Meet “The Sultan of Sexploitation”!

How is that for a job title! In an era when movies like “The Pigkeeper’s Daughter” played in grind houses across the country, there was one man who made a fortune by delivering a series of software sex comedies!

Harry Novak started Boxoffice International Pictures in 1964, and hit the grind house circuit soon after with the sex romp “Kiss Me Quick” – check out this poster!

These movies were designed to titillate male audiences who were eager to see a new permissiveness on screen…

As a Producer, Novak filled America’s grind houses with a non-stop series of trashy sexploitation movies like these:

Novak’s genius was to capitalize on the explosion of sex and violence in films int he 60’s, and maximize both for profit!

The Secret Sex Lives Of Romeo & Juliet!

One notorious sexploitation stunt was to take a classic story and “perv it up!” So Novak told the story of the “secret sex lives” of history’s most enduring love story, and he knocked off other hit films as well!

I Am Curious Tahiti!

In the late 60’s, “I Am Curious (Yellow)” shocked America with its candid and frank look at sex in Denmark. Novak saw a good thing and did a version from Tahiti!

Remember when Marlon Brando shocked the world with his demand for butter?

Well, Novak knew that moviegoers wanted more of a good thing, so he rushed out this knock off:

Novak also knew how to titillate audiences with his look into the dark corners of the US, like these classic comedies about country girls:

Sassy Sue!

“Sassy Sue” and “The Pigkeeper’s Daughter” were classic software sex romps, full of tons of nudity and action…and speaking of action, Novak also loved to document the country’s road to ruin…

A Scream In The Streets!

These films were made quickly and cheap, and they jumped on whatever was happening in the real world – so “a city ripped apart by sin and lust!” was his way to look at the criminal underworld in America’s cities…

But perhaps Novak’s greatest claim to fame has one of the greatest movie titles of all time:

“Wham! Bam! Thank You Spaceman!”

What else needs to be said: Check out this wacky trailer!

Now THAT’S entertainment! Movies don’t get this wacky anymore! The plot is simple: Two aliens from a dying planet are on a mission to impregnate Earth women – of course they are!

Here’s a funny fact about the quality of this film:

When the spacemen are ready to land, the globe stops and zooms into the center of South America – the interior of Brazil. When they get out of their spaceship, they are in Hollywood!

“Wham Bam” is another example of the raucous era of filmmaking in the 70’s…and we are all better off for it!

Bravo Harry Novak, while you passed away last year your movies will live forever!

And if you love what Harry Novak achieved, then you will absolutely love the greatest softcore filmmaker of all time – Russ Meyer!

Russ Meyer was the genius behind “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” and “Vixen”, among many others…read all about them here:

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

These are classic grind house films…if you don’t know what grind houses are, here is a look at New York’s Times Square in the 70’s…

These movie theaters showed movies full of sex and violence, and they played 24 hours a day…”grinding them out” for single guys…read about this crazy era in movies here:

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

Let me know what you think!

Talk about a fun locker room! One of the NFL’s most legendary stars not only hung out with Farrah Fawcett, he made football history when he said:

“We’re going to win Sunday. I guarantee it.”

It is the boldest prediction in Super Bowl history! And it was true…launching the legend of “Broadway Joe” Namath, one of the NFL’s most colorful stars…need proof? How about his choice of wardrobe when on the sideline?

Football And Fur Coats!

Yes, he wore a fur coat on the sideline! That, my friends, is how legends are born!

It’s time to look at the legend of “Broadway Joe” Namath, one of football’s wildest stars!

These pics say it all: he was a legendary ladies’ man who enjoyed all of the perks of a successful football career!

It’s a legend that re-emerged in a recent N.Y. Times article, “Does Celibacy Help Your Game?”, discussing how Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has taken a public vow of celibacy [for Biblical reasons]. The article asks one person if that will help his game…and they asked, of course, Broadway Joe Namath, who replied:

“If some players don’t keep themselves from having sex before big games, it remains a favorite tactic of coaches!”

Time To Celebrate The Sexy Legend Of Broadway Joe Namath!

He will always be one of football’s most colorful players, a Super Bowl-winning Quarterback who played and partied in America’s biggest city – and he lived up to every one of his legends! Who else would get ALL three of these Sports Illustrated covers!

From Superstar on the rise to NY party boy – and Super Bowl legend, the story of Joe Namath was, at the beginning, a traditional one…

Namath played college football for the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962 to 1964, before becoming a superstar NFL Quarterback for the New York Jets, becoming the legendary “Broadway Joe” Namath.

He wore white fur coats on the sidelines when not suited up to play, and he lived “larger-than-life” in a city that not only embraced him, they made him the toast of the town!

“Broadway Joe’s” Super Bowl Guarantee!

Namath’s legendary status was sealed when he boldly predicted that his New York Jets, from the upstart American Football League, would beat the legendary Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl 3.

“We’re going to win Sunday. I guarantee it.”

The conservative minds at the NFL were shocked by such a bold proclamation!

The Biggest Upset In NFL History!

Namath backed up his bold guarantee by leading a shocking Jets victory over Don Shula’s NFL Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, 16-7. Many feel it led the NFL to move faster to merge with the AFL…it was one of the NFL’s most shocking upsets of all time.

After conquering the world of sports, where else was there for “Broadway Joe” to go than, of course, Hollywood!

“Broadway Joe Meets Sex Symbol Ann-Margret!

Namath went to Hollywood and starred in the cult classic action film “C.C. and Company”, with sex symbol Ann-Margret…check out the trailer!

Namath ended up on some of the 70’s and 80’s biggest TV shows such as “The Love Boat” , “Married… with Children”, “The Brady Bunch”, and “The A-Team!”

He’s one of sport’s most entertaining stars…and The NFL Network captured it all with a terrific show about his career:

Here is a link to that great episode:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/a-football-life/0ap3000000466179/A-Football-Life-Broadway-Joe-electrifies-New-York

And Joe Namath has his own website with great content as well…check it out here:

http://broadwayjoe.tv

How can you note become a legend when you co-star alongside Hollywood’s sexiest bombshell?

Ann-Margret has had an amazing career, from co-starring with Joe Namath and Elvis, to starring in the cult classic “Tommy” – with an outrageous baked bean scene!

Read all about this iconic Actress by clicking on my story here:

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

And Joe Namath wasn’t the only sports star of the 70’s to end up in the movies: don’t forget this appearance by Joe Bouton in “The Long Goodbye”:

Jim Bouton was a pitcher for the New York Yankees who wrote the greatest book about baseball ever written:

Read all about this classic book by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/09/17/ball-four-baseballs-most-controversial-and-best-book/

And of course, if you want to enjoy some of the greatest movies ABOUT the NFL, well, time to suit up!

From Al Pacino to Tom Cruise, here are the best movies about the NFL!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/08/09/nfl-nfl-pacino-yells-walhberg-runs-cruise-shows-me-the-money-hike-hike-hike-the-nfls-best-movies/

And let me know your favorite Broadway Joe story!

Are You Missing Some Good Old Fashioned “Hillbilly” Cinema?

I know what you are thinking: with award season upon us, this is certainly an Oscar contender! And it has a rich past – with other classic “hillbilly” movies like this!

Child Brides In The Ozarks!

OK then, this is one crazy genre of film! Don’t worry, the “child brides” are clearly of legal age – but in the early days of exploitation, this was racy stuff! Here are some classic examples of “hicksploitation!”

Welcome To Hicksploitation!

I love this definition! Hicksploitation is “a genre of exploitation film relying on stereotypical depictions of rural whites of the American South and Appalachia”!

In an era when “Deliverance” made everyone afraid to go in the woods, these movies exploited a sub-culture full of “gorgeous girls that set the Ozarks on fire!”

Let’s look at this classic poster again:

“See How They Live! See How They Love!”

Well, I just might take you up on that! How can you misunderstand the intent of this movie? Take a look at the trailer:

And it’s in “Flaming Hillbilly Color!”

“Flaming Hillbilly Color!” What’s NOT to love? In an era of “Hillbilly Handfishing” and “Honey Boo Boo’s family situation, there seems to be a Hillbilly revival!

Here are some more classics from that era:

“Country Cuzzins!” A VERY Close Family!

No way to misunderstand what they are saying here – just look at the poster!

Here is the trailer for this campy cult film:

There’s a strong “Farmer’s Daughter” vibe going through all of these films: the innocent farm girl who is ready to be “tainted” by a big city feller!

Sassy Sue!

See what I mean? Come on down to the farm for some fun! Producer Harry Novak was a legend for his lowest-common denominator approach to film making, which resulted in movies like these playing in drive-in theaters all over the country to an audience of very “excitable” teen boys!

And if Sue wasn’t “Sassy” enough, then it’s time to meet “The Pigkeepers Daughter!”

She Brought A New Meaning To The Phrase “Driving A Hard Bargain!”

I find these movie posters fascinating – see how lewd they are, with obvious come ons and double entendres – literally anything they could think of is included – these films played drive-ins all across the country – again, for teenage boys willing to part with their allowance for a chance to glimpse a naked girl!

Here is the VERY “NSFW” trailer for “The Pigkeepers Daughter!”

This genre of “sexploitation” has been captured for us to enjoy forever thanks to the great work by SomethingWeird Video, which lovingly restores and releases these movies to a nation eager to “head down south!”

Here are some other funny looking titles that jumped on the “hicksploitation” bandwagon:

“Gator Bait” Indeed!

One of the genre’s most popular entries was “Gator Bait!” Claudia Jennings starred in this classic hicksploitaiton film – Jennings was Playboy Magazine’s Playmate Of The Year in 1970, and she parlayed that into an acting career, including “Gator Bait” – shot in ten days!

Check out the trailer!

In general, you needed scantily-clad women who could kick ass! And there were plenty of films that could offer that up, like this one, also starring Jennings!

Eager movie Producers took advantage of whatever genre of film was popular at the time, which is how you got movies like this!

Yes, when haunted houses were the rage, why not throw in a few hillbillies? Hilarious, and hilariously BAD!

If you want to see more classic exploitation films from the seventies, check out my story here:

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

And it wasn’t all naked women: there was a decade full of “good ‘ol boy” action films as well, with many starring Burt Reynolds!

Check out some of his classics of the genre by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/02/22/suck-down-some-white-lightning-hicksploitation-burt-reynolds-gator-good-ol-boy-action-classics/

Let me know what you think of “hicksploitation!”

Is This 007’s Sexist Bond Girl EVER?

007 has had some of the most beautiful Actresses in movie history featured as a “Bond girl”…including such modern-day Actresses as Halle Berry and Rosamund Pike -but in the beginning, it’s wasn’t that type of stunt casting. Here’s a look at one of the earliest Bond girls who moved from 007 to Giallo!

Meet Claudine Auger – born is France, she earned the title of “Miss France Monde” and was the first runner-up in the 1958 “Miss World” contest.

Claudine’s big break came in 1965 when she was cast in the fourth James Bond film. Auger is, to me, the most beautiful Bond girl of all – and she shares the poster with Sean Connery as Bond girl “Domino” in “Thunderball”:

Here is the classic trailer for one of the best Bond films ever:

Auger holds her against up against 007, and the film’s huge success made her a star – which she used to star in some of the best 1970’s sex shockers of all time!

A “Bond Girl” Triple Bill!

In 1971, she starred with two other Bond girls, Barbara Bach and Barbara Bouchet, in the classic Italian Giallo “Black Belly Of The Tarantula”!

Check out the intense trailer!

Here is the plot for this classic Italian thriller:

Inspector Tellini investigates serial crimes where victims are paralyzed while having their bellies ripped open with a sharp knife, much in the same way tarantulas are killed by the black wasp!

Claudine is terrific in the film, which is one of the best Italian “giallo” thrillers – more on this genre in a second, but first, time for some choice dialogue!

Paolo: “But, man isn’t an insect, my dear Simon. We have centuries of civilization behind us, you know.”
Simon: “No, I don’t know. I wasn’t there.”

Time For More Claudine!

Auger also starred in another great Italian “giallo” thriller, known as:

“Twitch Of The Death Nerve”!

First, check out this groovy, psychedelic trailer!

Or you can call it “Bay Of Blood” – it was known by both titles – and many others as well!

Here is the plot: Countess Federica, the elderly owner of a coveted piece of bayside property, is brutally slain by her husband–who is himself killed by a mysterious third person at the murder scene! Who is the killer? Director Mario Bava’s black comedy of human greed boasts 13 characters and 13 of the most shocking murders ever filmed!

This is considered by many cult film fans as Director Mario Bava’s most influential film and the Godfather of the “slasher” genre!

As I mentioned, this film was released in the US with a multitude of titles, including “The Last House on the Left Part II”, even though this film had nothing to do with Wes Craven’s cult shocker “The Last House on the Left”!

Here is more great trivia, thanks to IMDB: “Friday the 13th Part 2” takes two murders from this film, almost shot for shot!

Auger has had a long and successful career, but these movies are, without a doubt, some of her greatest work!

As I mentioned before, Auger co-starred with Barbara Bouchet, who was also a Bond girl!

Bouchet was in the spoof “Casino Royale”, along with a number of other great films – you can read all about her here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/04/29/classic-sex-kitten-james-bonds-sexy-co-star-barbara-bouchet/

And I mentioned Italian “giallo” films, which were sex shockers from the 70’s – great cult classics like this:

Read about the classic “Lizard In A Woman’s Skin” and more italian sex shockers by clicking on my story here:

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

And if you want to see one of the greatest titles in the italian “giallo” genre, what about this?

This is a perfect example of the genre, a great 70’s thriller from Italy – read all about it by clicking on my story here:

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

Let me know what you think of the great Actress Claudine Auger!

Elevator Sex!

It is one of cinema’s most iconic erotic scenes – with Oscar winners!

Revenge!

And it is one of movie’s most shocking endings – a tale of revenge with one added bonus!

Boiling Bunnies!

Yes, it is true: that WAS a real bunny! Time to celebrate all that is the majesty of:

The “Oral” History Of “Fatal Attraction”!

First and foremost, remember this: “Fatal Attraction” was nominated for best picture of the year in 1987 – it was a pop culture phenomenon – that nobody wanted to make!

Empire magazine Writer Mark Salisbury did a great oral history of the film in the October issue of the magazine.

It’s a great story about a great movie that lives on decades later as one of Hollywood’s most explicit shockers!

Here are some of the highlights from the magazine article!

What A Credit!

The opening credits include this:

“Written by James Dearden based on his original screenplay”

That’s because Dearden’s short film “Diverson” told the story that became the first third of the film – his tale of a girlfriend who slits her wrists when her boyfriend tries to break up with her. That was the end of “Diverson”, but the inspiration for the rest of “Fatal Attraction.”

Producers saw the short film and asked Dearden to expand it into a feature length film…but as Producer Sherry Lansing said:

“Every studio passed on it at least twice. People would throw the script in my face and say, ‘i’m a happily married man, i would never cheat on my wife for absolutely no reason.’ They were really offended by it.”

For good reason! Some of the Oscar-nominated script included conversations like this, which began after Douglas has an affair with Close while his wife and daughter are out of town:

Dan Gallagher: You’re so sad. You know that, Alex? Lonely and very sad.
Alex Forrest: Don’t you ever pity me, you smug bastard.
Dan Gallagher: I’ll pity you… I’ll pity you. I’ll pity you because you’re sick.
Alex Forrest: Why? Because I won’t allow you treat me like some slut you can just bang a couple of times and throw in the garbage?

And that’s what was so controversial about the film – Douglas has almost NO regret for cheating on his wife, only for being caught up in a revenge tale from a woman spurned!

Brian DePalma Vs. Michael Douglas!

And then came the disasterous directorial dance with Brian DePalma, who had just made “The Untoucables” and wanted to take “Fatal Attraction” in a different direction – without Michael Douglas!

Luckily, The Producers said “no”, and DePalma left the project. Says Lansing:

“We never told Michael. He only found out many years later, after he was so hugely successful. He thought it was funny. At the time it would have really hurt him.”

And Douglass adds pointedly about Brian DePalma’s effort to replace him:

“I’ve always carried a grude with Bri. We didn’t get it resolved for like 20 years, when he came up to maat some party to try and explain. I just said, ‘Brian, it’s too late. Twenty years is too late.”

As for Glenn Close, she was told that she was too nice and earthy to be the vixen in the movie, so she showed up with her hair uncombed, frizzly and unmanageable…just like the character – and won them over immediately!

Director Adrien Lyne said after her audition: “I remember thinking her hair was a disaster, but that’s what people remember, that kind of medusa hair.”

As Michael Douglas admitted:

“I thought she was wrong before she came and in and absolutely right after she came in. She had that sexy, erotic, dangerous quality.”

And as for the sex scenes, Michael Douglas tells some funny stories about being goofy on set to take the tension out of the moment and Glenn Close was up for anything – IF she was kept awash in alcohol.

“I said, OK Tommy (the prop guy) you have to give me a pitcher of margaritas.”

Oh, and then there is this:

“The stench was unbearable!”

Yes, it was a REAL Rabbit used in that infamous scene…a dead one with the innards taken out but the fur left on, and it smelled horrible…because they really did boil it in a pot of hot water for the scene!

As For The Controversial Ending…

The film’s DVD and blu-ray releases have a lot of great stories about how the audience reacted to test screenings, including the original ending – and the magazine article goes into the controversy about that as well…

The film’s original ending was bleak, with Close committing suicide…but audiences wanted more, and so reluctantly, Glenn Close agreed to let her character show a more evil side at the end…

As she says now:

“The changes that were made with the ending, for better or fore worse for Alex, made it into the sensation that it became…I’m proud to be part of that movie. its part of our collective consciousness.”

If you want to see more, go to the Empire website – the magazine has a ton of great content every month:

And don’t forget that “Fatal Attraction” was part of the Michael Douglas “penis” trilogy…read the rest here!

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/13/fatal-attractions-basic-instincts-full-disclosure-the-infamous-michael-douglas-penis-trilogy/

And if you are surprised that the film was Oscar-nominated, don’t be: Oscar has said “bravo” to X-rated films 13 times! Read about Oscar’s adult fixation by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/05/07/x-rated-butter-cowboys-droogs-oscars-x-flirtation/

And let me know what you think of “Fatal Attraction!”

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!

“An Angel In A Snake Pit”

These words were spoken by one of Hollywood’s most promising stars, describing her own personal hell…

A Shocking True Hollywood Story!

This is the story of Hollywood sex kitten June Fairchild. June was an aspiring Actress building a career along with other hot young stars in the 60’s like Jack Nicholson, but her story took a tragic turn…

June Fairchild got her start as a go-go dancer, and quickly found herself part of Hollywood’s new generation of stars: she co-starred in The Monkees’ cult classic musical film called “Head”…

Here’s a fascinating piece of trivia: “HEAD” was written by Jack Nicholson! Read all about this cult classic here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/07/jack-nicholsons-musical-head-the-monkees-sing-a-jack-nicholson-cult-classic/

Fairchild appeared in a dozen films in the 70’s, including her memorable role as a druggie who snorts Ajax soap powder in Cheech and Chong’s cult comedy “Up in Smoke”!

She was also in Jack Nicholson’s directorial debut called “Drive, He Said,” and “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” (1974), with Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges.

In the 70’s, Fairchild lived for several years with her boyfriend Danny Hutton, who was a lead singer for the group Three Dog Night.

Fairchild Names The Band!

According to several published reports, June suggested the group’s name – after reading that Australian aborigines gauged the coldness of a night by the number of dogs they had to curl up with to stay warm!

Her Shocking Fall!

At this point, her life takes a downward turn…

“Don’t worry about me, dahling,” Fairchild would tell friends, imitating Mae West, one of her idols. “I don’t know what all the fuss is about.”

Here is a shocking photo of her, taken by a UK newspaper when they reported on her troubling story…

According to a story in the Los Angeles Times, her film career dissolved “in a haze of drugs and booze”, and the Actress tried going to rehab several times throughout her life…

Shocking photos of June were printed in 2001, revealing her plight. She was shown selling newspapers on the steps of a Los Angeles courthouse, living on LA’s Skid Row in a single-room occupancy hotel.

“An Angel In A Snake Pit!”

Fairchild was well aware of the downward spiral of her life.

She was “an angel in a snake pit,” she told the Times reporter who uncovered her Hollywood past.

In 2002, June had a brief career resurgence when she signed a contract allowing Paramount Studios to use her likeness on bobble-head dolls of the Ajax Lady from “Up in Smoke.”

“I want to work,” she told The Times. “I’m going to be self-sufficient. I’m going to take care of my daughter. I want to get a little house and do it right. I’m not thinking small.”

Unfortunately, her comeback stalled, and she spent her last years living on Social Security disability payments in small rooms in downtown hotels.

Fairchild died of liver cancer in 2015 at the age of 68…

Fairchild’s story isn’t unique: Hollywood is a tough place to survive, and many great stars couldn’t cope:

I also told the sad story of Cheryl “Rainbeaux” Smith, who had success in the 70’s but also fell from grace..

You can read that story here:

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

And one Hollywood star was found dead in her Beverly Hills home, almost a year after she died:

Yvette Vickers’ death shocked Hollywood. This troubling story can be seen here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/27/death-in-beverly-hills-the-shocking-story-of-legendary-sex-kitten-yvette-vickers/

RIP June Fairchild…

“For 3000 Years People Have Been Eating Pigs…This Week, PIGS Are Getting Even.”

It may look like your standard horror film, but the story behind these “Pigs” is fascinating – a true Hollywood story!

Meet Marc Lawrence!

Recognize this man? Marc Lawrence was one of the more popular character Actors of the 60’s and 70’s, including this role as a mobster in the James Bond 007 film “Diamonds Are Forever”…

More on Lawrence’s role in the 007 movie in a moment, but first, time to look at Lawrence’s passion project – the 70’s drive-in classic horror film “Pigs!”

Veteran character Actor Marc Lawrence put everything on the line – INCLUDING HIS HOUSE! – to make his horror opus – starring killer pigs!

The Twisted Tale Of “Pigs!”

First, let’s get into the horror that is “Pigs!” Here is the plot, as explained by the great website Mondo-Digital.com:

“Lawrence plays Zambrini, a farmer and cafe owner first seen having a nocturnal chat with a recently exhumed dead body he’s about to feed to his pigs, whom he explains aloud have developed a taste for human flesh after snacking on another poor sap who passed out drunk in their vicinity. A nearby pile of shoes indicates this is hardly the pigs have also been well fed for quite a while!”

Vinegar Syndrome Rocks This “Pig”!

I love the story behind “Pigs!” Thanks to the terrific home video company Vinegar Syndrome, we now know the full story! Marc Lawrence was once a blacklisted character actor in the 50’s, and he was so passionate about “Pigs” that he mortgaged his own house to fund the movie! Lawrence wrote, directed, and starred in “Pigs”, which had a tortuous release in the 70’s under a variety of titles!

Here’s what the great website “dvddrive-in.com” says:

“Released by distributor Classic Films as PIGS, the distributors – as explained in the intertitles for the poster gallery – eventually bought out Lawrence’s interest in the film and recruited him to shoot a new opening with an exorcism for which they then released the film again in 1974 throughout the 1970s under variations of THE STRANGE EXORCISM OF LYNN HART, LOVE EXORCIST, and BLOOD PEN!”

This “Pig” Went By A Lot Of Names!

Yes, “Pigs” was released in a number of different formats, under a whole slew of different names!

Marc Lawrence died in 2005, but Vinegar Syndrome has gone all out to keep his legacy alive! His daughter Toni shares her memories of him and the project – she starred in the film! The blu-ray release includes a special 14-minute featurette called “Back on the Menu.”

There is also a 13-minute “Somewhere Down the Road” feature, with composer Charles Bernstein recalling how he made this film in his early days – taking the job in exchange for a Lawrence painting intended for Fellini!

Thanks to the great website “DVD Drive-In” for the use of their review – which is full of great trivia about the film as well – you can read the entire review here:

http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/n-s/pigsblu72.htm

And before we leave Marc Lawrence, let’s remember his classic, deadpan line from the Bond movie “Diamonds Are Forever!”

Nice Aim 007!

In this Bond film, a group of mobsters barge in on 007 while he’s in a Vegas hotel room with a woman. The thugs throw the woman out the window, and when Bond sees her land in the swimming pool, he compliments Marc on his aim. Lawrence has the classic line in response:

“I didn’t know there was a pool down there”

Here is that scene from “Diamonds Are Forever”:

Thanks as well to Mondo Digital for their review of “Pigs” – this website always has the latest cult films reviewed, so you need to bookmark it – you can see their review here:

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

Mondo Digital offers up great reviews of the best exploitation films being released…and since we brought up 007:

Who’s the best Bond? Who’s the worst 007? I looked at the best and worst Bonds of all time, which you can read here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/24/his-name-is-bond-james-bond-the-best-007-ever-the-worst-film-fight-club-begins-now/

And let’s not forget to praise Vinegar Syndrome, the cult movie distributor who is bringing these cult films back to life…films like these!

A bunch of great films that you can see here:

“A Saint! A Woman! A Devil!” Classic “Vinegar” From A “Syndrome” You Need To Control!

And if you love the campy horror of “Pigs”, don’t forget about these other classic “killer animal” films:

Read all about the horror of “Frogs” AND “Zombeavers” here!

“Zombeavers”! The Latest In Killer Animal Movies! Frogs, Ants And More Campy Horror!

Let me know if you plan to enjoy some “Pigs!”

Check Out These “Man Eager” Girls!

These provocative words describe the cult Clint Eastwood film “The Beguiled!” The classic trailer explains more!

A Unique Love Story Of Pain And Pleasure!

Welcome to the world of “The Beguiled!” This forgotten cult film from 1971 is unique in a number of ways, and is now getting a high profile remake!

Clint Eastwood stars as Corporal John McBurney, a wounded Civil War soldier nursed back to health by a boarding school full of women! This erotic thriller includes conversations like this:

Martha Farnsworth: If the pain gets too great, I’ll ask Hallie to bring you some (wine).
Cpl. John McBurney: Well, this does seem like a good occasion, and I would love some wine.
Martha Farnsworth: It was offered for your pain, not for your pleasure!
Cpl. John McBurney: To be sure, ma’am. It’s just that sometimes the two go together.

As you can imagine, the erotic tension builds scene after scene, as Eastwood “heals”, and begins to woo the “love-starved” and “man eager” women…

Bring On More “Beguiled!”

“The Beguiled” is a classic cult erotic thriller with a great ending, and guess what? It’s due for a big budget remake!

Sophia Coppola, who directed Bill Murray in “Lost In Translation”, has announced that she is remaking the film, and here is her cast: Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, and longtime collaborator Kirsten Dunst will star in her remake. Fanning will play a student, Dunst will play one of the teachers, and Kidman will play the headmistress.

No word yet on who will play Clint’s role, and no doubt that Coppola will add a unique feminine perspective to the material…whoever stars in the film will have a big pair of shoes to fill!

Of course, Coppola made one of the best films about Tokyo EVER:

I have been to Tokyo, and I love “Lost In Translation”…click here to see why:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/30/lost-in-translation-the-magic-of-bill-murrays-tokyo-neon-magic-shibuya-to-you-too/

Coppola will be making “The Beguiled” soon, and she can learn a lot by following what the original Director did – because he was a legend!

“The Beguiled” Director Don Siegel!

Coppola is also stepping into big shoes: “The Beguiled” was directed by legendary moviemaker Don Siegel!

Siegel made five films with Eastwood, including “Escape From Alcatraz”, and the Director also made John Wayne’s final film, “The Shootist”.

Don Siegel’s Classic “Dirty Harry!”

Siegel’s most famous film with Eastwood is no doubt “Dirty Harry”, the classic action thriller about a deadly sniper being tracked through San Francisco by “Dirty” Harry Callahan…

The film is known for so many classic moments, and iconic dialogue like “do you feel lucky punk? – and you can read all about them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/24/the-greatest-70s-action-films-ever-biggest-stars-with-the-biggest-guns/

Siegel’s directing career also included such classics as “Invasion Of The Body Snatchers” and a cult Walter Matthau thriller called “Charley Varrick.”

Matthaue was best known as a comic Actor, but in the 70’s he starred in a number of gritty action thrillers…see them here!

Bank Robbers And Bus Massacres! Charley Varrick! The Laughing Policeman! Walter Matthau, Action Star!

Siegel and Eastwood had a great working relationship, and when Clint made his directing debut, Siegel was right there with him…

“Play Misty For Me!”

Eastwood’s directorial debut in 1971 was the classic thriller “Play Misty For Me” – Clint plays a radio DJ who has an obsessive fan – and yes, there are plenty of similarities between it and the 1987 classic “Fatal Attraction!”

Here is a scene with Don Siegel playing a bartender, who Clint hangs out with – and that’s Jessica Harper as the fan who stalks Eastwood…it’s an interesting film, one of my favorites from the 70’s…see more here!

https://johnrieber.com/2011/12/11/classic-70s-cinema/

Leave a message to let me know what you think of Sophia Coppola’s plan to re-do “The Beguiled!”

“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!

The Best Lois Lane Of All Time!

With a new Superman film out, I want to look back at the best Lois Lane of all, Margot Kidder!

The Actress has had many big hits in her career, and a series of personal setbacks as well – but her body of work deserves some credit, so let’s get to it!

Kidder began her career in the 1960s, working in TV and film, and modeling as well…

Kidder was one of Hollywood’s most free-spirited new sex kittens, at a time when a new permissiveness was underway in the entertainment industry…

She appeared in Brian De Palma’s thriller “Sisters” in 1973, and then starred in the shock classic “Black Christmas” the following year.

Kidder was terrific as the caustic friend who helps Olivia Hussey search for a missing sorority sister. You can read all about this horror classic here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/11/28/the-last-christmas-black-christmas-its-a-horrific-grindhouse-holiday/

Kidder’s winning streak at the movies continued with her role in “The Amityville Horror”…

These roles were great, but she achieved her biggest success starring as Lois Lane in the classic “Superman” films with Christopher Reeve.

Cinema’s Best Lois Lane!

Kidder’s quick wit and “tough as nails” demeanor were the perfect foil for Reeve, and the chemistry between the two stars was perfect for the material…

The first two “Superman” films in the 80’s are considered by many to be the best superhero films ever made…and much of that credit goes to Kidder’s feisty performance…

Kidder’s Rough Stretch…

According to wikipedia, the Actress has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which led to a widely publicized manic episode in April 1996. She disappeared for four days, and was found in a back yard by a homeowner and was taken by Los Angeles police to Olive View Medical Center in a distressed state. She was later placed in psychiatric care. In 2007, Kidder said that she had not had a manic episode in 11 years.

Kidder has since worked in numerous films as well as numerous television series and also starred in Rob Zombie’s 2009 film “Halloween II.”

Margot Kidder in her home for Celebrity Home Kathryn Kates story.

In 2015, she won an Emmy Award for her performance in the children’s television series “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour.”

Congrats to Kidder – fans are happy to see her rebound and shine again!

Unfortunately, many Hollywood stars can’t overcome their personal demons…

The Shocking Tale Of Jan-Michael Vincent!

This 70’s star of such films as “Big Wednesday” and “The Mechanic” is now struggling, and had one leg partially amputated – you can read this story here:

Jan-Michael Vincent! From 70’s Sexiest Man To A “True Hollywood” Tragedy!

Another star from the late 60’s also fell from grace…

June Fairchild starred with The Monkees in their movie “Head”, but ended up on LA’s skid row!

You can read more about this tragic Hollywood story here:

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

I am so glad that Kidder overcame her troubles and is having great success today!

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!

Time For Some “Truth!”

I love documentaries. They can be deadly serious or comically absurd – they can be lurid, spiritual, political and everything in between – here are ten examples of great documentaries you need to see!

“Roger and Me”!

With the recent water events in Flint, Michigan, Michael Moore’s first documentary is even more prescient. He looks at the decline of his hometown, a decline that helped lead to the current crisis that exists today.

Here is the trailer for what many consider to be “The Godfather” of modern docus, “Roger And Me”:

Wow, time flies – it was more than 25 years ago when this “in your face” documentary was considered radical! Moore told the story of the decline of his hometown Flint, Michigan – and his attempts to meet with Ford’s Chairman Roger Smith.

What he did was usher in a new era of non-fictional storytelling, leading to some of these I want to share!

Workingman’s Death!

Some of the world’s most dangerous jobs are highlighted in this compelling documentary. These professions are virtually unknown to most people – like sulfur mining…

The filmmaker’s style allows us a voyeuristic look at the lives of these workers…like these miners who risk their lives to slide back into abandoned crevices where small chunks of leftover coal may still cling to the abandoned walls…

This is an incredible work of art, and the late Documentary filmmaker Michael Glawogger also made a film that looked at the world of prostitution:

You can read more about these compelling films by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/22/searing-expose-docs-workingmans-death-whores-glory-brilliant-documentaries-showcase-life-on-the-edge/

Sometimes, an interesting story turns into something much bigger as the filmmaker rolls the camera:

“My Kid Could Paint That!”

This heartbreaking documentary is about a child prodigy – or not. The filmmakers began the project when they heard about a four-year-old girl with special artistic abilities…but then it turned into a much more troubling story.

This story is so compelling – and so many questions are still unanswered – that is the power of the documentary – to reveal truths – and yet so sad…you can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/25/killer-fish-kids-who-paint-and-mid-west-horror-best-documentaries-pt-1/

Now, to something that you would think is amazingly harsh, yet is in fact so “Happy!”

Celebrating The Harsh World Of “Happy People!”

Director Werner Herzog, who has made a number of terrific documentaries like “Grizzly Man”, took a long-form Russian TV documentary and turned it into a compelling two-hour journey to Siberia!

It is some of the most unforgiving land on earth, but the people there are happy! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/18/into-the-wild-siberias-happy-people-werner-herzogs-new-documentary/

And if you want to bring a smile to your face, have I got a joke for you…

America’s Funniest People Tell The World’s Filthiest Joke! Meet “The Aristocrats!”

The history of the world’s filthiest joke is hilariously profane, and amazingly insightful! Penn and Teller allow some of the world’s greatest comics to tell one joke – a legendary joke in the world of comedy – and each re-telling gets more and more obscene – which is the point of the joke!

The Aristocrats – 2005

Comedy veterans and Magicians Penn and Teller, along with Comedian Paul Provenza capitalize on their insider status and invite over 100 of their closest friends–who happen to be some of the biggest names in entertainment, from George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg and Drew Carey to Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Saget, Paul Reiser and Sarah Silverman–to reminisce, analyze, deconstruct and deliver their own versions of the world’s dirtiest joke, an old burlesque too extreme to be performed in public, called “The Aristocrats.”

George Carlin: The joke leads me down one path and then it switches the path on me suddenly and hits me with a hammer. It’s just, “Here we go folks.”

The terrific website IMDB has some interesting trivia about the joke: “This joke has been used by comedians for years as a mental stretching exercise. They would tell the joke to each other as a warm up for their acts. While the setup and punchline remain the same throughout, the middle section, describing the actual family act, is always varied to get the juices going by throwing in the most they can and keeping it funny. There are stories of parties where performers will jam and keep it going for almost an hour.”

The late Robin Williams does a variation of the joke in the film, as does Princess Leia, whose Mom is Debbie Reynolds…who isn’t sacred for the sake of the joke…

Carrie Fisher: “My mother was a golden shower queen.”

According to his biography, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not”, Chevy Chase filmed a version of the joke as well. However, at the last second he decided not to sign the release form as he was afraid of what his daughters would think of the joke’s content.

The highlight is when the film ends with Bob Saget’s version of the joke – the most obscene, rambling and hilarious take on it imaginable…hilarious, profane, and insightful – how can you argue that?

And if profane is your thing…

Shed Some Clothes And Get Down With Some “American Swing!”

New York in the 70’s was a time of sex, drugs and swingers, and for awhile, there was actually a club that allowed casual sex among its members!

If you’ve never heard of “Plato’s Retreat”, it’s exactly the kind of place that Ted Cruz was railing against – and it was legal!

“American Swing” is a fascinating document of a long-lost time – as told by the people who partied there…see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/04/06/how-can-i-offend-you-best-documentaries-pt-2/

Of course, the subject of sex is always a big seller – and here is an amazing look at the sexiest moments in cinema history:

“That’s Sexploitation” is a wild romp through the annals of grind house cinema, courtesy of Something Weird Video…read more here:

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

I know, you are getting a bit worked up right now…if you want a mellow change of pace, dig into the story of one of the greatest bands in the world:

Not Such A “Peaceful Easy Feeling!” It’s The History Of The Eagles!

A “warts and all” documentary, made all the more powerful because the members of the band – old and new – took part. Their brutal honesty, along with amazing archival material the band collected from day one, gives viewers a riveting inside look at one of America’s most beloved bands.

Fans were stunned by the recent death of Glenn Frey, who comes across as a very driven member of the band…this documentary lasts over four hours and digs into all the professional and personal conflicts in the band…

You can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/04/eagles-no-peaceful-easy-feeling-here-just-heartache-tonight/

While we are on the subject of music, have you met’s rock’s craziest drummer?

“Beware” Of Rock’s Wildest Drummer!

Ginger Baker was the drummer in Cream, and has had one of the craziest lives imaginable, and one movie captures it all!

“Beware” is right, and if you want to know why, click here!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/13/beware-of-mr-baker-brilliant-ginger-baker-documentary-creams-drummer-throws-down/

As someone who loves to travel, I find the climate change debate sad – politics shouldn’t enter into the discussion, when there are entire countries at risk…

A Rising Political Tide! “The Island President!”

As the ocean levels rise, entire nations are at risk. Here is the inspiring story of a President who wouldn’t let his country drown due to inaction…

These islands will be underwater within our lifetime – unless something is done…and one courageous President allowed cameras to follow him as he tries to tell the world what lies ahead…

This is one of my favorite documentaries of all, read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/07/the-island-president-a-tragic-compelling-documentary-a-nation-underwater/

There you have it – some of my favorite documentaries…leave a note to tell me your favorite!

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!

Welcome To Cannes 2016!

Located in the south of France, on the fabled French Riviera, Cannes is one of the most beautiful spots on earth! And for two weeks a year, is is also the site of the world’s most glamorous film festival. Need proof?

Um, well maybe it’s not ALL glamour, but it IS full of stars, like the year Arnold Schwarzenegger showed up to show off his new movie!

The 69th annual Cannes Film Festival runs from May 11-22, and legendary “Mad Max: Fury Road” Director George Miller is the President of the Jury. Woody Allen’s new film “Café Society” will open the festival.

Joan and Melissa Rivers Storm Cannes!

I had my own legendary Comedian in Cannes when I took Joan and Melissa Rivers to the south of France to film a “Cannes Fashion Review!”

Here is the first of my favorite Cannes experiences!

I shot with Joan and Melissa in Cannes twice, and they were so much fun to film with! You can read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/12/melissa-rivers-new-memoir-joan-rivers-storms-cannes-joan-and-melissas-hilarious-cannes-fashion-review/

Joan was a consummate professional, and Melissa co-hosted and produced the show as well – one of my all-time favorite TV experiences.

Before Joan, I was able to film with another Superstar in Cannes – which is my next great Cannes experience:

Castner Takes On “Ah-nuld!”

Yes, that’s my great E! Host Michael Castner interviewing Arnold Schwarzenegger about the new “Planet Hollywood” restaurant chain he was opening with Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis!

The best part of this shoot was watching Arnold chastise his Publicist for letting us talk to him beyond our allotted time!

You can see our entire “Ah-nuld” encounter here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/14/cannes-2014-my-classic-arnold-schwarzenegger-encounter-big-star-planet-hollywood-shenanigans/

My travels around the world with “Planet Hollywood” included another Cannes connection as well:

Jenna Jameson’s “Planet Hollywood” Adventure!

My wife Alex and I discovered legendary Adult Actress Jenna Jameson in Cannes, and she hosted several segments for E! She was great to work with, and we will always remember it as one of our great Cannes experiences! Jenna was also my Host for the openings of Planet Hollywood in Singapore and Bangkok, where she got to interview Arnold’s other “PH” partners!

This trip was full of wacky encounters, which you can read here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/12/31/wild-on-jenna-jameson-my-worldwide-jenna-adventure-starring-bruce-willis-and-sylvester-stallone/

My next Cannes experience was “royal” – I got to hang out with Prince Albert of Monaco!

Yes, that’s me talking to Alex in the foreground, and Prince Albert surrounded by Hawaiian Tropics girls in the back…I met him and it was a hilarious night for many reasons….check it out here:

My Night With Prince Albert of Monaco! More Cannes Cannes Memories!

One of the best parts of Cannes is when you run into a star…as this photo I took of Jack Nicholson proves – sometimes they just show up above you!

I turned, saw him hovering, and snapped…not my best shot ever, but hey – IT’S JACK NICHOLSON!

My next memorable Cannes experience involved the “Muscles From Brussels!”

Alex and a colleague watch as Michael Castner interviewed Jean-Claude Van Damme at the legendary Hotel du Cap…I was lucky enough to hang out with JCVD many times while I was at E!, and you can see some of it here:

Jean-Claude’s Amazing Car Ad! “JCVD” Movie Rocks! Hanging In Cannes With Van Damme!

All this talk of celebrities in Cannes has made me hungry, and Cannes offers up a great “Canneswich!”

The sandwiches in Cannes were great, see the recipe here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/29/cannes-french-riviera-charm-soup-de-poisson-cannes-sandwiches/

Finally, one of my best Cannes encounters involved the late Robin Williams:

Robin Williams was incredibly gracious, warm and funny…you can read about my encounter here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/12/rip-robin-williams-class-act-a-cannes-encounter/

I hope you enjoyed my trip to the south of France!

“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!”