Amanda by Night (1981)

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, especially but 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 (okay, she still appears in front of the cameras quite regularly but in a non-sex capacity) 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 (the late, legendary 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" a/k/a CANNIBAL FEROX's Robert Kerman, 'Tracy' to Veronica's 'Hepburn') 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. 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 and a compelling character study. One shouldn't be too surprised really, as this gem was directed as well as photographed by the multi-talented if vastly underrated "Robert McCallum" a/k/a Gary Graver, one of the greatest storytellers the porn industry has ever seen.

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SexWorld (1978)

(REVIEW ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 1978)

It has been a long time coming, but the line has finally been crossed. That fine line that allows the story to motivate the sex, making it believable and therefore truly erotic and sensual. An entire real motion picture in place of the imitations of wall-to-wall sex with the "fluff" that is considered "story" in most adult films. Instead "Sex World" is a brilliantly produced, directed and written motion picture, lavish in its setting and sensitive and rewarding in its story, and a total turn-on for its audiences! The story deals with Sex World, a dude-ranch type Shangri-La for sex, where people can openly admit their sexual hang-ups and fantasies, and, encouraged by trained counselors, can spend a weekend and experience any sexual desire he or she wishes.

When asked by a quest shortly after his arrival whether their partners would be real people, the social director of Sex World advises the entire group that the sex partners would be whatever or whoever each guest wanted them

to be, and if they would leave all the inhibitions and sexual hang-ups behind for this weekend, they would leave Sex World with a greater understanding of their problems and a deeper insight into their own partners.

A hand-picked cast of superb actors and actresses headed by Sharon Thorpe, who gives a stunning performance as a shy and introverted woman with few friends who, as a last resort, comes to Sex World to find some kind of happiness and love. Her two wishes which she confides to her Sex World counselor are to have someone be kind to her, and to have Johnnie Keys of BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR fame make love to her in exactly the same way Keys performed with Marilyn Chambers in GREEN DOOR. The Technicians and the giant computer at Sex World turn her fantasy into reality and she has a devastating sexual encounter that could turn on a statue.

The rest of the star-studded cast who each lend their own touch to this remarkable film are: Leslie Bovee, Annette Haven, Desiree West, John Leslie, and two beautiful newcomers, Kay Parker and Suzette Holland. Thank you, Producer Billy Thornberg, Director Anthony Spinelli, Writer Dean Rogers, and the long list of supporting actors and actresses and talented technicians who gave us the finished product.

There is no question in this reviewer's opinion that Sex World will become a landmark in adult films, and will lead the way for future producers to follow in this most challenging field of adult films.

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