2014 Rialto Report Holiday Contest & Bright Lights, Lonely Nights Hollywood launch!

Greetings everyone! With the holiday season now upon us, I'd like to invite you to participate in an exciting competition opportunity hosted by our good friends, Ashley and April at Rialto Report!
   Prizes include 5 volumes of loops from Synapse Films, BearManor Media books signed by Serena, Seka, Richard Pacheco and yours truly, and a selection of Rialto Report goodies.
   To enter, all you need to do is correctly name any song used in Seka, Serena or Richard Pacheco's Rialto Report interview by Friday December 12th. Two winners will be selected at random to receive the Rialto Report package of prizes sent directly to their doorstep.
   For more details, and to enter the contest, please visit the following link: Rialto Report Holiday Competition.  

 

   In other news, for those living in the L.A. area, be sure to mark this Saturday December 6th on your calendars to meet the beautiful and magnificent Serena Czarnecki up close and personal at the infamous  Larry Edmunds Bookshop in the heart of Hollywood! Serena will meet and greet fans as she debuts her amazing new memoir, Bright Lights, Lonely Nights.  The party starts at 7:30pm sharp.
   Good luck, have fun, and all the best to you and yours this Holiday season!  Be safe. ☮

 

Spotlight on Francesca "Kitten" Natividad

 

Courtesy of KittenKlub.com

 

It's been quite some time since I last updated this blog.  For the last fifteen months, I've been busy writing a memoir inspired by a six month teenage hitchhiking and youth hostelling trip I made with a friend across the west coast of Canada, down into Oregon, and California. The book, 1976: Tapes from California, slated for a 2015 release, will recreate characters and experiences encountered along our journey. 
     My goal is to begin work on a second edition of Golden Goddesses later this year. I hope to include a few new mini-profiles and photos in the updated version of the book.
     Today I am delighted to feature new excerpts from "Golden Goddesses" highlighting Kitten(Francesca) Natividad.  The excerpts are from chapter twelve titled "Sex 'Kitten' Natividad."
     From the very beginning of this project, Kitten has been supportive and enthusiastic, and since the book's release, Francesca's support and love have continued.
      In November 2012, I was honoured to meet Kitten for the first time when she made a special appearance at our book launch at the Hustler store in Hollywood.  It was almost two years after I had first interviewed her over the telephone.  Kitten was also a special guest the following evening at Larry Edmunds Bookshop, and was a part of our reunion evening last October when six of the ladies gathered together at Larry Edmunds for an unforgettable Q&A (covered by Peter Cook). 
     Strong, open, honest, brash and fun-loving, Francesca is a remarkable woman and human being.  She will always remain close to my heart.

Please enjoy the following excerpts from "Sex 'Kitten' Natividad":

Born in Mexico in 1948 to a teenage bride, Francesca Isabelle Natividad was three years old when her parents divorced.  Before the age of ten, Francesca and her mother immigrated to El Paso, Texas where they settled in with her new stepfather. While engaged in secondary school studies, a relative hooked the young teenager up to keep house for actor Stella Stevens (in Hollywood) for summer work where Natividad flourished. After graduating from grade twelve, Francesca was hired as a key punch operator, but quickly became unfulfilled by the monotony of her work. Later, at the advice of friend, she decided to auditon as a Go-Go dancer, and ultimately, became an exotic dancer, a profession she found to be gratifying ad profitable. During her early years as a stripper, Natividad adopted the stage name "Kitten."

"It was a normal childhood. My mother started working at the same time my father worked and went to college.  I came home from school, did homework and made the dinner -- there were no hobbies. I did like to put on the radio and dance around the house doing housework. 
     My childhood was definitely not the life that kids have today.  I was very responsible as a child.  I can't say anything terrible about my childhood.  I don't feel bad about my childhood because it taught me one thing: I didn't want any children when I grew up.  I remember those two a.m. feedings.
I am from the era of baby boomers and we are different from other generations.  We started doing things differently and we behaved differently."

"A friend of mine who lived across from where I lived had a sister who was a dancer.  She told me how much money she made, and I thought. 'Oh, my god, I've got to get that job!' and I did.  When I first started dancing I was single, and eventually, I gave it up because I got married.  When I met him, I was around nineteen and he was around sixty-four.  He told me if I went back to dancing it was over.  After nine months, we annulled it.  That was fine with me.

"My reason for getting into stripping and adult entertainment is that I really enjoyed the attention.  It was my decision to get into it, and into the dancing.  It was also for the money.  I have to tell you that money is at the top of my list -- and the men. You do meet a lot of guys, of course.  My heart, my everything belonged to dancing and stripping.  I was a stripper first.  The reason I intially got into porn is because it would reach out to more men.  I did the layouts to make a name for myself."

"[Russ Meyer] hired me as a narrator and that's how it started.  After that, he kept asking me out and I said, 'I can't go to dinner, I'm married,' and then finally, I don't know how it happen, it just happened. We started dating each other.  I eventually had to make a decison go leave my second husband, but I didn't have any regrets because he was too much of a control freak.  He has passed away already.  It's all very complicated."



"When I started with Russ -- those were not pornographic movies.  He was not a pornographer.  It was T&A, baby.  They were nude films, period.  Russ Meyer did not do porn films. 
     I love him to death.  He's dead now, but I have to come to his defense.  Later, I did some Triple-X films, but Russ would be rolling in his grave because he could not compete with porn."

"He's the one I should have married. We had our own residences, but Russ paid my rent and he lived with me at my place.  In other words, he had his own place but I wouldn't live there because it looked like a factory.  He worked out of there.  I didn't want to sleep there so we lived and ate at my house, an then he'd go to work at his house. 
     His work was tunnel vision.  He lived, breathed it, and slept it."

"When I went into porn I was in bad shape.  I was a lush by that time.  When I quit, I didn't miss it at all, and now, I don't drink either.  I went through a phase and now it's over.  When I stopped drinking, my life got back on track and I'm doing okay.  Sometimes my friends will ask me to have a drink and I think why should I get started again?  One might lead to two, and that might lead to more.  I don't want that.  I do go to AA to remind myself not to drink."

"I've always believed to be the best that you can, and be clever with your costumes and music and movement.  Enjoy, and you'll go far.  It shows when you're enjoying yourself, and if you're up on stage, everyone will enjoy your show.  When I was stripping, I could tell if someone wanted to be there or not."

 "I've enjoyed my life whether it was bad or good.  Sometimes, I didn't know it was bad!"


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



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

Signed Copies for Collectors and Fans

Early Anniversary Special!
 
I hope everyone is having a great summer!  With the first year anniversary of the release of Golden Goddesses just on the horizon in October, I am excited to announce that I will be offering three signed copies of the book (by me) to interested parties. For classic adult fans and afficiandos of the genre, this is a great opportunity. The cost for each paperback is $50.00 (U.S.) plus shipping.

In order to commemorate the book's 1st birthday, there are tentative plans in the works to celebrate with possible radio appearances in Los Angeles in October and maybe more.  More information will be provided once details are confirmed.

To obtain a signed copy of Golden Goddesses, please email me directly at nelson4@cogeco.ca  I will be happy to personally inscribe the biography by request.

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

Book Review by Norm Goldman

It's always nice to share a new book review. The following piece was written by Canadian reviewer (and former attorney) Norm Goldman. Goddesses was submitted to Goldman for review on my behalf. Goldman also conducted an interview to accompany the review. 

Publisher: BearManor Media
ISBN: 978-1-59393-298-5

Review: Golden Goddesses: 25 Legendary Women of Classic Erotic Cinema, 1968-1985
Norm Goldman
 
When Jill Nelson's Golden Goddesses: 25 Legendary Women of Classic Erotic Cinema, 1968-1985 was dropped off in my mail box, I have to confess that I was curious to learn more about these women who were employed in the adult film industry as actors, directors and producers during an era when it was illegal to make these films yet not illegal to watch them.
 
And although I am not a supporter of pornographic films and neither do I condone the proclivities of these women, I wanted to have, as Nelson states in her introduction, “ a clearer understanding of the beautiful and intrepid females who favored an alternative profession in adult cinema that was cultivated at the apex of the 1960s sexual revolution.” According to Nelson, these are eccentric, imperfect, yet, intelligent and ethical people anyone who ever want to meet.” After all, whom am I to prejudge the behavior of these actresses?
 
It should be pointed out that in 1988 the erotic film industry was legalized as result of a landmark California court case involving porn film director and producer Hal Freeman. To quote the words of Nelson: “it was sheer hypocrisy to deem the craft illegal because those who condemned it also watched it.”
 
Nelson's comprehensive book of mini-biographies drawn from interviews and other sources spans nine hundred and forty-six pages that provides her readers with a chronological history of the lives and times of twenty-five women who today range in age between forty-six and seventy-six. Unless you are familiar with the porn scene of the era that Nelson explores in her book, the following names will be meaningless such as: Ann Perry, Barbara Mills, Georgina Spelvn, Marilyn Chambers, Roberta Findlay, Jody Maxwell, Candida Royalle, Gloria Leonard, Rhonda Jo Petty, Serena, Annie Sprinkle, Sex “Kitten” Natividad, Sharon Mitchell, Kay Parker, Juliet Anderson, Seka, Kelly Nichols, Veronic Hart, Julia St. Vincent, Laurie Holmes, Ginger Lynn, Amber Lynn, Christy Canyon, Raven Touchstone, and Nina Hartley. In addition to these women, Nelson also adds in brief summaries of fifteen other women whom she believes are worthy of honorable mentions.
 
It is these women who played pivotal roles in the adult film industry during its so-called golden era and either directly or indirectly they candidly share their stories with Nelson which she documents in the book. In addition, Nelson also includes one hundred and twenty-five reviews of some of the films these women acted in, as well as three hundred photos. Apparently, Nelson devoted three and half years to researching and interviewing these women.
 
Who exactly are these women? Are they exhibitionists? Where did they grow up and what motivated them to participate in the porn industry in one way or another? Were they abused as children? Were they bimbos and uneducated? Were they prostitutes? Were they drug addicts or alcoholics? Have they ever contacted a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Were they ever subject to degradation and abuse? Was it opportunity to escape poverty? What happened to them after they left the industry? Were they proud of what they were doing? Do they have any regrets? These are only some of the questions that Nelson explores with a great deal of compassion and an eye for detail, and frankly, you will be quite surprised at what you will discover!
 
Scattered throughout the book are quotes aplenty from these unusual women as for example Annie Sprinkle who claims she didn't understand why some people couldn't believe she had a good time. She further mentions that her sex work built her self-esteem as she is a creative kind of a person and being a sex worker is a very creative job when done with creativity. Veronica Hart states: “one of my goals when I got in the business was that I would be able to come out of this business and still enjoy my sexuality and making love.”
 
There are very few books around, if any, concerning first hand oral accounts of women who played important roles in the adult entertainment industry during its golden era. Nelson, who is an engaging narrator, has painstakingly researched her subject matter and has managed to place her audience smack in the middle of some unusual female lives. To her credit is that these women were quite eager to share their experiences and set the record straight in a forthright and generous manner. The only gripe I have about this book is it is far too long and there were several instances of repetition which could have been avoided with better content editing. Perhaps, a book half its length would have been preferable. American Chronicle

Golden Goddesses Review: Hamilton Magazine

As a lucky woman who was born in Hamilton, Ontario, co-owned a Hearing Care Clinic in Hamilton for 22 years, and is still employed in Hamilton, I am extremely proud that Golden Goddesses is featured in the Arts & Entertainment section of the current edition of mainstream publication, Hamilton Magazine.  Sandwiched between two other local writers, Jon Wells and Don McIver in the 'On the Shelf' segment under Books on page 63, I am excited to share reviewer Jessica Rose's short but sweet analysis of "Goddesses" adjacent to the book's cover.

"Inspired by interviews she conducted while co-writing John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches, local author Jill C. Nelson returns to the golden era of erotic cinema in her new book, Golden Goddesses.  At nearly 1000 pages in length, and featuring more than 300 photographs, Golden Goddesses takes no shortcuts, profiling 25 actresses who risked it all during a time when participating in adult productions was illegal.  Each of Nelson's profiles is meticulous, the result of immeasurable research and the trust and friendship she built with her often reluctant subjects."

For those living locally, I encourage you to check out the latest issue of Hamilton Magazine, a cutting edge publication with attitude and style.

May 10th & Weekend Recap!

A toast on Friday afternoon before dinner and Chapters

I am thrilled to report that The Chapters book presentation and event on Friday night in my home town of Burlington Ontario was a great success thanks to the wonderful support of family, friends, and the community. I'd again like to thank my special guest of honour and friend, Laurie Holmes, for travelling from Colorado and many hours (including a jittery border crossing with "Mohammed") to join the festivities.
     With a capacity crowd for our limited space inside the store, the evening consisted of a brief introduction of the conception of Golden Goddesses, readings, a very fun and engaging Q&A, followed by a reception during the signing. Our long time friend and right arm, Ron Parry, did a great job filming the presentation and also snapped photos (to be posted in the near future).
     I would also like to thank my beautiful niece, Lindy (and her mother-in-law, Barb, for providing the gluten-free chocolate cakes), for baking the most delicious cupcakes I've ever tasted, all decked out in pink and purple icing for the ladies in the room. Afterwards, a few friends and family joined us back at the house to relax with beverages where the intimate group had an opportunity to chat with Laurie and get caught up with one another. Definitely an extraordinary night! We couldn't have pulled it off without my amazing husband and best friend, Hud. (Thanks for ensuring that there were plenty of chairs at the store in addition to the other details you took care of! You should be their official events coordinator.) Love you. xo

Laurie tip-toes through the tulips, Niagara-on-the-Lake

     To add a few of the weekend's highlights, on Saturday, Hud, Ron (RP), Laurie and I cruised down the highway (RP provided the wheels) to spend the day in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, and had a fabulous time. The weather cooperated and we were able to appreciate the beauty of the day and breathtaking scenery (and shared lots of laughs -- who could forget the dog who played dead and the ride with manure?!) before returning to the house in the evening (we even introduced Laurie to our "shed") for a nightcap before retiring. On Sunday, we enjoyed a memorable "girls" lunch (with great conversation) complete with lobster and white wine, and topped off by delicate raspberry sorbet at Paradiso, one of the local eating establishments in downtown Burlington. 
     We weren't so lucky in the weather department that day, but it didn't deter us from BBQ-ing (we ate inside) a few steaks, with our son Corey joining us for dinner -- A very gracious gesture on Corey's part considering there was a very significant Leafs game on that night! A dark chocolate cake was served for the birthday girl, Laurie, a few days ahead of her landmark day tomorrow on May 15th. (You certainly wouldn't know it.) It was a whirlwind weekend but one that we won't soon forget. You are sparkling friend with a good heart, Ms. Laurie Rose Holmes. ♥

Chapters Book Event, Southern Ontario: May 10th

A very special invitation to those residing in the Southern Ontario, Canada area:

(The following invitation is also posted in the events section on facebook.)
    

On Friday May 10th starting at 7:00pm, please join us for a lively evening of book readings, evocative discussion, slideshow and reception for the official Canadian premiere of Golden Goddesses: 25 Legendary Women of Classic Erotic Cinema, 1968-1985, at Chapters-Indigo Book Store in Burlington, Ontario Canada. (Woodview Place, 3315 Fairview Avenue.) Look for a forthcoming article in The Burlington Post newspaper about Golden Goddesses and the upcoming event.
      I am very pleased to announce that one of our very own goddesses, Ms. Laurie Holmes (aka Misty Dawn, and widow of John Holmes), will be my special in-person guest at the Chapters location.
     Space is limited so to RSVP your attendance and/or to ensure a special discount on a signed copy of the book, please call: (905) 681-2410. We look forward to seeing you there!
     *Within the next two weeks, the spring edition of Hamilton Magazine will be available with a special mention of Golden Goddesses in the 'On the Shelf' section of the magazine. It is a honour that "Goddesses" has been selected for recommended reading in addition to books by two other local authors.  Special thanks to editor, Mark Skulnick, for your interest!