It’s Awards Season!

As Hollywood celebrates the best films of the year, I am reminded of movies that are destined for A DIFFERENT TYPE OF RECOGNITION – um, INFAMY – need proof?

Is This Wrong?

Is there ANY justification for Raquel Welch playing a “sexy” nun? What? You don’t remember this in a Spielberg film? A Kubrick classic? Well, it raises an important question:

When Do You Know A Movie Is A Classic? Hint: When It Comes With THIS:

Yes, “Raider Of The Lost Ark” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” didn’t come with a commemorative vomit bag, but this film did! Enough with the classics: time to have fun with the “other” legendary films! That’s right: imagine a movie SO SHOCKING, SO UNSETTLING, that the film makers offered up a vomit bag for your own protection! Well, the movie did offer this scene:

“Hold Your Tongue, Europe!”

Yes, thanks to our friends “across the pond”, in the early 70’s American moviegoers were treated to some of the wildest and most shocking films ever!

Time to take you back to a time when movies from Europe were more “adult” and “open”, leading to the release of this groundbreaking movie:

When “I Am Curious (Yellow)” beat US obscenity charges, the floodgates were open for a new era in movies – films that were much more explicit and controversial. Look at the line on this poster:

“Whisper to your friends you saw it!”

The reason so many of these sleazy exploitation films showed up in American theaters was that US studios were behind the times, not prepared for the new “relaxed” standards for movies….so the country was flooded with some of the wildest movies Europe had to offer…a brand of film known as:

“Euro-Sleaze!”

What does that mean exactly? Well, you take lots of sex, violence and perversion and wrap it up in a movie with a tag line like this:

“A Young Bride Alone With An Evil Dwarf!”

Yes, it’s as subtle as a smack to your head…but that’s the point – these films LOVED being over-the-top and offensively entertaining – as you can see, it was part of their marketing campaign, which leads us right back here:

Hard to misunderstand the filmmaker’s intentions…this film is:

“Guaranteed To Upset Your Stomach!”

“Mark Of The Devil” was notorious for scenes of torture – the precursor to the modern era of “torture porn” – as it told the story of european witch hunts in the 1600’s – if you aren’t familiar with this film, you have missed out on a “euro-sleaze” classic!

Here is the trailer:

“Rated V For Violence!”

“Mark Of The Devil” advertised itself as the first film “rated V for violence!” There was no such thing, but a great tag line, huh? This was shortly after a new ratings system was enacted to try and guide viewers…it was a time of “anything goes” in movies…

In reality, the film was a standard horror movie from Germany, looking back at the witch trials that terrorized Europe. There was plenty of sex, nudity, blood and torture – which was the main aspect of the film’s promotion…

That’s right, very inventive producers released the film with a “vomit bag” – a great way to promote the film! And it worked as the film was a big “eurosleaze” hit!

Pray For Raquel!

“Mark Of The Devil” was just one of a number of unbelievable european films that showed up on US screens…for example, have you seen the classic film where Raquel Welch struggles being the world’s sexiest nun? You know, the film where Richard Burton seduces the world’s most beautiful women? And then FREEZES THEM?

That’s right, Richard Burton went from co-starring with Elizabeth Taylor in the classic film “Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolff” to a “different” one…

Cue The Crow!

Frozen naked actresses? And a crow? Intrigued? I thought so! How can you possibly NOT want to spend time with Richard Burton – just to find out exactly WHY he spends SO MUCH TIME in the movie with a crow on his shoulder?

And Raquel Welch Was, Indeed, “The Nun!”

Yes, this is a movie where the world’s sexiest woman at the time played a Nun!

Behold The Awfulness Of “Bluebeard”!

Time to introduce you to “Bluebeard”, a 1972 thriller starring Richard Burton, Raquel Welch, Joey Heatherton and Sybil Danning. And it is classic “eurosleaze”, since it was filmed in Budapest, Hungary!

“Bluebeard” is a perfect example of the 70’s genre of “euro-sleaze”, which were cheap films full of nudity, sex and violence. That’s why the film was stocked with young starlets like Joey Heatherton!

Richard Burton was clearly slumming in this film, but euro-sleaze fans are all the better for it! Take a look at the movie’s poster!

In case you need this information, here is the plot: A World War I pilot, who everyone envies as a “ladykiller” actually IS one – because after he beds and marries a beautiful woman, he murders them – and keeps them in a freezer!

Here is the trailer:

The film is based on the classic story of “Bluebeard” by Charles Perrault – the story of a wealthy aristocrat (Burton) who has murdered several previous wives. And yes, he seduces the sexy Nun Raquel Welch and kills her too!

His latest spouse is sexy Joey Heatherton, who discovers her dead predecessors in a freezer and tries to avoid their fate!

Burton is onscreen with a multitude of beautiful women, such as Sybil Danning, and everyone had to show nudity or at least wear provocative outfits…

Hey! Where’s Raquel?

Before you rush out for this Raquel Welch starring role, know this: even though she was top billed after Richard Burton, Raquel Welch only has 8-minutes of screen time in this two hour long film!

Why I Love Raquel Welch!

“Bluebeard” is just one reason to love Raquel Welch – if you want to see more of her classic roles – including her hilarious appearance on “Seinfeld”, check this out:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/13/raquel-raquel-60s-sex-symbol-and-c-c-c-catfight-seinfeld-star-raquel-welch/

And in case European audiences didn’t understand just HOW sleazy this film was, they made sure to put a crazed Burton staring at a naked woman on the poster as well! Enjoy!

So as you see, “eurosleaze” tackled the issues of sex and violence, but what other “taboo” subjects did they cover?

How About Heroin!

Yes, this classic “eurosleaze” film from Amsterdam tackled the tough subject of substance abuse, as a young “Hanna D” is about to learn the harsh facts of life:

This ain’t no dental exam! “Hanna D: The Girl From Vondel Park” is classic sexploitation from director Rino Di Silvestro – yes, the director of “Werewolf Woman” and “Women In Cellblock 7!”

And see the poster above? That’s for the US market: here is how they promote the same film in Europe:

The documentary feel to the film allows them to show many scenes of drug taking, including a shot of a woman shooting up heroin under her tongue!

The movie begins on the trashiest note and never lets up! We first meet Hanna on a train to Amsterdam from…uh, somewhere, where she’s already selling a peep show starring her body to random passengers!

Hanna quickly meets Miguel, a sleazy playboy who wants to sell Hanna as a porn star, but on her way to her first shoot, she meets Axel on the bus, and falls in love with him instead! Hannah gets around quick!

Torn between the two options placed in front of her, she turns to drugs, and eventually descends into addiction…and learns not only to shoot up under her tongue – BUT IN HER EYELID!

OK, you get it – this cautionary tale was meant to be a shocking – yes shocking! – examination of a young woman in a downward spiral of drug addiction…as the movie begins, Hanna looks so innocent:

And by the end….well, not so much:

These films were designed to shock the audience – supposedly a cautionary tale, but one that revels in the sleaziness of the journey to redemption…

This movie LOVES to drag you into Hanna’s drug-addicted world…but that was a good grindhouse movie is supposed to do, isn’t it?

And now you can find a lot of different “euro-sleaze” collections to buy….like this one that features “Hannah D!”

Yes, “Hannah D” is joined by “The Sister of Ursula” along with what many consider the single greatest slice of “eurosleaze” ever committed to celluloid!

Dare To Touch “The Sinful Dwarf!”

It’s almost beyond words….and certainly the single most exploitative film ever to cross the Atlantic! I have posted about this twisted piece of “eurosleaze” before, and you can read all about it and nine other “sexploitation” classics by clicking my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/12/10/the-ten-wildest-sexploitation-classics-holiday-gift-guide-exploitation-edition/

And don’t forget one of the era’s most popular and notorious stars!

Read all about Lina Romay’s body of work by clicking here:

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

And don’t forget what many consider the greatest european sexploitation film of all time!

Yes, Christina Lindberg was one of the all-time greats, and you can read all about her classic european sexploitation films by clicking on my story here:

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

There are SO many examples of this unique era in film. I also showed you this classic “eurosleaze” film as well, recently released in a terrific blu-ray edition:

You can read all about this film, and Britain’s battle back against “Video nasties” by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/10/14/house-on-straw-hill-video-nasties-documentary-great-blu-ray-release/

Let me know if you are a fan of this unique and outrageous era of movie!

Let’s Not Waste Time! It’s A WILD, “You Must See It To Believe It” Cult Classic!

This is a story that could ONLY come from Hollywood! You are about to meet:

“The King Of Palm Springs!”

Time to celebrate the amazing career of Duke Mitchell, an actor, slapstick comedian, crooner and independent film director. Mitchell often performed his nightclub act in and around Palm Springs and called himself the “King of Palm Springs!”

Oh, and he directed these two classic cult films:

Here is Duke’s fascinating story. In 1951, Mitchell teamed with teenaged comic Sammy Petrillo for a nightclub act. Mitchell’s cabaret-style crooning and Petrillo’s manic, rubber-faced clowning were clearly based on the then red-hot team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

The duo made one of the strangest cult films of all time, with the wild name of:

“Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla!”

OK, we are just getting warmed up! After this comedy duo broke up, Mitchell performed a nightclub act in Palm Springs and gave himself the name of “King Of Palm Springs!”

Duke Mitchell, Film Maker!

Even though “The King” was having a successful singing career, he also turned to movies once again – and this time, NO ONE would get in his way! Mitchell wrote, produced, directed and starred in his version of the classic movie “THE GODFATHER”, and he paid for it by himself!

Behold The Cult Majesty Of “Gone With The Pope”!

First, check out this review:

“Gloriously, hilariously offensive…an incredible hybrid, with Mitchell’s decidedly dated sensibility delivered in a modern, masterfully quick-cut package.”

-Karina Longworth, LA Weekly

Thought lost to time, “GONE WITH THE POPE” now lives for all to enjoy, and stars Duke Mitchell as Paul, a paroled gangster with an unholy scheme: to kidnap the Pope and charge as a ransom:

“a dollar from every Catholic in the world!”

Check out the trailer:

Shot in 1975, “GONE WITH THE POPE” was unfinished at the time of Duke Mitchell’s death in 1981. Sage Stallone and Bob Murawski of Grindhouse Releasing rediscovered “GONE WITH THE POPE” in 1995 and vowed to save it from obscurity. Academy Award-winning film editor Murawski (THE HURT LOCKER, ARMY OF DARKNESS) spent 15 years completing this film using the surviving film elements!

And now it is on blu-ray, with in-depth interviews with stars Jim LoBianco and John Murgia, cinematographer Peter Santoro, editors Bob Leighton and Robert Florio, and legendary exploitation producer/director Matt Cimber!

And in keeping with the cult nature of the film, they even released it to a rabid moviegoing public, with collectible T-shirts too!

The blu-ray release includes footage from the 2010 Hollywood World Premiere, along with deleted scenes and bloopers!

And there’s more!

Time for “Massacre Mafia Style!”

Yes, the Duke made another film, this time playing the ruthless son of a Mafia kingpin who blasts his way through Hollywood on a bloody crime spree. Check out the trailer!

“It’s a great thing for my Dad’s legacy for his movie to be released on Blu-ray,” says Jeffrey Mitchell, who co-produced the Blu-ray with Academy Award winning editor Bob Murawski of Grindhouse Releasing.

According to Murawski: “We have put in years of work restoring MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE and gathering an amazing selection of bonus material on Duke Mitchell. We think fans will agree it was worth the wait.”

This blu-ray release includes a treasure trove of goodies, like interviews with Jeffrey Mitchell, Frankie Ray, George Jacobs, Jim LoBianco, and exploitation legend Matt Cimber, along with almost an hour of never-before-seen Duke Mitchell home movies!

Hear “The King Of Palm Springs!”

The blu-ray includes a “lost” audio recording of Duke Mitchell Live in Concert from 1960.

And as for the reviews:

“Duke Mitchell delivers an eccentric, impassioned, unpredictable performance unlike anything else ever committed to film. You’ve never seen another gangster movie like this.”- Nathaniel Thompson, Mondo-Digital

So there you have it, a pair of cult films that have been lovingly restored for your enjoyment!

Kudos Grindhouse Releasing!

Congrats to a great home video company for keeping these classics alive! And they have an amazing line up of films to enjoy, like this!

Yes, see “psycho hippies” and more by reading my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/11/16/crazy-cult-cinema-hippies-in-israel-cats-in-the-brain-mind-expanding-brain-melting-time/

And see all of their releases at their website:

http://grindhousereleasing.com

These films remind of of another “cult classic”:

Yes, Tommy Wiseau also wrote, produced, directed, edited and starred in a film – the legendary “The Room!”

Read all about it here:

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

And buy these films to help keep cult cinema alive!

“Fifty Shades” Of Controversy!

“Fifty Shades of Grey” was a literary sensation, and now there has been a film made from the book, which opened Valentine’s weekend. It has scored big worldwide, with more than $250 million in its first two weeks.

But, is it any good?

Well, here is a terrific, insightful look at the film at a great film website:

https://trashfilmguru.wordpress.com

What a great review for what is certainly a controversial film

The movie’s release was attacked by domestic violence activists, who say there’s an underlying “violence against women” theme attached to the film.

Here is how Time magazine is reporting the controversy: “A social media campaign with the hashtag ‘#50dollarsnot50shades’ asks people to donate $50 to a domestic violence shelter rather than spending it on movie tickets and popcorn, reports Mashable.”

“People are really upset about this movie and its potential for glamorizing stalking and abusive behavior, so they’re happy to have the chance to do something positive to help offset the damage,” the organizers of the movement told the Washington Times.

The First Reviews Are In!

And they may be as painful as the S&M action in the film. Here is a great article from Huffington Post that recounts the best ones:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/10/fifty-shades-of-grey-reviews_n_6655044.html

Whether this controversy hurts the film or just helps keep it in the public eye, it’s not a new refrain – movies have a long history of courting controversy with their depiction of love, sex and relationships….especially in book form. There have been a number of controversial erotic novels that have been made into equally controversial films.

The Love Machine!

Remember, before “Fifty Shades” there was Jacqueline Susann!

Don’t forget the Queen of erotic fiction. Jacqueline Susann stunned the literary world with her first novel, “Valley of the Dolls”, which sold 30 million copies!

This controversial drama about young Actresses in Hollywood was followed up with two other erotic novels, “The Love Machine” and “Once Is Not Enough!”

As you can see, Susann was serving up erotic fiction to an audience of women who were tired having guys get all the thrills…and no more so than with her epic erotic drama:

“The Love Machine” looks very similar to the powerful lead character in “Fifty Shades”. Both novels feature women who are seduced by a powerful man. And of course, controversy is never far away when you see how these films are marketed. Read all about “The Love Machine” by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/07/24/fifty-shades-of-grey-trailer-how-about-love-machines-the-50-shades-erotic-precursor/

So as you see, controversy is nothing new when it comes to sex and romance! And don’t forget another one of publishing’s biggest scandals:

“Naked Came The Stranger!”

One of the biggest book scandals of the 60’s followed the publication of the erotic novel “Naked Came The Stranger” – because it was later revealed it had been written as a joke!

That’s right, a group of advertising professionals each wrote a chapter of the book on a dare to see if they could write the worst novel of all time!

Read all about this fascinating story by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/08/before-50-shades-there-was-naked-came-the-stranger-publishings-biggest-hoax-undressed/

So, long before “Fifty Shades Of Grey” there were many controversial erotic novels…

Let me know what you think about this!

To honor Darrell Hammond’s spot on SNL 40th Anniversary impression of a dirty Sean Connery, I offer you this:

Yes, this is the former 007 – wrapped up in a red loincloth – in one of the craziest films of all time – seeing double?

And it just gets “wilder and wilder” from there. I’ve got some of the “wildest” films ever committed to celluloid….from a “dirty 007″ to this:

When an entire film revolves around a naked woman being hunted by another naked woman with a bow and arrow, does that make it “wild?” I think we are getting close to an answer here. And if by “wild” you are referring to this guy:

One definition of “wild” could be what someone looks like then they’ve been locked in a room for 15 years and then given a ballpeen hammer…what follows is “wild” by any standard…

Finally, is a movie “wild” because of a singular cinematic performance that transcends space and time, and includes movie dialogue that can never be forgotten:

Time For A “Wild” Film Fight Club!”

Let’s not waste any more time, and get into what I think are the wildest movies ever put on celluloid!

I know what you are thinking: let’s stop the debate right now because NOTHING is wilder than this movie! A giant mask roams the Scottish countryside leading an Army of killers. What? You’ve never heard of “Zardoz?”

Well, this may be the “wildest” film ever committed to celluloid! This is ACTUAL dialogue from the film!

“The Penis is evil! The Penis shoots Seeds, and makes new Life to poison the Earth with a plague of men, as once it was. But the Gun shoots Death and purifies the Earth of the filth of Brutals. Go forth, and kill! Zardoz has spoken!”

Yes, “Zardoz” has spoken!

Sean Connery shows off much more than his “007” in this movie, and it is a twisted science fiction masterpiece as a result!

To find out what is behind this madness, click on my story about film’s wackiest “one word” wonders by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/01/suspiria-caligula-zardoz-wacky-one-word-movie-wonders/

Remember that once you see “Zardoz” you can never UNSEE it, but that’s what makes it so “wild!” I’m not sure that Sean Connery talks about “Zardoz” much, but boy is it a “wild wild” ride!

Speaking of which, let’s not forget this guy:

“Oldboy!” Descent Into Madness!

Another one word title is “Oldboy!” This journey involves more than just distance, it includes a trip into the darkness of the human soul.

Imagine being locked up in a hotel room for fifteen years – without any explanation – then suddenly set free with two weeks to uncover who did it and why – that is the simple and brilliant set up of “Oldboy” – and includes one of the greatest “single take” scenes of all time!

A brutal film about betrayal, love, murder and redemption, it is also one “wild wild” cinematic trip that you can read all about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/06/30/killer-assassins-hard-boiled-killers-death-by-hammer-classic-asian-thrillers/

I think “Oldboy” is one of the greatest films ever made – but it is also “crazy insane” from beginning to end…but not all movies are “wild” because they are brilliant – some of our nominees for “wildest” film might be legendary for a different reason – like this Actor, who burst onto the film scene and became an immediate movie legend:

Tommy Wiseau Rules!

“The Room” is as much a “must see” as any film ever made! Once you’ve seen Tommy Wiseau chew up the scenery – and the screen, the front row of seats, and perhaps even the refreshment stand in the lobby, you will believe he is a “wild wild” man!

Read all about the majesty of “The Room” – and co-star Greg Sestero’s brilliant book about the making of the film – by clicking here:

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

I cannot wait to see what Tommy Wiseau has for us next…and millions of “The Room” fans agree with me! Unfortunately, our next nominee died recently and can no longer offer up “wild” movies like this:

“Hunting Humans Was Her Favorite Game!”

How can you argue with that? Legendary Sexploitation Director Jess Franco loved to make “wild” films like this, mostly starring his always naked wife, cult Actress Lina Romay:

Director Jess Franco directed a ton of films – most you’ve never heard of, some you are glad you haven’t – but he just kept chugging along, making crazy film after crazy film highlighting his “always naked” wife. There are SO many “wild” Jess Franco films…here are just a few examples:

Click here to see all of Franco’s “Wild” movies starring his wife Lina Romay – each one is wilder than the other:

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

You have to give it to Franco – he had a unique artistic vision and he stuck to it!

Nominate your own “wild” film by leaving me a message! Tell me if you can top THIS!

Um, Marlon Brando Seems To Be Having A VERY BAD DAY…

When one of the world’s most difficult Actors decides he’s not happy with a film, you can only imagine how disastrous the result will be…well, imagine no more!

“Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau”

I love stories ABOUT the movies, and this documentary takes a very revealing behind the scenes look at one of the world’s worst movies EVER!

Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer starred in the 1996 film “The Island Of Dr. Moreau”, widely considered one of the biggest disasters ever released! Now, there is a documentary that looks at how the clash of visions, bad creative decisions, lack of interest by the Actors and really bad weather plagued the film. Check out the trailer:

It all began when Brando showed up to the film’s set looking like this – and it just went downhill from there. As the trailer pointed out, Brando’s demand to have a diminutive co-star with him at all times made life miserable for Director Richard Stanley…

It’s almost his bizarre parody of “Apocalypse Now”…anyway, the documentary tells one horrible behind-the-scenes story after the other…Brando was impossible to work with…but at least he had his makeup done cheap…

The story of the film was simple: a mad Doctor turns his private island into a laboratory, where he creates a new super species…and goes mad in the process:

This documentary look s at all of the problems making the film, not helped by Val Kilmer’s on set antics as well…

I can’t wait to see this movie, as I love the “behind-the-scenes” stuff that goes down on film…and Brando has some of the best stories of all!

Read all about “The Godfather” trivia by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/20/brandos-cue-cards-real-horse-heads-the-godfathers-best-stories/

and of course, Brando clashed with Coppola again, on the set of the greatest anti-war film of all time:

There is a brilliant documentary that captures all of that conflict as well…Eleanor Coppola’s terrific “Hearts Of Darkness:

In the case of “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now”, the brilliant ends justified the means…but what if a troubled film ends up turning out – LIKE THIS?

Hard to believe, but “Troll 2″ is often mentioned in the same breath as “Dr. Moreau” for worst film ever made…and now there is a documentary that looks at the cult that has sprung up around it!

“Best Bad Movie!”

This great documentary looks at the making of “Troll 2″ in 1990, and its journey from being crowned the “worst film of all time” to a cherished cult classic.

Check out the trailer:

“Best Worse Movie” was made by the child actor from the movie! He interviews the cast about how the movie changed their lives. He also interviews the Director, who insists that “Troll 2″ is a great film!

There have been a number of great documentaries that look at the film making process – here is another favorite of mine:

American Movie!

If you haven’t seen the movie that introduces you to “Mark and Mike”, then check out my story here:

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

And here is a book that chronicles a modern masterpiece!

The Room!

Yes, “The Room” is legendary for so many reasons, and Greg Sestero’s terrific book chronicles it all form the inside…read all about it here:

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

Tommy Wiseau made one of the greatest, most inept films ever, and that’s what makes “The Room” so entertaining!

Sometimes films are so bad they are good – and sometimes you watch them with THIS look on your face:

Here is a list of some of the most astoundingly bad films ever unleashed on the public:

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

Let me know if you’ve ever seen Brando like this!

Behold The Drive-In Movie Experience!

One of the greatest ways to see a movie is in the privacy of your own car! It’s a uniquely American pastime, and I hope it never goes away!

I wanted to share a website that celebrates the drive-in movie culture…by hosting a weekend of drive-in horror!

April Ghouls Drive-In Monster-Rama!

Yes, there is such a thing as the “April Ghouls Drive-In Monster-Rama!”

The line-up for the event, which takes place on April 24 and April 25 is: (Friday) THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, THE EVIL DEAD, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS and DEMONS and (Saturday) DAWN OF THE DEAD, ZOMBIE, THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY and TOXIC ZOMBIES.

Check out more information on their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/383440118494899/

Angie Shepler DeAngelo posted this picture on the page from last year’s event:

This looks like such a fun night….as a kid, my friends and I would grab submarine sandwiches and six packs of beer, then head to a drive-in to see horror and/or exploitation double bills like these:

You can keep up on all of these great events by reading the classic website, “DVD Drive-In”…check it out here:

http://www.dvddrive-in.com

And if you need to learn more about the wild world of drive-in movies, check out this documentary!

“Going Attractions” Documentary!

This 2013 documentary tells the definitive story of the drive-in theater…here is how they describe the film:

“Once a vibrant part of American culture, drive-ins reached their peak in the late 50s with almost 5,000 dotting the nation. Although drive-ins are experiencing a resurgence, today less than 400 remain. In a nation that loves cars and movies, why haven’t they survived?”

This movie is offered for sale on Amazon, and I got myself a copy – it’s a terrific “love letter” to a classic way to see movies – in a car!

Check out the documentary, the website, and head to Monster-Rama! And if you love drive-ins, then you must love the era of classic “double bills!”

Read all about the “double bill” by clicking here:

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

The best films to see at a drive-in are classic sexploitation movies like this!

Read all about the “Cheerleader” genre in movies 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/

And let me know if you love drive-in movies!

Some of films greatest Directors got their start by making terrific “B’ movies!

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”

Martin Scorsese, cinema’s “man behind the curtain”, got his start by directing a drive-in classic, starring a sexy Barbara Hershey!

70’s Sex Kitten Barbara Hershey!

Barbara Hershey was one of Hollywood’s most popular sex kittens in the early 70’s, and “Boxcar Bertha” may just be her masterpiece! Here is the trailer:

Here is how IMDB describes “Boxcar Bertha”:

‘Boxcar’ Bertha Thompson, a woman labor organizer in Arkansas during the violence-filled Depression of the early ’30’s, meets up with rabble-rousing union man ‘Big’ Bill Shelly, played by David Carradine.

The duo team up to fight the corrupt railroad establishment – leading Bertha to team up with his gang and a life of crime…

Directed By Martin Scorsese!

Early in his career, Scorsese directed “Bertha” for legendary exploitation Producer Roger Corman. The Director mixed his love of stylish action with a great sense of humor and “B” movie sensibility!

Scorsese’s Last Drive-In Pic!

Even though the film got good reviews, the Director was given some very sage advice from one of his mentors…

According to IMDB, Martin Scorsese screened the film for Director/Actor John Cassavetes. Cassavetes hugged him and said:

“Marty, you’ve just spent a whole year of your life making a piece of shit. It’s a good picture, but you’re better than the people who make this kind of movie.”

Scorsese must have taken his advice, because his next film was his classic “Mean Streets”!

Barbara Hershey Bares All For Playboy!

Imagine this happening today! To help promote the film, Hershey and Carradine did a nude photo spread for Playboy!

Thanks to the great exploitation website “Beasts In Human Skin”, you can see some of the notorious nudes!

Again, thanks to the terrific exploitation website:

http://www.beastsinhumanskin.com

“Boxcar Bertha” is a drive-in classic, and was just the beginning for Martin Scorsese, who soon directed one of the greatest films of all time:

“Taxi Driver” is a haunting masterpiece – read all about it by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/07/new-yorks-gritty-movie-streets-taxi-drivers-subway-hijackings-cop-chases/

Scorsese has a career full of masterpieces: from “Raging Bull” to “GodFellas”, but perhaps his most neglected film is this one:

Rupert Pupkin Lives!

Thanks to blu-ray techologoy, you can see this neglected 1982 masterpiece in its full glory, along with a ton of great extras! Read all about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/25/the-king-of-comedy-goes-blu-amazing-extras-scorsese-grills-pupkin/

And of course, Scorsese will always been known for a film that teaches you the right way to slice garlic:

Yes, that’s the “Goodfellas Garlic Slice”, and you can read the entire recipe right here!

http://johnrieber.com/2014/06/17/the-godfather-clemenzas-meatballs-goodfellas-garlic-great-mobster-dinners-and-a-movie/

That made me hungry! And kudos to Scorsese, Hershey and Carradine for the fun classic slice of depression-era sexploitation that is “Boxcar Bertha!”

Imagine Life In Paradise!

A gorgeous string of idyllic islands in the Indian ocean…but where do you go for groceries? No problem!

Talk about using all available space! Welcome to Male, the capital of the Maldive islands…and as you can see, they have used up all the space they have on this particular island for business…

Going Underwater!

Unfortunately, this country is quickly disappearing and there doesn’t seem to be any action to save it! Instead of one of the world’s most beautiful destinations:

The Maldives are slowly being taken back by the sea…as you can see here, as the sea levels rise, the islands will simply disappear…

Saving The Maldives – And Saving The Planet!

Regardless of your political beliefs, you can’t argue that the ocean sea levels are rising – and that is a death knell to low lying countries like The Maldive Islands. There is a terrific – and tragic – documentary that looks at the problem.

“The Island President!”

This documentary is much more powerful than I imagined, and even more powerful now – after recent political events in the Maldives.

First, check out the trailer:

Political Activist Mohamed Nasheed became President of the Maldive Islands in 2008, and the documentary takes a very in-depth look at his rise to power.

As you can see, the Maldive Islands are the lowest-lying country in the world. Nasheed immediately took on the issue of global warming, in an effort to keep his homeland from disappearing under the sea.

President Nasheed did some amazing stunts to bring attention to global warming, including holding a cabinet meeting underwater!

He also regularly spoke to the press about the problem…even if he was still in his scuba gear!

The Story’s Double Tragedy!

This documentary is amazing for two reason. First, the movie documents Nasheed’s effort as President to bring attention to global warming’s disastrous effect on his country. The filmmakers have extraordinary access to him at all times.

In the movie, he speaks constantly about the need to stay at 350 parts per million of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere….the only way The Maldives can survive…

Well, here is the latest bad news, just released:

Average global levels of carbon dioxide stayed above 400 parts per million through all of March 2015 — the first time that has happened for an entire month since record keeping first began!

So amazing Maldive Islands adventures like this may not last forever. There is also this horrible political news:

Former President Nasheed Has Been Inprisoned!

This news is breaking now, and it’s especially awful after seeing all that he was trying to do for his people – in a country rife with corruption!

According to published news reports, the former president’s alleged offence – the detention of a judge – dates back to shortly before he was ousted in what supporters say was a coup in 2012.

Yes, Nasheed was overthrown after the documentary was released!

In February of 2012, Nasheed resigned as president under disputed circumstances, with Nasheed stating that he had been forced to resign “at gunpoint” by police and army officers in a coup d’état.

Now, three years later, he is being imprisoned under very shady circumstances.
“The prosecution’s evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that Nasheed ordered the chief judge’s arrest or forceful abduction and detention,” the judge, Abdulla Didi, said in the court in the capital, Malé.

Nasheed smiled when the verdict was read out and shook hands with three family members when he was escorted from the courtroom.

In a statement released by his office, the 47-year-old called on the people of the Maldives to “to confront the dictatorial power of this regime” and “to take all of your lives in your hands and to go out on to the streets”.

“Do not consider either the security of your personal lives or the transitory happiness of your wives, husbands, children, parents and relatives; for the security of all of your children and their children is in jeopardy,” he said.

The three-judge bench’s verdict was unanimous and the office of the president, Abdulla Yameen, who has denied that the prosecution of his chief rival for power was political, confirmed the 13-year sentence.

When you see “The Island President”, you will see a visionary leader who is trying to make positive changes for his country, but clearly that is not possible now.

I hope that his country doesn’t end up underwater, because then the world would lose beauty like this:

I have also told you about another Writer who also captured the devastating impact of climate change in this terrific book:

Writer J. Maartan Troost has written 4 terrific travel books, all with a funny and focused point of view…beginning with this one:

“The Sex Lives Of Cannibals” documents life in the northern pacific islands…and his latest book is a trip back there to see what has happened since he left:

Read all about his travels here, including what has happened to the paradise he spent years in:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/11/21/holiday-gift-guide-headhunters-cannibals-south-seas-paradise-exotic-travel-escapes/

And here’s to justice for former Maldives President Mohamad Nasheed!

“We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

“Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.”

“That Mayor – he don’t know DICK!”

Weekends are for catching up with classic films! Here are the faces of three of the most brilliant, and neglected, comedies of the 1980’s!

Time to celebrate Rupert Pupkin, Withnail AND the best Used Car salesman in the world! Let’s begin with one of Kurt Russell’s greatest comedies ever!

Used Cars!

When the owner of a struggling used car lot dies, it’s up to the lot’s hot-shot salesman to save the property from falling into the hands of the owner’s ruthless brother and used-car rival – no matter what they have to do!

Meet Rudy Russo, the sleaziest used car salesman there is – well, except for all the others. Rudy wants to be a State Senator, and he’ll bribe anyone he needs to in order to achieve his dream of higher office. This hilariously profane comedy was directed by Robert Zemeckis, who went on to make “Back To The Future”.

Along with his partner in crime Gerrit Graham, Russell dreams up a plot to screw his arch enemy Roy Fuchs, played with a deliciousness by veteran character actor Jack Warden.

Roy Fuchs spits out hilarious one-liners like this, when he disagrees with the local elected officials:

“That Mayor – he don’t know DICK!”

Here is some great trivia, courtesy of IMDB: In a scene where Jack Warden argues with Kurt Russell and Gerrit Graham – Graham didn’t have any lines and kept pestering Director Robert Zemeckis for something to say. Finally, he just decides to repeat whatever Russell said to Warden. Apparently Warden was unaware of what Graham was doing, leading to his hilarious response:

“What’re you? A fuckin’ parrot?”

It was Warden’s genuine annoyance at Graham, which worked so well in the scene that it was included in the final cut!

“Used Cars” is one of the great neglected comedies of the 1980’s…along with this british masterpiece of comedy:

Withnail: “I think we’ve been in here too long. I feel unusual.”

Looking for the greatest English comedy of all time? Well, just remember to ask for this:

“We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

Withnail & I

London 1969 – two unemployed actors, Withnail and Marwood, are freezing in their unheated flat – and they are flat broke. They need a plan, and fast. Here is their discussion about calling to ask someone for money…

Marwood: What about whatshisname?
Withnail: What about him?
Marwood: Why don’t you give him a call?
Withnail: What for?
Marwood: Ask him about his house.
Withnail: You want me to call whatshisname and ask him about his house?
Marwood: Why not?
Withnail: All right. What’s his number?
Marwood: I’ve no idea. I’ve never met him.
Withnail: Well neither have I. What the fuck are you talking about?

Withnail: I must have some booze. I demand to have some booze!

The scene where Withnail guzzles lighter fluid is a highlight….he does, after all, demand to have his booze…he has also greased his body up with muscle relaxant to get warm…

Withnail: [after having entirely covered himself in muscle embrocation] Have you been at the controls?
Marwood: What are you talking about?
Withnail: The thermostats. What have you done to them?
Marwood: I haven’t touched them.
Withnail: Then why has my head gone numb?

This movie is hilarious, and a perfect snapshot of life at the end of the 60’s – when hip, mod London turned into the cold, harsh reality of life as a struggling Actor.

From the late 60’s to the early 80’s, let’s go from a struggling Actor to a struggling Comic, who doesn’t think he’s struggling at all…

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Let me introduce myself. My name is Rupert Pupkin. I was born in Clifton, New Jersey… which was not at that time a federal offense.”

The King Of Comedy

Without a doubt, one of the best films ever made – released in 1982, and imagined a world when ANYONE could become a star…if you are willing to do whatever it takes….

Here is the trailer:

Rupert Pupkin: “The more scribbled the name, the bigger the fame.”

Robert DeNiro has never been better! DeNiro stars as aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin – who wants to achieve success in showbiz, by ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

“You Should Get Cancer! I Hope You Get Cancer!”

The film really digs into the cult of celebrity – and the price you pay for fame…

Jerry Lewis plays Jerry Langford, the kind of late night…who is shown being stopped by a woman talking on the telephone. When Jerry refuses to talk to someone on the phone, the lady says I hope you get cancer. This incident actually happened to Jerry Lewis. According to Scorsese, Lewis directed this segment himself!

Rupert Pupkin: Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.

There is a great new blu-ray that gives a ton of behind-the-scenes info on the movie, and includes a reunion too! Check it out here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/25/the-king-of-comedy-goes-blu-amazing-extras-scorsese-grills-pupkin/

Enjoy your movie weekend!

Melbourne – Australia’s Most Beautiful City!

That’s right, one of the largest cities in the southern hemisphere is also the most beautiful city in Australia!

Oh wait, did I mean to say:

Sydney – Australia’s Most Beautiful City!

That’s right, it’s actually Sydney, with the incredible Opera House and Harbor bridge that is Australia’s most beautiful…well, as you can see, both cities offer an amazing view…

What a dilemma! Is Sydney, with a beautiful skyline and incredible scenery, Australia’s most beautiful city? Or is is the classic, european vibe of Melbourne, with an iconic train station:

I was lucky enough to travel to both great Australian cities, which leads me to ask this question:

What Is Australia’s Most Beautiful City? Melbourne or Sydney?

Trust me when I tell you that Australians have a very strong point of view on the matter! For the entire time I was there, I was told by people from Sydney that Melbourne was dull and lifeless, even with this incredible beauty:

Down Under Pride!

Yes, residents of Sydney proudly extolled their virtues. And the folks in Melbourne told me that Sydney residents were crass and unsophisticated:

Well, let me say that it was mostly good-natured, and certainly based on pride for their environment – so I decided to show you what made BOTH cities so special…beginning with Melbourne’s Eureka Tower:

The Eureka Tower!

The Eureka Tower is the largest skyscraper in southern hemisphere – 88 stories, and the views of Melbourne and the surrounding area was beautiful from he top:

The Secret Of The Tower!

I was lucky enough to shoot a sequence at the top of the tower with my Host Sasha Grey. I filmed this sequence as Sasha discovered the secret of the tower:

I love that video – you can look straight down 88 stories and see people like ants below….and as I showed you, the views of the area are beautiful..and I also love this short snippet I filmed from the 88th floor just moments before, when I caught Sasha in a “candid” moment:

Sasha was such a great talent to work with, and you can see more of Sasha’s adventures in Melbourne by clicking on my story here!

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/11/sasha-grey-goes-88-stories-high-in-australias-eureka-tower/

So Melbourne made a great case for itself: European style and class with a “down under” sense of adventure…and if you look on a map, Melbourne is one of the world’s southernmost cities!

I’d love to go back and be able to explore more of the surrounding areas, but on this trip was was just two days of fun and then off to Sydney!

Welcome To Sydney!

As much as I loved Melbourne, Sydney had plenty to offer as well. First of all, you are amazed by the beauty of the Opera House and the Harbor bridge, which you can actually climb up with a group if you want!

You can see those intrepid climbers on the upper right…offering an incredibly unique vantage point of Sydney –

It is a city that celebrates its beauty – with so much water everywhere you look – and what’s in water? That’s right – seafood! If you go down to Sydney’s acclaimed fish market, you can see one of their unique food items – “bugs”!

“Bugs!”

These “bugs” are a strange combination of shrimp-like creature with a “flattened” lobster head…but they are delicious! My Host Alison Haislip had no problem digging into them!

And Sydney is also home to one of the world’s most famous beaches as well…

Welcome to Bondi Beach!

It’s simply gorgeous – pristine sand and waves that curve around a gorgeous slice of Sydney…

Sasha was up for anything in Sydney, including surfing for the first time ever! But that wasn’t her only “first!”

Sasha jumped at the chance to step into a tank filled with sharks – her first time using scuba gear! And after a thirty minute instruction, she entered the pool – filled with sharks and stingrays – with NOTHING between them! Here is a short snippet of her “walk among sharks”:

And of course, one shark flipped his fin at her, but she didn’t panic! She also kept her cool when two sharks decided to “photobomb” her!

Surfing Bondi!

As I showed you, Bondi beach is absolutely beautiful, and Sasha agreed to learn to surf for the first time! This led to my favorite “candid” moment of all – when I captured Sasha telling me about surfing Bondi Beach – and then she discovered something about Australia’s water!

I appreciate that Sasha was a good sport – she still laughs about these videos – like this one that I love: I happened to be filming her as she was telling me how she did a special “circular” shot for me, then realizes she stepped in gum!

Here is a look at the entire Sydney adventure:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/03/sasha-grey-surfs-sasha-steps-in-gum-surfs-up-at-bondi-beach-australia/

Sasha wasn’t the only great G4 talent that I traveled to Australia with: I also got to hang out with the incredible Alison Haislip!

She got the chance to dig into a big meal in Sydney, which you can read all about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/08/alison-haislips-mega-surf-n-turf-aussie-alison-digs-into-sydneys-bugs/

Alison was also great to travel with, and she made Sydney a fun culinary adventure…

So, the question was: which city is more beautiful – Sydney or Melbourne?

As you can see, they are both beautiful, so I will give style points to Melbourne but energy credits to Sydney – if you’ve been to either, let me know what you think!

“You Can’t Stop Bruce Jenner!”

Forget the controversy about Caitlyn Jenner: what was Bruce Jenner thinking when he starred in a movie with The Village People?!?!?!?

Hello Boys! Caitlyn Has Arrived!

With all of the Caitlyn Jenner controversy continuing to swirl around us, let’s go back to a time when Bruce Jenner swirled around for an entirely different reason – he was partnered up with The Village People – and Steve Guttenberg!!

Can’t Stop The Music!

As the poster says “The Musical Event Of The 80’s”!

Here’s the idea the flamboyant Producer Allan Carr had. Let’s capture this “disco craze” by doing a big budget musical extravaganza starring Steve Guttenberg, the Village People and Bruce Jenner!

First, check out the trailer!

Go Go Nancy!

Oh, and since it was a lavish musical, they decided to get aging “character actress/never-directed-before so let’s have her do it” Nancy Walker behind the camera to direct it!

Walker was best known for her role as Rhoda’s mother on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

A1J7KX Can t Stop The Music Year 1980 Director Nancy Walker Village People

“YMCA!”

Yes, the movie stars The Village People, who sang one of disco’s catchiest songs of all time. But it doesn’t end there!

Bruce Jenner (PLAYING A STRAIGHT MAN), runs around New York City in Daisy Dukes and a bare midriff, with a shrunken tee shirt!

CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC, front from left: The Village People: Ray Simpson, Randy Jones, Glenn Hughes, David Hodo, Alex Briley, Felipe Rose, 1980, © Associated Film Distribution

Because it’s a musical – and because it stars the imcomparable Village People, there are a variety of wildly over the top musical sequences!

In fact, “Village People” member David Hodo was the Construction Worker in the group, and he gets a big solo number, “I Love You to Death”. Hodo jumps around in his skintight jeans, while being clawed at by overly-made-up mannequins in Halston knock-offs!

WOW!

And did I mention Steve Guttenberg?

Yes, Steve Guttenberg!

For reasons you will only be able to understand when you see the film, here he is with Actress Valerie Perrine trying to take Bruce Jenner’s pants off:

No matter how you feel about Caitlin Jenner, and let’s be honest – who cares how someone lives their life – remember this: you DO have a say over the type of movie you choose to star in!

Not sure what Bruce was thinking, but THIS is the real scandal!

Run out in a buying frenzy to get your hands on this masterpiece…and if you need more of the worst films ever committed to celluloid, check out my list here:

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

Trust me, when you’ve seen these, you will look like this!

“Nothing is sweeter than the taste of…”

In the 60’s, smart theater owners made a fortune by peddling movies that promised lots of “adult erotic action” to lonely men looking for a thrill.

These films were pretty clear in their intentions:

“There is an expression for girls like her…you see it scrawled on walls!”

An “Adult Experience” Indeed!

Yes, it’s time to go back to the movies, down ‘n’ dirty style! Before the sexual revolution, you had to venture into the more dangerous parts of town to get your movie kicks, such as in New York’s legendarily dangerous Time Square “grindhouses” like these:

The movies were rough, the audiences even rougher! In movie theaters like these, the action on screen was rarely as exciting as what was going down in the seats!

It was an era of cheap tricks and dirty movies – even if the films were mostly full of “shocking” moments like this!

Enter a world where just drinking a bottle of coke seems wrong! And words like “Honey” meant a whole lot more than sweetness!

This “Honey” double bill is a prime example of how Movie Producers took “cautionary tales”, sexed them up a bit, and made a fortune…let’s start with the sweet and sinful:

“Honey!”

The poster says it all, but look at this plot! Honey runs away from home and meets Ray, a carnival barker who offers her a job in his “girlie revue.” Honey accepts, unaware that Ray is a pimp!

But of course! So you see what is going on here: wanton women led down a path of moral destruction by evil men…it’s a formula that works every time…check out this classic sexploitaiton trailer:

Thanks to “Mick’s Public Domain Movies” site on youtube…check Mick out for great exploitation classics!

“Honey” was directed by Jerry Denby, and stars 60’s sex kitten Peggy Steffans. She made several more exploitation films like….

Under the name Cleo Nova, she also did “The Love Merchant” and “The Sex Cycle” among others…

these are classic cult movies that deserve to live on. Thanks goes to @trashcompactorX on twitter for sharing this movie poster!

There are a number of people who are keeping cult cinema alive, so keep it up! For, for the second “honey” feature, time for “an adult experience!”

A Smell Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine!

Let’s pause for a moment to LOOK AT THAT TITLE! And what about that tagline! “There is an expression for girls like her…you see it scrawled on walls!”

I mean, C’MON, MAN! This is sexploitation at its finest!

Welcome To The Black ‘n’ White World Of “Nudie Cuties!”

The era of “sexploitation” was full of movie like this, and posters that promised rampant nudity and sexual situations – but the movies barely had either! Grindhouse cinemas were an easy way to make money off of “lonely” young men…without ever really showing anything “dirty”…staying just on the right side of the law!

“I May Be A Bitch, But I’ll NEVER Be A Butch!”

Check out this classic moment from “Brine”:

So what exactly is “A Smell Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine” about? Well, the poster suggests it’s every young man’s fantasy: AN ADULT EXPERIENCE! Look at what it says at the bottom right: “The cunning young cannibal who devoured everything that fell into her soft warm trap…”

Sexy Stacey Walker, with her arched eyebrows, wicked smile and heavily sprayed hair, burns up the screen as Sharon Winters, a character who gets her kicks seducing men, then crying “Rape!” (In his commentary, Producer Friedman tells how he considered calling the movie “C.T.”, but figured no one would get it.)

Shot in black and white, “A Smell of Honey” has a deliciously tawdry look, yet shows some artful flourishes- likely attributed to the early worked of legendary Cinematographer Laszlo Kovacs. Even when the actors are clothed, our imaginations are nudged into the gutter – here are some examples: Walker and her “victim” framed in a tree that looks like spread thighs – and of course, THIS:

It’s the classic moment when Walker suggestively drinks from a Coke bottle while the camera periodically cuts to the thrusting, bulging crotch of her boyfriend singing in a bar. In a world when nudity in a film was an invitation to being busted by the vice squad, this kind of stuff worked!

According to the Producer, Walker could’ve easily gone on to stardom, in either exploitation or even mainstream movies (she reportedly was courted by Paramount). But, as pointed out on the film’s entertaining DVD commentary track, she married “some gazoony” and moved back to her home state of Texas after only making two feature-length movies. Folks, THIS is what you call an audio commentary worth listening to!

The Producer Of “Scum!”

If you want to read more behind the mad genius who pushed the boundaries of sexploitation, click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/27/nudie-cuties-a-swallow-of-brine-the-defilers-meet-the-producer-of-scum/

Let’s not forget there is a home video company that has done a lot to keep this genre alive as well:

All Hail “Something Weird!”

Something Weird Video still offers a great way to keep this genre alive: buy their special edition videos!

The late Mike Vraney was the man behind this genre – read all about him here:

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

So much exploitation, so little time!

I’m a fan of shows like “Mysteries & Scandals”, and this is one of film’s greatest mysteries…

“A young bride, left alone to the lewd passions of an evil dwarf!”

You would look concerned too if you starred in a movie with that tagline! But did you know it led to the complete disappearance of the star of the film?

Warning! NOT For The Faint Of Heart!

You don’t know the half of it! Imagine you landed the starring role – opposite THIS GUY!

Sometimes there are movies that are so wrong – I mean WRONG – in every way that they are destined for cult status….with that in mind, time to explore the mysterious disappearance of the sex kitten star of this film:

Yes, there is a film called “The Sinful Dwarf”, and it is everything the title suggests! Not only that, it starred a beautiful young Actress who would never be hear from again!

Meet Anne Sparrow!

Actress Anne Sparrow stars in “The Sinful Dwarf”, but it’s her only film performance EVER, and she has disappeared into the black hole of movie trivia! Why? Well, let’s begin with this – a trailer that only hints at the decadence on display:

Here’s the plot of “The Sinful Dwarf”:

Anne Sparrow stars as the young wife of a Doctor who needs to rent a room for a few nights in a strange city. Diminutive former kiddie-show host Torben Bille – who looks disturbingly like Jack Black in a trash compactor – stars as well, as a young man who takes a special interest in the female guests at his mother’s boarding house…

Poor Anne Sparrow!

For Actress Anne Sparrow, it must have been a dream come true: landing a starring role in your first feature film! But who is kidding who – just look at this description from the cover art:

“The delicious Anne Sparrow – in her first and understandably only screen role – co-stars in this towering achievement in graphic depravity, now fully restored from a 35mm print discovered hidden in a janitor’s closet at the Danish Film Institute!”

I guess being part of a film described as a “towering achievement in graphic depravity” can make you second-guess your career choice!

Anne Sparrow certainly had a good reason NEVER TO ACT AGAIN – in classic euro-sleaze style, the movie plot has her abducted early in on the film and abused by our Sinful Dwarf for the rest of the film’s running time – while her husband naively keeps looking for a job…

Oh, did I mention that the “Sinful Dwarf” has a CRAZY Mom – and yes, she SINGS in the film exactly the way she looks! Happy Mother’s Day indeed! You will never clean your ears the same way again…

And yes, that’s right – this movie was not only found in a janitor’s closet in Denmark – but they chose not to throw it out!

In the film, Actress Sparrow is abducted by the “Sinful Dwarf” and finds herself chained to a wall – with her “acting” comprising mostly of yelling and screaming while barely dressed…

The “Missing” Sex Kitten!

As you all know, the internet holds the answers to our entire history….it can tell you anything and everything – except what happened to Sparrow!

I have scoured the internet and haven’t found anything about Anne Sparrow – except that “The Sinful Dwarf” was her first and only movie – perhaps it was due to the fact that the Producers took the film, added some “XXX” material in it, and released an even dirtier version!

The movie makes Anne Sparrow’s performance look even more graphic than it was, but whatever the reason, Anne Sparrow’s singular movie achievement remains this – one of the craziest examples of “Euro-Sleaze” ever released!

If you aren’t familiar with “Euro-Sleaze”, here is a story I posted about this outrageously offensive and entertaining genre of film from the 70’s!

http://johnrieber.com/2015/01/11/sex-violence-sexy-nun-raquel-welch-enter-the-twisted-world-of-70s-euro-sleaze/

Anne Sparrow isn’t he only Actress to make a single film appearance – although in this case, an Actress achieved film immortality for a single scene!

Yes, Gilda Texter will forever be remembered as the “naked motorcycle rider” in the 70’s cult classic “Vanishing Point” – read her entire story here:

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

And there are time when Actresses become iconic just for the movies they are in, as it was for this “Bond girl”:

Read the entertaining story of sex kitten Barbara Bouchet by clicking on my story here:

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

And leave a note if you know what happened to Anne Sparrow!

“Hands” Off This Cinematic Masterpiece!

If you LOVE bad movies as much as I do, then “Hands” down I have a winner for you!
It’s a legendary film shot in 1966 that is now available on blu-ray – called the single worst film ever made!

“Manos: The Hands Of Fate”

“Manos: The Hands of Fate” was made in 1966 – and here is the beginning of a trend: it was written, directed, produced by, and starring Harold P. Warren!

Yes, Warren was the visionary behind it all!

Here is a very short trailer that only hints at the horror that awaits!

Meet “Torgo!”

Here is the plot of “Manos”: a family gets lost on the road and stumbles upon a hidden, underground, devil-worshiping cult led by the fearsome Master and his servant Torgo – yes, TORGO!

What’s funny to me is that “Torgo” looks like a guy who stumbled out of a Gunsmoke saloon!

According to the great website IMDB: the entire film was shot with a hand-held camera that could only record 32 seconds of film at a time. It was also shot without sound; all the lines were dubbed later by two men and one woman. Jackey Neyman cried when she first heard her dubbed voice.

Even The Film’s Title Is Inept!

Here’s a wacky fact: “Manos” is the Spanish word for “hands”. So in the other words, the title of this movie is

“Hands: The Hands of Fate!”

If you need to know more, read the entire review at the terrific “DVD Drive-In” here:

http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/i-m/manosse66.htm

When you read the “DVD Drive-In” review, they say this:

Reaching new highs (or is it lows?) in ineptitude, the independently-made regional schlocker MANOS: THE HANDS OF FATE has by and large become many a filmgoer’s premium choice as the worst movie ever made (though my vote still goes to MONSTER A-GO GO).

Well, I must differ…first, look at this great double feature DVD from Something Weird video:

Yes, I proudly own “Monster A Go Go”, and yes, it is jawdroppingly inept…but NOTHING compared to the co-feature:

Psyched By The 4D Witch!

I have written about this film before. That is of course if you can really call it “a film.” But it was in movie theaters, and yes, based on the provocative movie poster, I snuck in to see it!

4D AWFUL!

I cannot recommend this film highly enough – because you will be stunned that I was suckered into seeing it!

“Psyched By The 4D Witch” is one of cinema’s greatest movie titles, but it’s not so much a “movie” as it is a series of poorly shot b-roll shots with an equally poorly written narration laid over it…and shots of this actress…

As you watch, you begin to notice things, like the fact there is NO synched sound at all, meaning it’s all b-roll and voiceover of her “thoughts and reactions”! And by the way, it is the worst voiceover narration ever recorded, with pointless scenes of her in a room looking like this….

By the way, there is NOTHING “adult” about this footage, which is followed by random footage of traffic and city streets – all strung together to fill time…in fact, it was described by Something Weird Video (who was smart enough to release it on DVD) as:

“the most maddening, jaw-dropping, mind-bending piece of celluloid lunacy ever to play American theaters!”

The film was Directed by Victor Luminera…it’s his only credit – EXCEPT he takes credit on “Psyched” for Director, Writer, Composer, Casting Director, Costume Designer AND Art Department!

You understand that is EXACTLY why I love the folks at Something Weird Video – because they saved this film!

To read all about Something Weird Video, and their passionate attempt to keep the world’s weirdest films alive, click here:

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

And while I am focused on the three worst Directed films of all time, you can check out more cinema stinkers by clicking on here – and you will see more wacky cinema:

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

And now, I have THIS warning for you:

“WILDER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE! EXPLICIT BEYOND BELIEF!”

Hard to misunderstand what this film has to offer – except in the hands of one of the worst Directors of all time, it offered almost NOTHING they promised!

Fleshpot On 42nd St.

Welcome to Times Square’s seediest period ever!

“Erotic, Sensual and Smoldering!”

Director Andy Milligan was a master of bad moviemaking….like these gems:

For “Fleshpot On 42ndSt.”, Milligan turned his cameras on the legendarily seedy streets of New York in the early 70’s…

The plot was simple: A street whore desperately seeks love and acceptance against the backdrop of the criminal element of early 1970s Times Square. What sort of “Criminal element?” Well, check out this bar scene and you’ll get an idea…

The film featured classic Milligan dialogue like this:

Cherry Lane: Didn’t your mother ever tell you that you shouldn’t go out with strange men?
Dusty Cole: Bob’s not strange. He’s dull.

Based on the clip I showed you, he sure is!

Of course, the pressures of Times Square can make relationships tough, as Dusty has to confide to Tony…

Dusty Cole: When I moved in with you, you said they’re be no trouble between us. You said we’d shack up together and that’s all. And I said I’d help out with the money as soon as I get a job. Don’t think I don’t apreciate what you’ve done for me, Tony. I do… but you get more then your fair share of ass. There isn’t one night where you don’t come home from that shithole where you work and wake me up in the middle of the night because you want a piece of ass. I do my part so get off my back!

And of course, how can you go wrong with conversations like this one:

Dusty Cole: How’s your mother?
Cherry Lane: She threw me out. I guess she got tired of me using all her hairspray.

While “Fleshpot” is arguably his worst film, Milligan made many other classics, which you can read about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/13/fleshpots-rats-cranium-cleaving-color-meet-andy-milligan-sexploitations-ed-wood/

And don’t forget to buy all of these classics, or I will send “Torgo” after you!

Surprise! Happy Halloween!

It’s that time of year, when the most unpleasant people can pop out of your toilet! Need more proof?

It’s time to celebrate some of the best horror films around – so you can turn your Halloween into a celebration of bloody excess like this!

We begin with a new film out from the visionary Japanese Director Takashi Miike!

Here is the trailer for “Yakuza Apocalypse!” –

Here is the plot of “Yakuza Apocalypse”: In the underground world of the yakuza, no one is more legendary than boss Kamiura. Rumored to be invincible, the truth is he is a vampire-a bloodsucking yakuza vampire boss!

Takashi Miike’s films are among the most imaginative – and craziest – ever made! This film looks like it has a ton of action as well as style, and I can’t wait to see why THIS animal is in the film:

As always, Miike is a terrific Director….and don’t forget, this visionary Japanese Director has played with Zombies before:

“The Happiness Of The Katakuris!”

Miike made a zombie rom-com in the style of “The Sound Of Music!” You must see this movie, and you can get more details on the madness on display by clicking on my story here:

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

So now, back to the subject of “Toilet Zombies” – are you ready for the wackiest horror film of all time?

There is nothing more to say until you watch the trailer here:

Yes, Zombies that are after just one thing: your ASS!

Read all about the majesty of “Zombie Ass: Toilet Of The Dead” by clicking here:

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

Of course this has a “tongue in buttcheek” quality to it, but not all Japanese horror is for laughs – another great genre of Japanese horror can be found here:

“The Ring” Rules!

The US remake of “The Ring” with Naomi Watts was a good horror film, but to see some of the best japanese horror ever, you have to check out the original film – thanks to the Japanese, a whole new era of stylized horror was unveiled!

The “Ringu” horror series from the late 90’s can be found online and on demand, and they are beautifully made horror films…

If you want to explore obscure and wildly creative Japanese horror, you need to stop here as well!

Meet The “Tokyo Gore Police!”

This movie is wild wild wild – just one of a new genre that is called “J-Sploitation” – japanese horror with lots and lots of blood!

You need to see films like “Helldriver” and “The Machine Girl”, along with “RoboGeishas” as well – read all about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/15/tokyo-gore-for-halloween-behold-j-sploitation-nishimura-rules-extreme-japanese-cinema/

And if you want really intense Asisan horror, then you should check out this “Dream Home!”

“Dream Home” is bloody, suspenseful and dripping with atmosphere – read all about some of the most intensely ferocious japanese horror by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/05/01/female-ninja-warriors-extreme-asian-cinema-updated/

And don’t forget to check under your seat!

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!

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!”

How About Waking Up To THIS Review?

Legendary Comic George Burns, after seeing the movie, said:

“For the first time in 65 years, I wanted to get out of show business”.

Time For The Demented Madness Of “The Gong Show Movie!”

If you haven’t heard about this movie, you are missing one of the strangest films ever released by a major studio – receiving some of the worst reviews of all time – but, in its own bizarre way, a wildly entertaining movie! First, let’s remind you about the mastermind behind it:

Meet Chuck Barris!

TV Exec-turned-Producer Chuck Barris created some of the longest-running TV game shows in history, including “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game!”

But of course, his masterpiece of TV insanity was “The Gong Show!”

I don’t think we could ever have gotten to Simon Cowell and “American Idol” if it wasn’t for this series, which gave people a chance at stardom – and ridicule….a wildly entertaining talent show where all of the talent was awful – need proof?

Meet “Gene Gene The Dancing Machine!”

Here is one of the “breakout” stars from the show:

“The Gong Show” also introduced America to “The Unknown Comic”, who always performed with a bag on his head!

The success of this syndicated comedy show led to one of the most surreal films ever released in movie theaters!

Behold the Majesty Of “The Gong Show Movie”!

You saw at the beginning of my post the reaction from comedy legend George Burns…but read some of the movie dialogue:

Father Ed: Today I’d like to pose a Biblical question. Is there reincarnation after death, and if there is, does the individual return in a higher or lower state than he or she held in his or her mortal life?
Chuck Barris: Ooh, that’s an interesting question, Father Ed. What is, uh, what is the answer to that question?
Father Ed: Beats the shit out of me.

The plot is simple: it’s a week in the life of “The Gong Show” host and creator Chuck Barris – who lives through a series of outrageous competitors, stressful situations, a nervous breakdown and other comical characters involved in his life and work on the TV show.

Here is the somewhat amazing preview:

Here’s an amazing fact for you: the film was co-written by Barris and underground film legend Robert Downey Sr. – yes, HIS Dad!

NEW YORK – MAY 08: Actor Robert Downey Jr. and father Robert Downey Sr. arrive at TIME’s 100 Most Influential People Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall on May 08, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Shout! Factory has a new blu-ray release of this obscure film, which you can read about here:

https://www.shoutfactory.com/film/film-comedy/the-gong-show-movie

And you will see one of the more surreal moments – from the TV show – that was included in the film:

This is footage of Judge Jaye P. Morgan flashing her breasts! This moment was taken from an actual “Gong Show” taping, was censored for TV – and found its way into the film!

And if you want to know more about the wacky creator of “The Gong Show”, here you go!

“An Unauthorized Autobiography!”

Yes, Chuck Barris wrote one of the most unusual autobiographies of all time! In Barris’s autobiography, “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”, he claims that he worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as an assassin in the 1960s and the 1970s!

The memoir was turned into a 2002 film, directed by George Clooney!

Here is the trailer:

That’s Sam Rockwell playing Barris…what a surreal life! Oh, the CIA denies Barris ever worked for them in any capacity. After the release of the movie, CIA spokesman Paul Nowack said Barris’ assertions that he worked for the spy agency “[are] ridiculous. It’s absolutely not true.”

Barris wrote a sequel to his bestseller called “Bad Grass Never Dies” in 2004.

If you appreciate what “The Gong Show Movie” delivers, then you must know about this film as well:

“Manos” Indeed!

Widely considered one of the worst films ever made, “Manos: The Hands Of Fate” has some competition….like this:

Yes, there are some wildly entertaining films that may not be critical favorites, but boy are they fun to watch! Read all about them there:

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

And let me know if you are going to take the wild “Gong Show” ride!

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!

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!