Previously we have explored the historical aspects of sex in the cinema and scenes that have imprinted society, positively or negatively about sexuality on the screen. In this final chapter, I want to explore some important directors and actresses that have helped contribute to the ongoing success and controversy of sexuality in the cinema, and then following a list of titles that are discontinued. A director's notariety did not really flourish as an important part of the cinematic process until about the 40's with Orson Welles. But it was not until the late 60's that the director started to become embraced as the artistic "composer", or as it was called "mise en scene", which literatlly translated to mean "putting into the scene". We see this mostly in the New Wave era with Fellini, Bergman, Truffaut, Rossellini, Rohmer and Godard among the European directors. Many of these films dealt with varying aspects of the human drama, presumably inspired through much of the existential philosophies that were popular in the 50's stemming from Jean Paul Sartre's momumental work Being And Nothingness.

In the meantime, however, there was an air of sexual liberation in the works as the Great War came to an end and creativity was strong. As already mentioned, Russ Meyer leading the pack in the states, there were a number of others that were equally influential. Radley Metzger, Jean Rollin, Joseph Sarno, Jess Franco, Joe D'Amato, Bruno Mattai, David Friedman, Harry Novak and Doris Wishman - to name but a small sample. Most of these directors are of the exploitive type films and are seeing a restoration in appreciation from a larger audience as more people are exposed to their works. A few directors used explicit sexuality in the realm of their works and received a successful and serious appreciation like Pier Paulo Passolini and Dusan Makavejev.

In terms of actresses, some of the well known names are Uschi Digard, Rebecca Brooke, Danielle Thorne, Christina Lindberg and Laura Gemser. Here is a listing of sexploitation OOP titles that have historical significance with brief notes (all referring to titles sold for US consumers, i.e. Region 1 or NTSC).

Caligula (Unrated Version) - Released in 1979, produced by Penthouse to be the first Hollywood porno film. It was an eventual financial and critical disaster. Tinto Brass, who directed the majority of Caligula, has essentially disowned the film as his own. Author Gore Vidal wrote the script who also disowned the film. Penthouse magazine's CEO, Bob Guccione eventually was given credit to direct additional scenes.

Ilsa - She Wolf of the SS - The first Nazisploitation film directed by Don Edwards in 1974. Starring Dyanne Thorne, who became the 70's sexploitation queen.

In the Realm of the Senses(dubbed version) - Released in 1976, was a controversial film with critical success. The controversy surrounded the unsimulated sex scenes between the stars with strict censorship laws in Japan. The film is still banned in some countries.

Blind Beast (distributed by Image Entertainment version) - Released in 1969 from director Yosuzo Masumura and classified as a "ero gro" film, a Japansese exploitation "film nasty".

Salo - Criterion Collection - The staple of the OOP DVD world which has been endlessly bootlegged. Released in 1975 from Italian director Pier Paulo Passolini. This film is highly controversial in its political and social commentary by using grotesque and disturbing images of scatalogical nature. The film is loosely based on the Marquis De Sade's book 120 Days of Sodom. 

Salon Kitty - Directed by sexploitation king, Tinto Brass as one of the early entries into the Nazispolitation camp. Tinto Brass is well known to step beyond the usual softcore arenas and show near penetration and some unsimulated fellatio. Salon Kitty is the name of a night club during the heyday of the Nazi regime.

Immoral Tales - Released in 1974 by Polish film director Walerian Borowczyk. Considered controversial at its release as pointless porn, and pretty much condemned by most critics, yet pushed the edge of cinema further than anything available at the time.

Fascination - Directed by Jean Rollin, the French erotic/horror director. This film starred French porn goddess Brigitte Lahaie. This film is a typical entry into the Rollin canon, which is lots of nudity in a Gothic setting of Vampires, Zombies, Devils and lesbians.

Autumn Born (VHS only) - Of no significant value beyond that this is Playboy Centerfold's Dorothy Stratten's first film. An exploitation of torture and revenge that is dull and witless. Stratten is immortalized in the film Star 80 directed by Bob Fosse; (a lesser quality TV version was also produced titled Death of a Centerfold starring young Jamie Lee Curtis, only available on VHS).

Maedchen In Uniform (VHS only) - Never found its way to DVD yet, but this classic was an intstant controversial classic for its portrayal of lesbianism in an all-girl reformatory school in Germany. While receiving initial commercial success, it was eventually deemed indecent by the Nazi regime and thereby banned.

Monika (VHS only) - Released in 1953, was controversial, mostly in Sweden, for its frank nudity of Harriet Andersson, who plays a 14-year old girl. Director Ingmar Bergman had an intimate relationship with the star which carried through in his work.

Bad Girls Go To Hell/Another Day Another Man - This double feature (pun intended) released by Something Weird Video are directed by sexploitation directory Doris Wishman. Wishman is a well known staple in the sexploitation canon amongst those of Russ Meyer, David Freidman, Harry Novak and others. She is one of the few female directors in this catergory, specializing is large breasted women and occasionally crossing into hardcore cinema, usually of the seedy quality with stars like Annie Sprinkle.

Lolita(1962) - From Stanley Kubrick comes the first adaptation of this controversial novel about a 40 year old man obsessively in love with a 12 year old "nymphette". The book created such names as "Lolita" and "nymphette", both of which refer to young girls who are sexually aware and seductive in their mannerisms. Although no MPAA ratings were around at the time, with the Hays Code in place, no one under 16 was allowed to see this film.

Lolita(1997) - Later Adrian Lyne directed his version of the film which is a much more steamier version of the novel and reduced the humor part of the story. This film was not allowed theatrical distribution as all studios would not consider it for release. It was eventually released on cable television through Lion;s Gate films.

Marilyn: Something's Got to Give - This video is actually an incomplete film of Marilyn's last film which shows a nude Marilyn at a swimming pool. Its incompleteness was due to her tragic death.

Pajama Party (1964) - At the time this type of film was risque, but never showed anything of substance, all was implied. But because it dealt with teenage awakening of sexuality and the curiosity that naturally followed, these films were looked down upon by the "adults".

Muscle Beach Party/Ski Party - Another teen bash summer beach hit with scantily clad women running aroud everywhere having a good time.

The 10th Victim (1965) - Cult sci-fi film starring Ursula Andress, famous for being the first Bond Girl, sports a shooting bra. Yes, thats right, two barreled shooter straight out of her cannons. If that is not memorable in 1965, I don't know what would be!

Candy - Very strange, funny, exccentric and erotic film starring Richard Burton as the egotistical poet that all young girls swoon over. Also is the sexy Ewa Aulin who shows herself in many states of undress. While not explicit as in other films, it is quite sexy. This was also released in a Limited Edition Tin.

The Killing of Sister George (1968) (Anchor Bay version) - A highly controversial film about an aging lesbian soap opera star who falls in love with a young woman. Mainly focusing on the homosexual themes in this film, it was originally released with an X-Rating, but has since been reduced to an R.

Therese and Isabelle (Image Entertainment release) - From famed softcore direction Radley Metzger, who is considered not only the greatest softcore film director, but also has directed one of the greatest porn film, The Opening of Misty Beethoven. This film, Therese and Isabelle, recounts the events in two girls lives when they lived in a boarding school together and how their relationship grew more intimate. Shot in clean black and white from flashback points of view, this ground breaking film was perhaps one of the film films to take softcore on a more serious note.

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1990) - From Peter Greenaway, known for his eccentric style and themes, this film, although quirky characters abound, and the story is very well written, there is enough nudity to please both sexes with an ending that will surprise all!

Love Camp 7 - Extremely controversial film. So much in fact that it would not receive a rating from the UK, nor would the video receive any rating. This film comes from the world of what was called "Video Nasties" which utilizes the atrocities in history as a means of exploiting nudity and sexual situations, but mostly of a degraded style (i.e. rape, punishment, etc.). Accordingly, even cutting the movie down would do the film an injustice and ultimately futile exercise as there is just too much explicit material that would give it anything to work with. Released in 1969, this film was the inspiration for such classics as Ilsa: She -Wolf of the SS and many films like it.

Italian Stallion - This original piece of cinema was Sylvester Stallone's introduction to the world of film - porno film that is. While the original title of the movie was "The Party at Katy and Stud's", it was later re-titled after Stallone's fame with Rocky. Ultimately a low-budget porn film, but with the exception that Stallone is in this film, which would otherwise be a forgotten film.

Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde (Anchor Bay) - Released through Hammer Horror series, many dealing with occult lore which utilized many sacrificial beds of nude virgins. This film dealt with the classic Stevenson novel, but of the transformation of man into a woman.

Countess Dracula / The Vampire Lovers(1972) - (Midnite Movies - MGM) - These two films dealt with the occult once again, but of Vampires which, in the exploitation realm, usually dealt with sex. These being female vampires natually were lesbian vampires. Stars sexy Ingrid Pitt, a well known exploitation actress as seen in The Wicker Man.

A Clockwork Orange (1972) - Kubrick's adaptation from Burgess's novel of the same name. This film originally received an X-Rating but was cut by 30 seconds to get an R rating. The film was well received but still maintains an air of controversy due to its violent scenes of rape and brutality. It appeared to condone this behavior as the ending does not suggest a positive change.

Devils (1971) - Avant-Garde filmmaker Ken Russell creates this bizarrre sex-romp/occult film based on the Aldous Huxley book The Devils of Loudon, which was about a 17th century convent who was stricken with an epedemic of demonic possession. The possession came in the form of nuns were in a continual state of heightened sexuality. Starring the sexy Vanessa Redgrave and received an X-Rating, but was re-rated to an R.

Friends (1971) (VHS only) - This was never released on DVD and the VHS has become quite expensive. The film features a full soundtrack with all new songs by Elton John. That may be one of its saving grace as this near failure of a film became famous for showing teenagers nude through much of the film as well as in moments of intimacy.

Straw Dogs - Criterion Collection - From Sam Peckinpah, this film was received with anger from critics as it seemed to condone violence and rape, while Peckinpah evidently denied this and felt it was more about the opposite. Needless to say it is a very riveting film in every way and a true gritty classic.

Candy Stripers (1978) - An early classic porno film in the tradition of Debbie Does Dallas and Deep Throat.

John Waters Collection #3: Pink Flamingos/ Female Trouble (Original OOP edition) - From camp underground film director John Waters, this film starred Divine, a large sized transvestite. The premiere film of John Waters received an X-rating which is still maintained, more for its disgusting humor than for sexuality, but the sex that is shown is certainly of a depraved version, which features fellatio of the son to the mom (Divine). The final scene is one for the records!

Turkish Delight (1974) - From Paul Verhoeven, this film was both given an X-Rating as well as a self-applied X-rating, while in some other countries this film was banned. This film includes scenes of explicit sex, mastuurbation, defication, full frontal nudity of both sexes and many other explicit material in a non-exploitive format.

Candy Stripe Nurses (1974) - From the collection of Roger Corman's softcore goodies which exhibits lots of nudity, but less on the softcore fare.

Emmanuelle (1974) - Perhaps the standard by which all quality softcore films are judged by. Starring Sylvia Kristel. Considered a classic and has, more or less, transcended the genre to some. This is the "official" Emmanuelle that began the many copies to follow. So much in fact that Emmanuelle was spelled with one 'M'.

The Emmanuelle Collection (Emmanuelle / Emmanuelle 2 / Good-bye Emmanuelle) (1974) - This collection released by Anchor Bay shows off the trilogy of Emmanuelle, all starring Sylvia Kristel, in her most popular role.

Dona Flor & Her Two Husbands (1978) (VHS only) - One of the best films from the Brazilian film library. A film dealing with sexual promiscuity in an intelligent manner won this film some awards.

Malicious (VHS only) - Italian comedy starring sexy Laura Antonelli which shows her off in a comedic situations that American 80's T&A films would copy to a lesser degree.

Cruising (1980) (VHS only) - Very controversial film from director William Friedkin who explores drugs, crime and homosexuality. While much debate about what kind of light homosexuals were perceived in according to the director, there has been a lot of evasion in discussing the matter by the actors.

Beau Pere (1981) - A French 'Lolita' in which young actress Ariel Besse, then aged 16, in a story of how she falls in love with her stepfather. While no discussion of it as controversial seem to be reported, there is much praise of the film and it received an award.

Tales of Ordinary Madness (1981) - At the time of its release was considered controversial with horror and nudity at every corner, never had an American release until 1983.

Fruits of Passion - The Story of "O" Continued (1982) - Rated X showing explicit sex with star Klaus Kinski; this was the sequel to the popular 70's softcore film The Story of 'O'.

First Name - Carmen (1983) - From famed French director Jean-Luc Godard which shows full male nudity.

L'Annee Des Meduses (VHS only) - Exploitation film shot on the nude beaches of Saint- Tropez in France starring Valerie Kaprisky.

James Joyce's Women (1985) - Notable for its lengthy female masturbation scene, this film, interestingly, received an R-rating.

Malibu Express (1985) - From softcore cult director Andy Sidaris comes complete with the usual plenty of nudity, silly storylines and Sybil Danning.

Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987) - Another classic Andy Sidaris film.

Betty Blue (Unrated Director's Cut) (Unrated Director's Cut) (1986) - Cult French film from director Jean-Jacques Beineix (Diva). Lots of explicit sex shown in this film along with a scene of fellatio.

Not of This Earth (1988) - Noted for its first film from adult actress Traci Lords. Her only nude scene after her porno career.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Two-Disc Special Edition) (1988) - Academy award winner shows off Juliette Binoche and Lina Olin. There is also The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Criterion Collection and The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Ages of Lulu (1990) (VHS only) - From director of Bigas Luna (Jamon Jamon) came up with this controversial and explicit film about sexual rites of passage.

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1990) - From director Pedro Almodovar. Although rated NC-17, this film was won an Academy Award. Most noted for its scene of a toy scuba diver swimming between Victoria Abril's legs.

Prospero's Books (1991) (VHS only) - Director Peter Greenaway's films tend to have a heavy sexual component, despite their artistic intent. Lots of nudity.

Jamon Jamon (1994) - Young Penelope Cruz (at 18) engages in some steamy scenes. Although not exploicit, definately leaves little to the imagination.

Dreamlover (unrated) (1994) (VHS only) - This film came in an unrated version which stars Madchen Amick of Twin Peaks fame which shows off her full front in many scenes.

Exotica (1994, Can.) - Director Atom Egoyan centers around the mystery of a child and a stripper starring Mia Kirshner.

Ready to Wear (1994) (aka Pret-a-Porter) - From director Robert Altman, this film had some criticism about the film as a whole, but the final scene of all the models walking out nude helped this film stand out.

Body Chemistry 4 - Full Exposure (1994) - Stars Queen of the B-Softcore Shannon Tweed.

Luscious (1996) - Stars a more modern Queen of the Softcore, Kari Wurher.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - Kubrick's last film maintained its reputation and controversial status by having two versions released - the US version which has modified nude scenes, while the UK version shows the scenes with full explicit scenes in tact.