hey now” one liners…one of the more popular genres was related to “Cheerleaders”…

Cult erotic film Actress Kristine Debell shook her Pom Poms in the cult 70’s film “Cheerleader’s Wild Weekend!” Seems like a perfect title, but it was also known under another name….”The Great American Girl Robbery!”

Let’s begin with the trailer:

And now, the plot as described by the great website IMDB:

A bus-load of cheerleaders is hijacked and held for a $2 million ransom. After several comic and arousing interactions, eventually the girls are forced by their captors to participate in a topless “beauty pageant” in which they must pose before their captor-“judges” in nothing but their underwear!

An Erotic Icon Stays Fully Clothed!

Legendary Actress Kristine DeBell stars in the film, this after her starring role in this erotic classic:

Now here’s the funniest part of this movie: Kristine DeBell had it stipulated in her contract that she didn’t have to do any nudity in this film!

Hilarious! Read the whole movie review at the great “Mondo Digital” website:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/wildweekend.html

If you don’t know about Kristine’s legendary work in an “adult” Alice In Wonderland, you are missing a treat:

Read all about this cult classic here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/08/kristine-debell-her-x-rated-alice-in-wonderland-hollywoods-multiple-cult-cuts/

Of course, 70’s sexploitation cinema is filled with classic “Cheerleader” movies like this one:

Did you know that David Hasselhoff starred in one? Click here to see his hilarious role as “Boner!”

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/19/cheerleaders-pom-pom-girls-david-hasselhoff-as-boner-cult-classics-rah-rah-rah/

Cheerleaders weren’t the only ones swinging in the 70’s…

That’s right, Stewardesses were getting naughty as well…see some of those cult classics here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/30/naughty-stewardesses-swinging-cheerleaders-centerfold-girls-classic-70s-exploitation/

Leave me a comment and let me know if you got away on this “wild weekend!”

Get Ready For Some Amazing, Mind-Blowing Cinema!

This montage shows just some of the dozens and dozens of films from the Japanese visionary Director Takashi Miike!

Takashi Miike is a highly prolific and controversial Japanese filmmaker – having directed over ninety theatrical, video, and television productions since 1991!

The films are shocking, daring, controversial, and in many cases, classics of cinema!

Ichi The Killer!

Mike first caught my eye with this ultra-violent story of a hired Assassin…it’s a great, gory thriller – check out the trailer:

“Audition”

This horror classic was recently listed as one of the top 100 horror films of all time…it’s a slow-building masterpiece of shock…check out the trailer:

Mike also offers up perverse classic like this one:

“The Happiness Of The Katakuris!”

Yes, Miike directed a zombie musical! The imagery mocked “The Sound Of Music” as only he can – check out this film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/05/happy-singing-zombies-visionary-takashi-miikes-wacky-zombie-musical/

Another great Miike film is “Thirteen Assassins”, a terrific period action drama…among his more recent work is this controversial shocker:

“As The Gods Will”

Mike continues to deliver provocative cinema every year, including this recent film – check out the wild trailer!

His Notorious “Jiggle” Promo!

To promote the film, a very controversial “jiggle” promo was created….with a bevy of bikini-clad women dancing suggestively for the camera…not referencing the film for several minutes!

You can check this controversial trailer out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/11/the-bikini-game-controversial-japanese-jiggle-movie-promo-new-j-sploitation-film/

Mike continues to direct films – which are now getting wider release in the US – you can find most on Amazon and streaming services as well…if you have a stomach for offbeat cinema, this is the Director for you!

See even more of his work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/13/yakuza-zombies-bloody-asian-halloween-horror-2015-shocking-japanese-exploitation/

Let me know your favorites – the “Dead Or Alive” trilogy is one of mine, as well as “13 Assassins!”

These Birds Will “Shock” You!

I love movies. ALL KINDS OF MOVIES. Therefore, I LOVE “BIRDEMIC!”

Let me explain, in case you haven’t seen this movie. Someone made this. They are now officially a “film maker.” And You are not. So, credit must go where credit must go!

Have You Seen The Brilliant “Birdemic: Shock And Terror?”

Before I share some details, take a look at this trailer. Note the acting, the special effects, and the action again because it’s just that good!

Thanks to Vice, you can now experience “Birdemic” in a whole new way – as they look into the making of this masterpiece of bad cinema!

“Vice” has a great mini-documentary from Evan Husney that looks at the making of this film…here is what you need to know:

In January 2009, software salesman James Nguyen traveled to the Sundance Film Festival to self-promote his low-budget independent horror film “Birdemic: Shock and Terror.”

When the film was rejected by the Sundance Film Festival, according to IMDB:

“James Nguyen promoted his film by putting banners, fake blood, and fake birds all over his van. He would drive around to advertise until it caught the attention of Severin Films, which then distributed this film – and cinema history was made!”

Thanks to Severin films, you can own this to enjoy night after night after night!

If you want to see the “Vice” documentary, check out this story from the great website “Action A Go Go”, which includes the link

http://actionagogo.com/2016/08/09/one-man-one-dream-one-birdemic/

Of course, Nguyen isn’t alone in his quest to become a movie Director – remember Tommy Wiseau?

“The Room” is widely considered the worst film ever made…but the fact is, he made it!

Actor Greg Sestero starred in “The Room”, and had a fascinating friendship with the Director as well, which is being turned into a movie with James Franco! Read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/27/tommy-wiseaus-classic-the-room-now-a-book-tommys-secrets-revealed/

Finally, who are we to judge what a Director intends? For example, there was a Director who intended THIS:

That’s right, a severed flying skull that kills! You can see this, plus five of the worst films ever made, by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/03/from-the-beatles-to-flying-severed-heads-five-mesmerizingly-bad-films/

Let me know what you think of “Birdemic!”

Welcome To Times Square!

Yes, it’s America’s most brightly lit playground of fun for the entire family! Times Square is well lit, filled with upbeat tourist attractions and offers all of the big chain restaurants you expect when on vacation – it’s a street filled with fun!

Well, it is NOW – but New York’s Times Square wasn’t always so wholesome…here’s what it looked like just a few decades ago…

This Wasn’t Your Mother’s Times Square!

Folks, these pictures are from Times Square in the 70’s and early 80’s – a seedy strip filled with movie houses that showed exploitation films 24 hours a day – that’s how the term “grindhouse” came to be: theaters that were grinding out cheap “dirty movies” all day and night…

I have posted many stories about this era in the history of Times Square…it’s fascinating because these movie theaters were as dangerous inside as the action onscreen! They also showed films that weren’t being seen in your neighborhood theater:

“A Smell Of Honey! A Swallow OF Brine!”

These films were rough morality tales – in this case, a young woman who likes to tease her suitors gets her comeuppance in a rough rough way…it’s a common theme in these movies: young women who stray into “bad” territory, and of course stupid guys who want a cheap thrill and pay the ultimate price for it…

This is a classic example of early sexploitation – a hint of nudity and sexual situations designed to attract lonely men who wanted a thrill, and they found it on 42nd street…read more about this cult classic – and see the trailer – by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/01/26/more-and-wilder-sexploitation-classics/

As the 60’s ended, the films being shown in grind house theaters continued to up the ante…New York’s times Square became even rougher, and the posters for these sexploitation films were more suggestive than ever…

It’s not hard to understand what they are selling here, and that kept dozens of these Times Square theaters in business! “Forbidden Flesh” is a perfect example of an era when the films were beginning to show more, suggestion turning to overt sexuality. and you can see more by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/31/forbidden-flesh-dirty-girls-the-unsatisfied-classic-sexploitation-cinema/

These films got away with a lot because they were promising an “educational” experience – yes, some of these films skirted obscenity laws by purporting to show a “documentary” aspect to their sexuality – they were showing you shocking perversions going on in your very own country!

“Shocking” Indeed!

Yes, hillbillies were taking “child brides”, and only one film had the nerve to uncover it…and “uncover” they did…this movie poster is as suggestive and exploitive as they come, and you see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/29/forbidden-flesh-child-brides-see-how-they-love-in-flaming-hillbilly-color-early-sexploitation-madness/

As the 70’s progressed, many of these movie theaters went hardcore, showing XXX-rated movies…in order to keep up, savvy Producers upped the lurid content of their own software erotic movies as well…

You have to see “Wham Bam, Thank You Spaceman” to appreciate it! It’s as “over the top” as grind house films were…anything to keep the customers satisfied! Here is the trailer:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/03/wham-bam-space-sex-cinemas-naked-lust-celebrate-the-sultan-of-sexploitation/

Movies from Europe flooded the US in the early 70’s as well – these films were called “Artsploitation”, because they offered intelligent, moody storytelling – albeit with a lot of nudity – “artistic exploration” – and the best ones featured the “Queen of Artsploitation”, Christina Lindberg!

Lindberg’s most notorious film is called “Thriller: A Cruel Picture”…which also went by this title, because in those days, Producers would simply retitle movies and release them again:

Lindberg inspired Quentin Tarantino to give Darryl Hannah an eye patch in “Kill Bill”…see more about Lindberg by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

Europe’s other “sexploitation superstar” was the iconic Lina Romay:

Romay starred in some of the most outrageous european sex shockers of all time, such as this classic piece of what was known as “euro sleaze”:

“Lorna The Exorcist” took advantage of another popular film of the time of course. Most of her films were directed by her husband, Jess Franco…read all about them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/11/lindas-shocking-hot-nights-lina-romays-classic-sexploitation/

The US had it’s own iconic, erotic filmmakers well….yes, that would be the legendary Russ Meyer:

Meyer achieved fame for his classic sexploitation film “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” He went on to make a number of cult classics such as these:

His films were bright, full of sight gags, ample bosoms, and a sense of humor that was usually lacking in sexploitation films…see more of his work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

There are now many film companies who are trying to keep exploitation alive by releasing classic cult films from that era…

Here is a great new documentary from Something Weird Video that looks at the entire genre, it’s terrific! The documentary “That’s Sexploitation” gives an in-depth look at this era of film making. See the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/20/thats-sexploitation-terrific-documentary-captures-the-seedy-majesty-of-grindhouse-cinema/

I hope you enjoyed your journey into cinema’s dirty bad alley…let me know your favorites!