The Golden Age Appreciation Fund launch -- First recipient: Kay Parker

 

Photo by Kenji

A few weeks ago, I was invited by Rialto Report's Ashley West to join him and veteran cult/adult researcher Mark Murray in establishing an ongoing fundraising initiative for classic adult film legends in financial crisis.  It is no secret that vintage erotic film luminaries were grossly underpaid during the years when the adult film industry was breaking new ground in every conceivable way, generating millions of dollars for the industry while negating to adequately renumerate those who put their names and faces on the line -- in front or behind the camera and on box covers. Today, many legendary fan favourites and stars of the blue screen are in a financial bind, struggling to achieve a quality of life as they continue to age.  Most recently, Ashley West spoke with Kay Parker and was astonished to learn she has found herself homeless and struggling to collect the downpayment and last month's rent, plus a security deposit for a place of her own.  Earlier this year, Rialto Report featured Kay in a full length podcast; it remains one of the most popular RR episodes.    It was decided that we would reach out to try to assist Kay during the holiday season, and hopefully raise money to assist with her new housing.
   To do this, we have set up The Golden Age Appreciation Fund (TGAAF), an ongoing initiative that will assist retired adult folks throughout the year. To launch our campaign, we are highlighting Kay's immediate need, and also making it easy for anyone who wishes to make a donation to her. Together we can help Kay get back into a place of her own.
   Kay is a sweet friend and a wonderful soul. Though she works part-time as a spiritual counselor, her work does not generate enough income to come up with the necessary funds to move.
   We are asking that you consider making a donation at the following link. This is a non-profit initiative and every penny donated to Kay will go directly to her.
http://tgaafund.blogspot.com/

   We intend to keep this fund drive open over the entire holiday season and it will run until Friday 9th January 2015. Please give anything you can - no donation is too small - and feel free to also leave your message to Kay with the donation. We will ensure that it is all passed on to her.

Thanks so much, and have a very Happy and safe Holiday Season. ☮

Graphic Thrills by Robin Bougie - Review

Eight years ago, after having been intrigued and inspired by a couple of films, my life took a sharp detour. I became a part-time writer. As my husband has jokingly pointed out on several occasions, I didn't choose to write about birds. Far from it. My subjects -- considered by some to be unprincipled and deviant, are women and men that decided to take a similar u-turn from a linear life track, to form a community of people that would eventually define the golden era of erotic films. By choosing to become a part of an erotic film society, these individuals dared to embark upon a career that was creative, rebellious, illegal, titillating and enduring. More than forty years ago, many believed that films depicting sex would not sustain the test of time, or hold infinite appeal for those outside of niche groups. No one could have predicted the longevity these films have enjoyed, or the lasting connections made between fans and the various stars. 
     The personalities and players identified and branded by the X-rated film industry have inspired not only burgeoning biographers like myself, but also professional writers, reviewers, academics, filmmakers, historians, journalists, porn archeologists, curators, preservationists, documentarians, illustrators and graphic artists. People such as my co-author and friend Jennifer Sugar, who started her own ball rolling back in 2004 when she decided to pen the very first 'serious' biography profiling a legendary porn star. There are others: Heather Drain, Ashley West, Laura Helen Marks, Jeremy Richey, Denise LaFrance, Adam Wilcox, Mike White, Rob St. Mary, April Hall, Lee Jones, Casey Scott, Steven Morowitz, Dimitrios Otis, and many more have left indelible marks by continuing to honour and pay tribute to these talented artists through various mediums. In a symbolic way, a new tribe of outcasts has risen up to reclaim, document, provide commentary and preserve the integrity and vistages of one of the most significant and compelling eras in cinematic history.
     Last year, it came to my attention that fellow Canadian, comic artist, former writer for Fox and Screw magazines and long time creator and publisher of Cinema Sewer magazine, Robin Bougie, was in the process of developing a coffee table pictorial. Bougie's project was promoted as a paperback dedicated to the X-rated theatrical movie posters designed to attract audiences to pornographic releases. With his focus centering on the golden years between 1970-1985, I was excited to see the finished product. In January of this year, GRAPHIC THRILLS American XXX Movie Posters 1970 to 1985, was published by FAB Press, located in England. I am delighted to share the news that Robin Bougie has produced a remarkable work.
     In his book's introduction, Bougie provides an engaging, informative, and thoroughly researched back story behind the evolution of the erotic film industry, which serves as an excellent Porn 101 crash course, not only for scholars, but also for those who are new to the genre. Robin has incorporated an amalgamation of insights and analyses from various people who were there, and whose recollections are invaluable. Bill Margold, Bob Chinn, Carter Stevens, Paul Johnson, Vanessa del Rio, Jody Maxwell, Veronica Vera,Shaun Costello, and several other notables from the golden era have furnished Bougie with anecdotes and dialogue, which serve to enhance the select films highlighted within the book in the provision of behind-the-scenes information and inspiration.
     The genesis and meat of the publication of course, are the film posters. Each page is a glorious gift, an artistically crafted and beautifully illustrated original artwork. Layouts are themed to articulate sensual and sexual promise using succinct and inventive designs. The exquisitely decorated posters, shown in vibrant colour, practically swallow an entire page. Bougie has supplemented accompanying text; his own evaluation of the films portrayed, often incorporating explanations and offerings supplied by his interviewees to augment the synopses.
     The posters' titles and subtitles deftly communicate an atmosphere of passion and pleasure, insinuating insatiable odysseys and erotic journeys in the company of bad girls, dirty boys, nymphos, girls-next-door, studs, well endowed ladies and well hung men. All parties appear eager and ready to embark on an unforgettable and arousing adventure enticing observers to come along for the ride.
     These are the overriding messages emblazed and embedded within the imagery of the original artwort that mostly depicts sexy, scantily dressed curvaceous women (sometimes, but not always, the stars themselves) beckoning movie goers to dare to go beyond the realm of sexual boundaries.
     Some of the art designs for the films are more subtle, with illustrations of sensual, sinewy female figures peeking out seductively from behind a veil or reclining in a suggestive pose, intimating an aura of mystique and mystery as the unsuspecting and curious awaits. Other images are more explicit, forgoing all pleasantries to encourage movie goers to get down and dirty, along with the stars. 
     Interestingly, but not surprising, is Bougie's revelation that many of the original artists --those affiliated with the movie posters and/or films are unknown or deceased. Others were uninterested or unwilling to be approached to offer their stories or impressions about their involvment with the productions. That's unfortunate, but the concern to potentially comprise one's reputation by going public about having participated in the evolution of an industry still considered taboo by society is consistent with what many authors, documentarians and historians have found. Paradoxically, the forbidden element and renegade allure associated with golden age filmmakers and adult performers stimulates fans, and provides a muse for writers and artists alike.
     "Graphic Thrills" is a major contribution and undertaking. The amount of work, put forth by Bougie in order to bring this project to fruition is commendable and worthwhile. It is obvious from spending time with the publication that a book of this magnitude could not have materialized if it weren't for Bougie's own dedication, respect and passion for the era that is concisely and visually portrayed in the book. I would encourage those with even a glimmer of interest in this fascinating and compelling cinematic period, or with a genuine appreciation of exceptional art expression exemplifying two revolutionary decades of film, to order a copy of "Graphic Thrills." 
     Signed copies of the limited hardcover edition of the book can be purchased here: FAB Press The softcover version can be purchased here: Graphic Thrills Amazon This is the link for Robin's online store: Cinema Sewer
     Congratulations, Mr. Robin Bougie.
    
    

Tribute: Gloria Leonard was not just a Porn Star ~ (1940-2014)

Photo by Kenneth Brewster

In March 2010, I had the pleasure of interviewing Gloria Leonard for Golden Goddesses. I had admired and respected Leonard since I first became aware of her while co-researching and writing "A Life Measured in Inches," and knew that once I began work on "Goddesses," I wanted to profile Gloria in her own chapter.
     Delighted when she accepted my request for an interview (I have to thank Seka again for being instrumental in this process as she alerted the "Club 90" girls about my intentions for the book), we set a date to talk on the phone while Gloria was still living in Florida.
     In June 2012, I, along with two friends, had the opportunity to spend time with Gloria in New York during a private gathering with friends on a boat. It was a wonderful, memorable afternoon. Gloria was lively, hilariously funny, and full of great stories. She looked beautiful. Three months after the book was published, Gloria sent me a touching note. In January 2013, she wrote:

 

'So far, I haven't been able to put it down - have just hit my chapter (love the name you gave it). Just wanted you to know how grateful I personally am to have been included but more than that, am blown away by the amount of work you invested in the project. Over the years, I have granted interviews to dozens of so-called writers only to never see a single thing in print so am particularly thrilled to have "Golden Goddesses" in my hot little hands.  I am grateful for your insights and hard work.

 

Love Gloria'

 

Last evening, I learned the sad news that Gloria Leonard passed away in her 74th year. In her memory and honour, I have updated her profile on this blog, with added excerpts from her chapter (see below). Adult film historian and friend, Bill Margold, is credited for her chapter's title, appropriately named: Gloria Leonard: The Grand Damndest of them All.

 

May you rest in peace, Ms. Leonard. You will be forever missed.  ♥

 

***

Excerpted from Chapter 8: Gloria Leonard: The Grand Damndest of them All

 

'Gloria Leonard is considered by her contemporaries as the highly esteemed “Grand Dame” of the Golden Era of pornographic movies. Now in her 71st year, Gloria still possesses razor sharp wit, intimidating intelligence, beauty and savvy. As a fiercely independent woman who entered adult films at the ripe age of 35, Leonard's verbal dissertation about her life, career, and the world around her is delivered with delicious deprecating humor that would make her teenage mentor, Lenny Bruce, smile in his grave...'

Gloria Leonard: Contrary to the stereotypical perceptions out there, nobody was every drugged and dragged off of the streets. The only person whom I ever hated was Linda Lovelace because, even in her book [Ordeal] and when she spoke publicly, she would always bring up the fact that a gun was held to her head when they were making Deep Throat (1972). But what she would neglect to include was that the gun was not held by anybody involved with the actual production, rather than by her boyfriend [Chuck Traynor], a lousy choice in men that she made. That always pissed me off that she wasn’t totally forthcoming about the circumstances. Marilyn Chambers was a very honest gal, whereas Linda adopted this kind of ‘I’m a victim’ and ‘poor me’ attitude and wound up having all of these hardcore, humorless feminists supporting her.

I earned quite a good living, by the way, specifically in the ‘80s, literally speaking at dozens of colleges and universities, very often debating the so-called, "feminists.'  My thinking was, if the bottom line of the feminist movement is for women to be able to choose whatever they want to do without any repercussions, well, shit, that’s what I’m doing. You should be cheering me on, not wagging your fingers at me.

I am somebody who was at the forefront of what was considered as a rebellious and radical industry, that is now quite commonplace. I feel we championed free speech and freedom for people to do what they want and to watch what they want.

Working in the adult industry has given me an opportunity to meet people that I would otherwise never have met. It's given me an opportunity to travel to places that otherwise I might never have had the opportunity to visit. It has given me a platform from which to espouse my political views. Bearing in mind that here I was raising a child single-handedly without the benefit of child support or anything else -- working my tail off to put a roof over our heads and food on the table -- this was before the term 'Women's Lib' ever existed, I was doing this.

I actually discussed my decision to work in adult films with my daughter prior to doing it. I explained that just the way there are movies with comedy, and with action, and horror movies, there are also movies with sex. I told her that I was contemplating performing in one and she was very supportive and encouraging. Occasionally, a few years down the line there would be somebody at school who would make some sort of an unpleasant comment to her, but she was tough, she let it roll.

Jamie [Gillis] inducted me into the Las Vegas "Legends Hall of Fame." He stood behind my chair, and of course, predictably, extolled my virtues, but the thing that he said which actually brought me to sobbing tears is this: "Babe Ruth was not just a baseball player, Frank Sinatra was not just a singer, and Gloria Leonard is not just a porn star." That, for me, is my Kodak moment. It was very, very touching.

***

 

*Please also visit Rialto Report to read a magnificent Tribute to Gloria Leonard by Ashley West, and  listen to a July 2013 Interview Podcast for a segment in which Ms. Leonard is featured.

Golden Goddesses: 25 Legendary Women of Classic Erotic Cinema,1968-1985 © 2012 Jill C. Nelson

The Rialto Report: Interview with Bob Chinn

Rhonda Jo Petty in Disco Lady directed by Bob Chinn

During the past several months, adult film documentarian, Ashley West, has interviewed several legendary personalities from the Golden Era and through his extraordinary podcasts titled The Rialto Report, has presented their fascinating life stories. West's credentials in this field are nothing short of impressive. In conjuction with The Rialto Report, Ashley has also contributed liner notes, commentaries and more for the re-release of Distripix films under the name Benson Hurst and is currently working on a documentary about the origins of the New York adult film scene. (See: Ashley West.) Until recently, West's comprehensive episodes have centered on men and women involved in sex films on the east coast of the United States. Yesterday, Rialto Report's latest offering highlights the voluminous work of pioneer filmmaker Bob Chinn, who became familiar to adult audiences through his partnership with John Holmes particularly via the innovative and highly popular Johnny Wadd film series, with nine releases spanning between 1971-1978.
 
This podcast will be of special interest to fans not only of Bob Chinn, John Holmes, and the films they created together, but most significantly, in his usual disarming manner, Bob discusses in great detail and with impeccable recall many of  thetalented actors and actresses he had the pleasure to direct throughout his extensive career spanning four decades. Several of the ladies who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Bob (one of the most admired and respected men in the business) are featured in Golden Goddesses. All were quick to sing his praises and respect him very much. Check out Bob Chinn's page for his first novel, Flesh of the Lotus, inspired by the film by the same name: Flesh of the Lotus



Bob Chinn's Jade Pussycat with John Holmes and Georgina Spelvin

I am delighted to have been invited by Ashley West to co-present this special two hour episode as Bob Chinn is clearly one of the most intelligent and intriguing individuals to have left his mark in the golden age arena, and I'd like to personally thank Ashley for doing a masterful job in preparation for this show. Your tireless work and professionalism are simply outstanding.
 
So grab a refreshment, kick back and enjoy the ride as you time travel with Bob Chinn back to the late 1960s and into the present day. You definitely will not be disappointed. The podcast (#18) titled, Bob Chinn, West Coast Pioneer may be accessed here: Rialto Report: Bob Chinn