In the mood for a film that includes a striptease IN FRONT OF A PARROT – yes,THIS movie?

Before I share the title, I want to share a review….because I love any movie that is reviewed with this line:

“…Well worth watching late at night when your critical defenses have been lowered.”

Of COURSE it’s referring to Director Jess Franco!

Franco was one of cinema’s most unique voices, and yes, you MUST lower your “critical defenses” to enjoy his classic sexploitation movies like these:

Those movie posters are just the tip of the Jess Franco madness – this is a guy who loves to make crazy films!

And now, you can enjoy Franco’s “lost” Zombie movie – with a bonus striptease in front of a parrot – and a second feature thrown in to boot!

Time To Dive Into The Zombie Madness Of “Devil Hunter!”

Here’s a quote from the movie:

“It was just like this place… all those bombs. Oh! Oh my poor head. I hate the jungle and its humidity!”

Check out the trailer:

Thanks to “RareCultCinema” for sharing this on youtube!

Here’s what you are in for when you dive into “Devil Hunter!” First, check out this zombie!

Here’s how Severin films describes the movie: “King Of EuroSleaze Jess Franco takes on the ’80s Cannibal genre and delivers a jungle sickie like no other! When a safari of sexy babes and violent boneheads ventures into native-crazed wilderness, Uncle Jess unleashes a deluge of relentless nudity, dubious anthropology and his own brand of cut-rate carnage.”

Well who can argue with that!

“Devil Hunter” had a lot of fun titles over the years, such as “Sexo Cannibal” and “Mandingo Manhunter!”

The “Lost” Parrot Striptease!

Folks, this is exploitation filmmaking at its finest! And thanks to Severin films, you can watch “Devil Hunter” on blu-ray UNCUT – As “Mondo Digital” reports, “extras include the bongo-riffic theatrical trailer and a bonus “spicy” scene with ‘Lorna the Exorcist’s Pamela Stanford doing a topless striptease in front of a parrot, which was removed from the film for reasons only the Eurocult gods will ever decipher!”

Not only can you rejoice in the delicious depravity that is “Devil Hunter”, Severin has decided to up the ante with a second feature!

Cannibal Terror!

Yes, a bonus film, so you can have a double bill of bad! If the poster isn’t enough to tell you how “WRONG” this movie is, try the trailer!

Well, you already see where this is going: a pair of criminal knuckleheads and their very sexy female friend kidnap the young daughter of a wealthy tycoon – and of course, they foolishly choose to hide in a local jungle infested with ferocious cannibals!

Now, because this is meant to offend EVERYONE who goes to the movies, there is not only violence but lots and lots of nudity and sexual situations as well!

Bravo to Severin films once again for finding some of the wildest exploitation to share with the world!

And Mondo Digital has a great review on both, check it out here:

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

Now, back to the legendary Jess Franco…

This is the cover for a film he directed STARRING HIS WIFE….let me say it again; STARRING HIS WIFE…

Read all about the X-rated madness of Linda and her shocking nights by clicking on my story here:

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

RIP Jess Franco!

Both Lina Romay and Director Jess Franco have left us much too soon…they made some wacky and wild films for exploitation fans to enjoy…with Romay naked most of the time…

But they were strangely entertaining, and Romay and Franco have a ton of movie fans…which is why so many of their movies live on today…read about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/17/countess-perverse-lorna-the-exorcist-jess-francos-naked-masterpieces/

And let me know if you’ve taken a trip with Franco’s “Devil Hunter!”

In The Mood For A Movie?

Nothing more enjoyable than finding a seat and experiencing some memorable cinema…and if you want it to be VERY MEMORABLE, then take a walk down this street!

In the 70’s and the early part of the 80’s, New York’s time square was filled with “grind houses”, movie theaters that churned out exploitation movies to young men seeking a cheap thrill…I find this era fascinating because these theaters were filled with movies that catered to young, impressionable men who could be lured into the theater by ads like these…

Films like “Exposed” promised to do just that – and savvy movie Producers made a lot of money by catering to every young man’s fantasy, especially when it came to Cheerleaders…

Rah! Rah! Rah!

X-rated films about Cheerleaders offered plenty of nudity, and laughs as well, as the movies made as much fun of themselves as they did of the audience who watched them…

David Hasselhoff As “Boner!”

Yes, even David Hasselhoff appeared in these movies…you can read my story about these films – and “the Hoff” – by clicking here…

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

Another sub-culture of film that was hugely popular in the 70’s and 80’s dealt with another group of young women who had no problem making you feel better…

The Student Nurses – “They’re Learning Fast!”

Yes, let’s look at some of the most entertaining sexploitation movies that focused on nurses…whether they were in school “learning fast”, or doing a little extra “private duty”…

Private Duty Nurses – “It’s What They Do OFF Duty That’s Really Private!”

As you can see, these movies promised lots of sex – these movie posters are hilariously obvious – but they worked!

The Young Nurses – “It’s My Body, Doctor – NOT Your Laboratory!”

These posters are obvious: the movie promises sex, nudity and more sex!

Check out this classic trailer:

In the 70’s, drive-in movies were the rage, and guys could pile into a car and watch a double or even triple-features, all about nurses!

Candy Stripe Nurses! – “They’ll Give You Fast-Fast-Fast Relief!”

The movies may have seemed very similar, but who cares? Here is the decidedly NSFW trailer:

Of course, you can only be in nursing school, or in a hospital for so long, so what do you do? Add violence!

I love this movie, which includes a nurse with a machine gun!

Nurses For Sale – “Kidnapped, Abused & Tormented – Held For The Highest Price!”

So if you can’t watch them work, then watch them fight back against kidnappers! This genre of film became so popular that everyone jumped on the bandwagon!

Our friends at Troma got into the action by releasing this classic exploitation film from Hungary!

“Maniac Nurses Find Ecstasy”!

Troma is America’s longest lasting independent film studio – in large part because they have a great sense of humor when it comes to film.

Here is Troma’s hilariously profane trailer!

I give Troma credit for finding a wildly entertaining way to jump on the nurse bandwagon! And if you need even more of a Tromatic fix, check out the best of Troma here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/12/03/exploitation-nazis-shakespeare-tromas-tromatic-holiday-gift-guide/

Along with grind house theaters, the “sexy nurse” phenomenon faded away, but for more than a decade, they were some of the most successful low-budget movies released…

And just this year, a new nurse horror film was released – in 3D!

You can find this on demand and on home video – check out “Nurse 3D!”

Cheerleaders and nurses weren’t the only ones exploited…during the height of the “grind house” cinema phases, even hillbillies got a chance to shine as well!

“Flaming Hillbilly Color!”

As you can see, smart movie producers pandered to everyone! Read all about love in “flaming hillbilly color” by clicking here:

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

While it faded in America, the cult movie “grind house” phenomenon made its way to Asia, and in Japan, some of the wildest action movies of all time were made!

That’s right, this woman is fighting off a gang of men wearing nothing but a very sharp sword! Read all about “Sex & Fury”, and this classic J-sploitaiton genre by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/02/19/killer-dwarves-blind-beasts-naked-female-yakuzas-japanese-sexploitation-lives/

And finally, here is a story about some of the funniest, most obvious movie posters ever:

“Love-Starved And Eager To Learn!”

See some of the most obvious, and misleading movie posters of all time by clicking here:

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

Let me know what you think of this nurse phenomenon!

One of the most difficult aspects of making a film is deciding what to call it – after all, lots of us go see a film based on the title!

Sure, “Jaws” pretty much nailed it…big shark, “JAWS”…I’m in…and when a movie has a distinctive, iconic title, there’s not much more you need to worry about…here are more examples of films where the titles pretty much told you all you need to know…

Yes, THAT film title explains exactly what you are about to see as well! And in that vein of “this film MUST be as bad as it sounds”, I offer you this movie title:

“I Could Never Have Sex With Any Man Who Has Such Little Respect For My Husband!”

First of all, what was the year 1973 thinking when it released this movie to the world?

That said, it’s not only a very accurate description of the film, but one of the strangest movie titles of all time!

In this sex farce, a couple of aspiring swingers rent a summer cottage in Martha’s Vineyard. There they sit around discussing the pros and cons of having affairs!

Of course they do!

This was an actual movie that was released in theaters…and here’s another wacky movie title that shares the same distinction!

“Psyched By The 4D Witch”!

Yes, it’s not only one of the strangest movie titles ever, but it was theatrically released as well! The early 70’s were obviously a gold mine for wacky!

I probably don’t have to tell you this, but “Psyched By The 4D Witch” is one of the worst films of all time…read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/10/06/manos-hands-of-fate-is-here-halloween-2015-celebrates-horrors-worst-directors-sex-fleshpots-4d-witches/

Oh, Dustin Hoffman, REALLY?

While “4D Witch” will only be remembered by the people who made it, some of these strange movie titles had really big stars in the films – here is a great example – take a deep breath and try to get this movie title out in one sitting:

“Who Is Harry Kellerman And Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?”

What the? Well, this obscure 1971 film starred Dustin Hoffman as a song writer who cannot love himself, or others. So he spends his days with various women flying his plane, and dropping in to the world around him. Um, OK….

Dustin went on to star in some more mainstream movies with more straightforward titles of course:

Well, maybe not…you see, I wanted to share some of the funniest and most unique movie titles of all time – the films themselves may be good, bad or ugly, or in some cases, cult classics like this one!

“Sorority Babes In The Slimeball Bowl-A-Rama!”

This 80’s cult horror film starred Scream Queen Linnea Quigley, and was originally called “The Imp!”

You see, a bunch of sorority sisters are trapped in a bowling alley, and are terrorized by the afore-mentioned “Imp!”

To see more of this wackiness, and to celebrate Linnea Quigley in all of her greatness, click on my story here:

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

Finally, there is this gem…if you think I am joking about this movie title, YOU ARE WRONG:

“The World’s First Monster Musical!”

Yes, this is real movie! Time to embrace:

“The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!”

Watch this classic trailer for “the world’s first monster musical!”

That is, without a doubt, the most unique movie title I’ve ver heard…well, except for the others! So there you have it, five very strange movie titles…let me know which is your favorite!

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!

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!

I Love Chopper Chicks!

Well, their movies at least! If you missed out on this genre of cult exploitation movie – the “chopper chick” film, then here are some of the classics that have passed you by! First of all, “biker” flicks have been part of the grindhouse film genre since Marlon Brando was “The Wild One”!

But it’s the chick who rule the hogs! Any guy can ride a Harley and call himself a man – but when you put a beautiful woman on the back of a motorcycle, she becomes a “Hellcat!”

“Leather On The Outside!~ All Woman On The Inside!” Meet “The Hellcats!”

What more is there to say? Roll the trailer!

OK, if you are about to ask me the plot of this movie, you are missing the point! These are about one thing only: an “untamed” woman who can ride a Motorcycle and kick some ass!

Here are some more classic examples!

“Guts As Hard As The Steel Of Their ‘Hogs’!”

Absolutely! These are movies that tell the stories of women who know how to stand up to a man – and live by their own rules! Are the films good? Again, who cares when you have posters as entertaining as these!

“Big Men With Throbbing Machines And The Girls Who Take Them On!”

One of the great aspects of this genre is the blatant blatant BLATANT pandering to men as exemplified by this poster – hilarious!

These movies may not be that good, but boy are they fun!

I also posted a story about a classic counter culture film from 1971 – which included a star-making turn by an Actress who shows up riding a motorcycle – naked!

Meet Gilda Texter!

This Actress didn’t make many films – she ending up working behind the camera – but what an entrance she made!

Her appearance in “Vanishing Point” mesmerized male moviegoers – and made her a counter-culture star! Read more about this fascinating movie cameo by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/08/24/legendary-naked-motorcycle-starlet-hollywood-sex-symbol-gilda-texter-fascinating-nude-70s-movie-icon/

Now, if your “chopper chick” films need bigger stars, perhaps an Oscar winner will do the trick – and I’ve got you covered!

“Chopper Chicks In Zombietown”! Troma Strikes Again!

Just say the title of this film three times out loud and you will smile for the rest of the day! Meet “The Cycle Sluts”: a gang of tough women bikers who ultimately are the only thing that stands between a ravenous band of zombies and the residents of a small town! Check out this “Tromatic” trailer!

Billy Bob Thornton Rides His Hog!

That’s right, “Chopper Chicks In Zombietown” stars Billy Bob Thornton, which Troma is most eager to make you aware of on the front cover of the new DVD release!

You must take this ride! Troma films have a great sense of humor, lots of gore effects, nudity and plain old fun! The “Cycle Sluts” take on Zombies and kick some serious Zombie butt – with Billy Bob Thornton!

Troma is behind some of the greatest cult films of all time – like “The Toxic Avenger” and “Class Of Nuke ’em High!”

If your taste for Troma isn’t satisfied – and how could it be – then check out some of the best Troma films of all time here!

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

Billy Bob Thornton wasn’t the only big star to ride a bike…one of Hollywood’s legendary sex kittens once rode a chopper as well!

Ann-Margret rode a chopper in the cult classic “C.C. & Company”, starring opposite NFL legend Joe Namath!

Read all about that movie by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/12/06/the-nfl-legend-of-broadway-joe-namath-super-bowls-biggest-shocker-sexy-nfl-movie-star-nfl-legend/

And of course, legendary filmmaker Russ Meyer also had a thing for “Chicks on bikes” – check out “Motorpsycho!”

Russ Meyer came to be known as the “King Of Software” for such films as “Vixen” and “Up!” In this film, one of this big-busted regulars, Haji stars in a “chopper chick” drama that’s full of action, stunts, and scantily clad Haji!

“Sexploitaiton’s Godfather!”

Russ Meyer’s films are raucous and wildly entertaining. This came out a year before Meyer hit the sexploitation big time with his iconic cult film “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”

If you haven’t seen this film, you have missed one of cinema’s most energetic and shamelessly entertaining films ever!

Read more about the renegade spirit that lives in “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” by clicking here:

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

Let me know what your favorite “Chopper Chick” flick is!

RIP David Bowie…

This has shocked music fans around the world…the announcement that David Bowie has died of cancer at the age of 69.

“Look Up Here, I’m In Heaven”

These are the first words of his music video just released…here is the brand new song “Lazarus”:

“Black Star” was released late last week on the singer’s birthday, and it’s a prescient look at what he knew was ahead…

I was just listening to one of my favorite albums of his, and was planning on posting about it…

“They Call Them The Diamond Dogs!”

“Diamond Dogs” was Bowie’s 1974 concept album: a marriage of the novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell and Bowie’s take on a future that was a bit like the film “Escape From New York.”

Bowie had tried to license Orwell’s book for a theatrical play but was denied, and so the album was released, with a song “1984” included.

Here is a live version of the title track from 1996 I found on youtube…an updated feel to the song, but with the same great Bowie theatrics:

The album is also known for one of his biggest hits, “Rebel Rebel”…here is a great version of that song as well – from the era in which it was recorded:

Bowie was also an Artist and a great Actor, with “The Man Who Fell To Earth” his classic sci-fi film…and he wasn’t afraid to be commercial:

His erotic horror thriller with Susan Sarandon, “The Hunger” is good trashy 80’s fun…you can read about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/11/the-hunger-sex-blood-bowie-new-music-lusting-for-vampires/

Alex and I saw his art exhibit in Chicago last year, and it only reinforced the various creative facets of his career…

RIP David Bowie…

The True Story About A Brilliant Musical Mashup! David Bowie Sings With Freddie Mercury!

In looking back at David Bowie’s incredible career, there is one very unique song he wrote – or co-wrote that is! It’s one of music’s best-loved songs: Queen teaming up with David Bowie for the classic “Under Pressure!”

It’s a song that was fueled by lots of wine and other substances – well, according to folklore…so just how did David Bowie end up recording with Queen?

It All Began In Switzerland….

Doesn’t everything? Well, in this case, Queen had been working on the song – at the time called “Feel Like”, at a recording studio in Montreux, Switzerland. David Bowie was a friend and came by to sing backing vocals on another Queen song, “Cool Cat”…

They started jamming together on “Feel Like”, and they ended up with “Under Pressure!” Queen Guitarist Brian May told Mojo magazine in October 2008 that:

“It was hard, because you had four very precocious boys and David, who was precocious enough for all of us. David took over the song lyrically. Looking back, it’s a great song but it should have been mixed differently. Freddie and David had a fierce battle over that. It’s a significant song because of David and its lyrical content.”

Here is a terrific, fan-created acapella mashup of the song, focusing on performances by each singer:

Author Mark Blake wrote a terrific biography called “Is This the Real Life?: The Untold Story of Freddie Mercury and Queen.” His book has a few more choice bits about the recording…

Blake writes that Bowie and Mercury “swap[ped] verses blind, which helped give the song its cut-and-paste feel.”

And stories abound that the band and Bowie enjoyed copious amounts of wine – and other substances while recording the song.

Brian May gives an in-depth look at every facet of the recording of the song, which he admits begins with a lot of wine at a local restaurant…but he also gives a lot of terrific insight about the creative process at work – which began when Guitarist John Deacon played 6 chords for Bowie:

“Ding-Ding-Ding Diddle Ing-Ding!”

Here is how May described what happened next:

“Suddenly hunger took over and we repaired to a local restaurant for food and a fair amount of drink. (Local Vaux wine as drunk in Montreux is a well-kept secret).

A couple or three hours later, we’re back in the studio. “What was that riff, you had, Deacy?” says David B. “I was like this”, says John Deacon.

“No it wasn’t, says Bowie – it was like this”.

This was a funny moment because I can just see DB going over and putting his hand on John’s fretting hand and stopping him.

It was also a tense moment because it could have gone either way.”

So Bowie’s interest in those 6 chords led to the recording of a masterpiece – and you can read how it all came together by clicking on May’s interview with The Mirror here:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/brian-tells-how-david-bowie-7161073

“Under Pressure” is considered one of Bowie’s greatest songs – and of course, Queen released it on their next album as well…

Here is the official Queen video:

David Bowie’s death caused an overwhelming outpouring from fans – and every single friend and fellow Artist praised his honesty, warmth and generosity…

Here is a look at some of the music he created that I loved most:

http://johnrieber.com/2016/01/11/david-bowie-rip-diamond-dogs-to-young-americans-great-music-the-hunger/

He also starred in a number of great movies, but perhaps my favorite is the erotic thriller “The Hunger”…

Queen also created an amazing amount of great music, and Freddie Mercury was a mad genius…here is a look at their masterpiece, “A Night At The Opera”:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/02/23/queens-brilliant-night-at-the-opera-freddie-mercurys-musical-madness/

Let me know what your favorite Bowie music is!

Time For Cult Spanish Horror!

When people think of classic horror films, the term “Spanish horror” doesn’t usually come to mind.

In the 70’s however, there were a string of European shockers from Spain that are now back for a new generation to enjoy thanks to blu-ray!

“The Vampires Night Orgy!”

This cult gem was also known as “Orgy Of The Vampires”!

A bus full of tourists stops to visit a small town, not realizing it’s run by vampires!

These horror films have a special style that is unlike American horror films – with a much more colorful visual style and aggressive form of acting…

Seeing Double!

Another trend in the 70’s was to take more obscure films and create a”double feature” – two hits for the price of one! Here’s a unique Spanish horror double bill:

“It Happened At Nightmare Inn” and “Things From The Grave!”

Let’s first check in to the “Nightmare Inn”. Two older sisters run an inn in Spain…when they see how decadent their guests are, they kill them off!

Here is the trailer for the film, known here as “A Candle For The Devil!”

As you can see, an enterprising Producer created a horrific double bill, by adding “Things From The Grave!”

This was a staple of the 70’s: double bills that were full of sex, nudity, horror and suspense!

Movie fans were sometimes surprised by how much fun these double bills were – and great companies like Something Weird have released these double bills for fans to enjoy. You can read more about this classic era of the movie double bill here:

Classic Cult Movie Posters! The Rio’s Grindhouse Exploitation Art! Sexy Double Bills!

One Director who made a ton of these European horror films was Jess Franco!

“Lorna The Exorcist” was a classic example, courtesy of Franco, who shot in France, Spain, Greece – all across the continent!

Here is a look at some of his wildest!

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/17/countess-perverse-lorna-the-exorcist-jess-francos-naked-masterpieces/

If you want French Vampires instead, then this is for you:

“The Living Dead Girl”

French Director Jean Rollin made some of the more stylish horror films of the 70’s, such as the classic “Fascination”:

These are moody, offbeat horror films from Europe that are worth checking out – read about them here:

Classic “Artsploitation”! The Films Of Jean Rollin! Cerebral French Horror!

And finally, if you need more Vampires in your life, then sink you teeth into this!

That’s right, Jess Franco made one of the best early 70’s vampire films…read all about it here!

http://johnrieber.com/2015/05/19/legendary-sex-kitten-soledad-miranda-ecstasy-vampyros-lesbos-new-cult-films-releases/

Let me know what you think of this “Vampire’s Orgy!”

The Tragic Story Of Yvette Vickers!

The life of a Hollywood sex symbol can be difficult: it’s a hard transition from Hollywood starlet to life out of the spotlight, and for some, it’s an impossible transition to make…

Meet Sex Kitten Yvette Vickers!

Young starlet Yvette Vickers had it all in 1950’s Hollywood: beauty, sex appeal, and a bawdy view on life…she was poised to become one of Hollywood’s newest sex kittens!

Two things cemented Vicki’s stardom….The first being a classic cult film that rode the wave of 50’s sci-fi:

“Attack Of The 50-Ft. Woman!”

This is one of the most entertaining films of the 50’s, a huge hit that made Vickers a household name.

Here is the very entertaining trailer for “Attack Of The 50-Ft. Woman”:

Cue The Sexual Revolution!

The following year, Vickers posed for a new and scandalous magazine – Playboy! You have to remember that, in the late 50’s, nude photographs in magazines like Playboy were shocking, but at the end of the 50’s, America was ready to be jolted out of complacency, and a sex kitten like Vickers was just what the country needed!

Her 1959 Playboy pictorial was photographed by legendary filmmaker Russ Meyer!

Vickers became a cult icon, and in the 60’s she acted in several more films, and then became a common face for decades at conventions and film festivals, where she signed autographs and lived life as a “former” sex symbol.

A Death In Beverly Hills!

It is here where the story turns tragic: for decades, friends and neighbors in Beverly Hills saw Vickers changing.

People magazine ran a great story about Vickers. Here are some highlights:

“She was bright and intelligent, but she became very paranoid about people stalking her and talking about her behind her back,” her longtime friend Boyd Magers, 70, of Western Clippings magazine tells PEOPLE. “She lost her looks. She became very overweight.”

She also became “delusional” after she was no longer being invited to film festivals that tended to be “an ego boost for a lot of actors and actresses who have been forgotten from Hollywood,” says Magers.

Vickers lived off Benedict Canyon in Beverly Hills. One day in May 2011, neighbors noticed mail that was stacked up. Yvette’s small two-story house in Beverly Hills had fallen into disrepair. As People magazine states, “a fruit picker held up part of the house’s framing. A door had a panel broken, mended with duct tape. Rusty shade umbrellas hung out on the tiny upstairs balcony. The shingles on the home’s roof were pulling apart.”

A Shocking Discovery!

A neighbor went into the house to look for Vickers, and instead discovered her mummified corpse! Police think she may have been dead for almost a year…she was 82 years old when she died….

The People article goes into more details, and can be found online, but the saddest part of this story is that a beautiful Actress slowly drifted into obscurity…as People reported:

“Some of my neighbors – myself included – have been given a bad wrap for not checking on Yvette,” says neighbor Rick Trent. “We are not inconsiderate people. Yvette was a recluse by her choice.”

Stardom is elusive, and staying in the spotlight for decades is almost impossible in Hollywood…some just can’t handle life after fame…whatever led to Vickers’ death, the stories note that life after Hollywood was more and more difficult for her…

It is also, unfortunately, a story that isn’t unique. I have written about other sex symbols in Hollywood who met a tragic ending:

Jayne Mansfield was one of Hollywood’s most famous sex kittens, but she also met a tragic end. You can read that story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/28/jayne-mansfield-the-tragic-life-of-hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten/

Some sex symbols, however, manage to navigate that difficult path from stardom – one such example 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

This sex symbol is still going strong, with active social media and celebrity appearances…read all about this amazing woman by clicking on my story here:

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

RIP Yvette Vickers…

Time For A Classic Italian Shocker!

First, here are the opening lines of the film:

Narrator: “The impulse had become irresistible. There was only one answer to the fury that tortured him. And so he committed his first act of murder. He had broken the most deep-rooted taboo, and found not guilt, not anxiety or fear, but freedom. Any humiliation which stood in his way could be swept aside by the simple act of annihilation: Murder.”

And now, this classic “giallo” is coming to blu-ray!

Bravo To Synapse Films!

Kudos to Synapse for a terrific special edition blu-ray release – more on those details in a moment, but first, here are two definitions to share:

‘Tenebre’: a Latin/Italian term meaning darkness or shadows.

‘Giallo’: a 20th-century Italian slasher genre of literature and film, usually with mystery elements and often with either supernatural horror or crime fiction elements.

As you can see, these “giallo” books had a very sexy look, and the films are equally lurid:

A Classic Giallo For All Movie Fans!

Now, one of the genre’s greatest films is coming back with an all-new look!

Here is a look at the international trailer for the “Tenebrae”:

American Actor Tony Franciosa stars as a writer who visits Rome – and discovers that someone is using his novels as the inspiration for murder!

Here’s some fun trivia: Director Dario Argento called star Franciosa one of the most difficult actors he’s ever worked with!

The Iconic John Saxon!

The great character Actor John Saxon co-stars…Saxon is a favorite of mine, due to roles in such classic films as “Black Christmas” and Bruce Lee’s “Enter The Dragon!”

Saxon had a long career making films in Italy. If you want to read more about this great Actor, you can read my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/04/06/john-saxon-kicks-bruce-lees-ass-classic-kung-fu-action-euro-crime-master/

“Tenebrae” is directed by Dario Argento, one of the horror/suspense genres masters…

Perhaps his most famous work is “Suspiria” starring Jessica Harper, and I recommend you see that film as well…for “Tenebrae”, the new blu-ray edition is a must own as well!

A Full-Length Documentary On Giallo!

Here’s why the Synapse release is a “must own”…look at what is included!

• A feature-length in-depth documentary YELLOW FEVER: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE GIALLO by High Rising Productions, chronicling the giallo film genre from its beginnings as early-20th-century crime fiction to its later influences on the modern slasher genre. Featuring interviews with Argento, Umberto Lenzi, Ruggero Deodato, Dardano Sacchetti, Luigi Cozzi, Richard Stanley and more!

That’s right, a full length docu that looks at this classic Italian genre of film – and the release is also stuffed with extra scenes, audio commentary, and the film’s music score on CD!

As you can see, it’s a limited release, so go to the Synapse website and get it now. And if you want to know more about the films in this genre, well then just stay with me – starting with another one of Argento’s classic giallos!

Yes, Dario Argento directed “Cat O’ Nine Tails”, one of the best thrillers ever. In fact, some of the greatest mystery thrillers ever have come from Italy, and if you want to see more of them, click on my story here:

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

And that is just the tip of the iceberg…check out this title!

Yes, this is one of the more provocative “giallo” thrillers available – you can read all about it here:

Time To Strip Nude! Four Flies! And “Baba Yaga” To You! Yes, It’s Classic Italian “Giallo”!

There’s another new release on blu-ray that is a must own as well:

Yes, the movie is as good as the title! Check out this film 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 finally, here’s an interesting story about the genre – thanks to James Bond:

Claudine Auger became famous as the “Bond girl” in “Thunderball”, then she went on to star in a number of great giallo films! Read more here:

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

Bravo once again to Synapse Films for their great new release – let me know what you think of the great movie genre!

Ever Wanted To “Take To The Road?”

It’s the favorite mode of transportation for the young and free – stick your thumb out and see the world!

Well, that doesn’t sound nice! You see, life “on the road” isn’t all Jack Kerouac…it’s a dangerous world as well!

“Thumbs Up! Knives out!”

Time to look at the exploitation movie genre focused on hitchhiking – and just how horrifically dangerous it can be!

“The Scorching, Reckless Joy Rides Of Wild Girls Of The Road!”

As early as 1958, shrewd movie Producers figured out that women out on the road alone were great fodder for exploitation, especially when filmed in “naturama!”

And a few years earlier, Hollywood knew that life on the road was a thriller! Take a look at this film noir classic from 1952, written and directed by famous movie star Ida Lupino!

In the 70’s, the relaxation of indecency and obscenity rules meant that these hitchhiking films could get more and more outrageous!

“There Is No Such Thing As A Free Ride!”

As you can see, there is no such thing as a “safe ride”! In the 70’s, drive-in theaters were filled with wild exploitative films like this:

“It Was The Longest Ride Of Her Life!”

As you can see, the movie posters promised a film full of young women making bad decisions and paying the price – but these movies were more likely to involve lots of nudity AND revenge!

“Hitch Hike!”

European star Franco Nero starred in this cult film, now being re-discovered thanks to DVD and blu-ray! Here is the trailer for this forgotten classic:

“Hitch Hike” is a psychological thriller that is a rough 70’s gem – but perhaps the most iconic film dealing with the horror of hitchhiking is the 80’s classic “The Hitcher” with Rutger Hauer!

Take A Ride With “The Hitcher!”

This cult classic from 1986 tells a straightforward tale: a young man who escapes from a crazed hitch-hiker – then finds himself framed for the “hitchers” crimes!

As you can see, NOTHING good happens when you pick up a hitchhiker, no matter what these posters suggest!

This is just one category of exploitation film that is so much fun to watch – another classic of exploitation is this one:

Naughty Stewardesses!

Talk about having fun while flying! This genre got its start with the release of the bawdy novel “Coffee Tea or Me?” Read all about it here:

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

I said earlier that many of these films were actually about empowered females turning the tables on stupid guys…perhaps no more so than this genre:

“Tough as nails” biker chicks are always fun to watch, and you can see the best ones by clicking on my story here:

Sexy Chopper Chicks! “Naked” Cycle Sluts! Sex! Violence! “Hog-sploitation”!

And finally, there was one genre that was so good that even David Hasselhoff got into it!

Yes, “The Hoff” starred in a cheerleader movie! Find out which one by clicking on my story here:

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

Let me know what your favorite genre of exploitation is!

Say Hello To The Face Of Exploitation Cinema!

Someone asked me to explain the phenomenon of exploitation cinema – an era from the late 60’s to the mid-80’s when movies pushed boundaries and broke taboos…and resulted in some of the most deranged and entertaining films of all time!

Welcome To Times Square!

It all began in New York’s Times Square, at a time when it was more dangerous to be IN THE THEATER than it was to be on the streets!

Time To Talk About All Forms Of Movie ‘Sploitation!

These movie theaters in Times Square were open 24 hours a day, showing some of the weirdest films ever made!

“Exploitation” films were also known as “Grindhouse” films, because they played New York’s 42nd street theaters all day and night…look at what a seedy scene it was at the time:

You can take a trip down memory lane with a story I posted about this unique time in cinema…just click here:

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

Hard to imagine that this is what Times Square used to look like – but it’s a part of movie history that has disappeared…except on home video and on demand, where these films are having a re-birth!

A “David Hasselhoff” Moment!

Here’s a look at the kind of films that were shown in Times Square in the 70’s and early 80’s…from the subtle to the ridiculous – and with David Hasselhoff too!

“Hello, Boner”! Time For Classic “Exploitation”!

Yes, there were recognizable stars in some of the more “mainstream” exploitation films of the era, including David Hasselhoff who starred as “Boner” is one of the more hilarious examples – movies with lots of topless girls, subtle sexual situations, mostly “R”-rated, or soft “X” – nothing too controversial, just good clean naughty fun like this:

The “Cheerleader” genre was silly, good-natured fun, with just enough skin shown to keep teenage boys flocking to the movies…here’s a good primer of the genre:

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

These films could play drive-in theaters all around the country…not too extreme for rural audiences…

In the 70’s, it was up to the Europeans to give us a “harder” look at the genre, “art” films that featured lots of sex and violence – films that proudly celebrated being called:

HOT HOT HOT “SEX-Sploitation!”

Grindhouse theaters were inundated in the early 70’s with films from Europe that blew the doors off the buildings they were shown in: sex kittens like Lina Romay showed off EVERYTHING in every movie!

Romay made a series of films with her husband, Director Jess Franco, that were provocative, explicitly sexual and eye-popping!

One of their most notorious is “The Hot Nights Of Linda”, with the censored “banana” scene….which you can now see on a newly released blu-ray edition of the film…read all about it here:

Linda’s Shocking “Hot” Nights! Lina Romay’s Classic Sexploitation!

Not all films of that era from Europe were this “shocking”…which leads to the next “s-ploitation” genre known as:

“ART-Sploitation”!

What exactly is this? “Sinner” is a perfect example – “artsploitation” films came from Europe, beginning with the shocking film that started it all:

“I Am Curious (Yellow)” was brought up on obscenity charges, but when they won their case, the floodgates were open to a lot of wild films from Europe – these
movies were chock full of sexual situations and full nudity – but with social issues of the day thrown in as well…making it supposedly a more “artistic” endeavor….like this:

Meet Christina Lindberg, The “Queen Of Artsploitation!”

I have written about all of Lindberg’s films – this Swedish Star made some of the best “Artsploitation” films of the 70’s, like these:

Christina Lindberg was a huge star in the 70’s – Her most provocative movie, which Quentin Tarantino used as an inspiration for “Kill Bill”, was the classic “Thriller: A Cruel Picture” AKA “They Call Her One-Eye!”

Read about all of her amazing films by clicking on my story here:

Christina Lindberg Speaks! The “Queen Of Artsploitation” Bares All!

While Christina was nude throughout all of her films, the movies themselves tried to tell compelling, intelligent stories…THIS “S-ploitation” genre, however, didn’t bother!

Welcome To The Wacky World Of “Dwarf-Sploitation”!

Well, you knew it had to lead to this: one of the most exploitive movies ever released, thanks of course to the Europeans! Time to meet The Sinful Dwarf!

This movie has NO redeeming social values, and isn’t that why we are watching?

And now, the terrific home video company Severin Films is bringing this “Dwarf” back on blu-ray!

The new blu-ray includes a ton of special features, including a look at the cast and crew!

Of course, one of my favortie stories of all is the disappearing starlet of “Sinful Dwarf”, Anne Sparrow. It was her only film, and then she disappeared from movie screens forever!

This beautiful Actress bares all in the film, but also gives a brave, professional performance – and then she disappeared forever!

Read all about the mystery of Anne Sparrow by clicking here:

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

These films in the 70’s made it to the US and helped open the door to a more explicit era in film…some wacky 70’s exploitation films, however, never left their country of origin – like these!

Time For Some “J-Sploitation!”

Welcome to wild and wacky Japan! The genre known as “J-Sploitation” dealt with Japanese sexploitation films – also called:

“Pink Films”!

These movies were about girls who got into trouble and had to fight their way out!

These films evoke a style like “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” and are definitely worth checking out!

Read all about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/08/18/wild-japan-cinema-pinky-violence-amazing-cult-exploitation-madness/

If you think only countries like Japan can release disturbing films that call their own culture into question, you are wrong!

Hick-sploitation!

Yes, right here in the heartland of the US of A, your “Country Cuzzins” are ready to party!

These movies are called “hick-Sploitation”, and they usually deal with country girls down on the farm who are ready to “get down”!

It’s a genre full of haystacks, “aw shucks” dialogue, and lots and lots of nudity! See what these “Country Cuzzins” are up to by clicking on my story here:

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

These films evolved into more mainstream fare like “Gator Bait” and “White Lightning” with Burt Reynolds…just good old boys having some fun…back in Europe however, things just got darker and darker…

Shoot Up Some “Drug-Sploitation!”

This genre of “S-ploitation” had a short run in the US, with serious films like “The Panic In Needle Park” with Al Pacino:

Junkies on the streets of New York have movie stars attached, while in Europe, heroin addiction was just another plot point in films full of sex and violence like this:

See more about these rough and tumble descents into heroin madness by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/07/11/virgins-from-hell-plus-dead-virgins-too-oh-and-hannas-hooked-on-smack-exploitation-lives-on/

As you can see, Europeans dealt with social issues in one way, in the US it was a bit more humorous…like this genre:

Rev Up Some Classic “Hog-Sploitation”!

Yes, biker chicks was the rage in the 70’s – tough girls who could kick ass and take names!

Here is a list of some of the best:

http://johnrieber.com/2016/01/04/sexy-chopper-chicks-naked-cycle-sluts-sex-violence-hog-sploitation/

And there is one genre I could never support:

“Nun-Sploitation!”

This genre was touched upon a bit when Raquel Welch played the sexiest “cleave-flaunting” nun of all time:

Yes, Raquel dipped her breasts into the “euro-sleaze” genre in a big way!

“Euro-sleaze” is a type of movie made in Europe that didn’t even pretend to have any socially redeeming qualities – but big stars would make them because there was money to be made!

Raquel Welch was a sexy nun in the “euro-sleaze” classic “Bluebeard”.

Read more about this cult Ricahrd Burton classic – by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/04/08/richard-burton-freezes-raquel-welch-bluebeards-classic-euro-sleaze/

So there’s a look at some of the wildest film genres ever produced – let me know your favorite!

Hollywood is such a funny place…critical and commercial acclaim one day can lead to direct-to-video films the next…the key is to keep working, no matter what the role is…there have been so many great movie stars – and virtually all have unique – and sometimes offbeat films – on their resumes…here’s a look at one such “True Hollywood Story: the talented Actress Olivia Hussey!

Olivia Rocks The Yellow Jumpsuit!

As I mentioned, everyone has a “strange choice, huh?” moment on their resume, and it’s no different for Actress Olivia Hussey. First, some background: she was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and first appeared on the London stage as Jenny in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”, opposite Vanessa Redgrave. That’s where Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli first spotted her.

Cue Instant Stardom!

Hussey was chosen out of 500 actresses to star as Juliet in Zeffirelli’s smash hit 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet”.

Hollywood’s New Star Of The Year!

The film’s success led to her winning the Golden Globe Award for “New Star of the Year!”

This was the end of the 60’s, when Sinatra, Dean Martin and his gang still ruled. After the acclaim for her Shakespeare role, Hussey then married one of The Rat Pack’s sons, and was entering Hollywood royalty when tragedy struck.

In 1971, Hussey married actor Dean Paul Martin, son of the singer Dean Martin. They had a son before divorcing in 1978. Dean Paul Martin died in 1987 when his National Guard F-4 Phantom jet fighter crashed in California’s San Bernardino Mountains.

From Shakespeare To Shock!

Known for her classic Shakespeare role, it was one of Hollywood’s darkest horror films that exposed Hussey to a whole new generation of fans…

1974’s “Black Christmas”

This low-budget shocker, directed by Bob Clark, is now one of the most beloved horror films of the 70’s – in fact, “Black Christmas” set the stage for a new wave of horror film like “Halloween”.

The plot was simple: It’s time for Christmas break, and a group of sorority sisters make plans for the holiday – but then the horrifying anonymous phone calls begin.

Here is the extremely creepy trailer for this classic horror film:

Margot Kidder also stars as one of Olivia’s sorority sisters, and she’s got a wicked sense of humor and an acid tongue…

Even though the film is a dark thriller, Hussey says the movie set was a very light and happy between takes. She did admit that Margot Kidder was distant from cast/crew during the filming.

What A Cast!

In addition to Hussey and Kidder, Kier Dullea also stars in the movie – Dullea of course was in Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Keir Dullea worked only for a week on this film, never meeting Margot Kidder and barely meeting John Saxon, but the film is edited in such a way that he appears to be present throughout the film…

During an interview with Bob Clark, the Director said Hussey’s decision to star in the film was based upon advice given to her by a psychic. According to Clark, Hussey said her psychic believed that the film would be successful and a wise career choice for her. She took the role.

Meeting Steve Martin!

Hussey continued to act in film and TV for the next decade. Around 1986, she met Steve Martin to discuss a role in his hit film “Roxanne”, and Martin said this to Olivia:

“Oh my God Olivia, you were in one of my all time favorite films”!

Hussey assumed it was for “Romeo and Juliet” – and was surprised to find out that Martin loved “Black Christmas”, claiming to have seen it over 20 times!

Talking Turkey!

Finally, here is that “why would she do this film?” role – one of Hussey’s most unique movies was this sci-fi cult classic:

1981’s “Turkey Shoot!”

This futuristic thriller involved prisoners who were set free so they could be hunted down by rich people! A very unique choice for Hussey:

As I said, when you are a working Actor in Hollywood, the key is to work. And this movie has become a cult classic. One of the most interesting aspects of the film was Hussey’s choice to do a nude shower scene in the film!

“Blu” Turkey!

The film is full of crazy action sequences – and Hussey does a great job in the film, along with Steve Railsback – “Turkey Shoot” has built up a great cult reputation – and now it’s been remastered on blu-ray! Read all about this thriller by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/09/23/shocking-turkey-shoot-sex-and-gore-down-under-wake-in-fright-new-exploitation-blu-rays/

As for Hussey, she is now a very successful voice over talent in “Batman Beyond”, and also voiced the character of Kasan Moor in the PC game, “Star Wars: Rogue Squadron”. She was also in “Star Wars: The Old Republic”.

So there’s a look at a “True Hollywood Star” who did Shakespeare, horror and sci-fi equally well!

As you can see from her credits, Hussey has had a very successful career in entertainment.

I am fascinated by Artists who have long and varied careers…and I am equally interested in Artists who appear once then disappear forever:

“One And Done!”

Anne Sparrow did just that! This Actress starred in the cult euro-sleaze film “The Sinful Dwarf”, then disappeared forever!

That’s right, Anne Sparrow has never been seen in a film again! Read all about this Actress and her notorious motion picture debut by clicking on my story here:

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

And let me know if you’ve seen Olivia Hussey in this classic horror film!

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:

http://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:

http://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:

http://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:

http://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:

http://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!

“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:

http://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!”

“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!