Amanda by Night (1981)

Amanda Heather is a high-class call girl trying to go straight. A last 'favor' for a former pimp/lover results in the death of one of Amanda's young prostitute friends and she is drawn into a spiral of brutality, corruption, violent sensuality, and ever-building tension as the murderer stalks her. Amanda's emotions are brought to the boiling point by the persistent, tormenting questions of Detective Ambrose Harte as he struggles to solve the murders and free Amanda from the treacherous web that is her 'working' life.

AMANDA BY NIGHT isn't just the finest sex thriller the adult industry ever spawned, but this one also happens to be one of my favorite porn films of all time, especiallybut not exclusively because I'm a huge fan of its star Veronica Hart. This great lady should seriously consider penning her autobiography someday. Considering she has experienced the adult film industry from every conceivable angle, it would make one hell of a read.

Back in her performing days she was porn's finest thespian bar none and this film is her high watermark. She's Amanda Heather, high-priced call girl, who finds herself in trouble following the death of colleague Beverley (Lisa DeLeeuw) at the hands of a client she inadvertently enraged. Since Amanda's the one who set up the 'date' in the first place, she may be next on the culprit's hit list. Weary cop Ambrose Hart (perfectly portrayed by the wonderful Robert Bolla, aka CANNIBAL FEROX's Robert Kerman) gets the unwanted assignment of protecting the prostitute. Once they get past their initial animosity, the two find themselves increasingly attracted towards one another. 



This film works on so many levels and is a terrific example of how good adult films often were during the Golden Age (roughly spanning the years 1975-1984). Sex scenes are tremendous, showcasing both animal passion (Hart with callous pimp Jamie Gillis) and romantic tenderness (her initiation of virginal Jon Martin) with equal aplomb, but it's also a cracking thriller (considerably better than anything you'll see on late night cable, trust me) and a compelling character study.