Behind the Green Door DVD

Imperial's Rating:

Another of these Golden Disappointments is "Behind the Green Door". True, I never watched it in the theatre; also, in 1972 I was only a toddler, so I can never know its effect on the mentality of that era. Still, the 20th Anniversary Edition leaves one with that sinking feeling of wondering what might have been. Marilyn Chambers is incredibly beautiful in this movie; having only seen her in her latter, "Insatiable" vintage, emaciated version, I was shocked at how pretty she could really be. Others -notably Playboy- have commented on the uncanny resemblance youn Marilyn bears to Cybill Shepherd - and it's true. The plot premise is unashamedly NC - no lame self-censorship here; Marilyn is abducted and forced to star in some weirdo sex show. First she is ravished by a pack of other ladies and Johnny Keys, and then does some Fellas in that famous "chandelier-chair" scene (that's how I personally call this lame device :-)). The g-g bit is ok but rather obscured, but the b-g is badly shot. Marilyn does all sorts of RCs on the "chandelier" but the camera work of the Mitchell boys is terrible. Terrible waste of irreplaceable resources :-(

There is a good chance that this 20th Anniversary edition was somehow cut by the prudish distributors of our day. I wouldn't know if that's the case, but the unshakable fact is that even so, this edition of BTGD does not live up to its reputation.

Rentable only in order to complete one's historical education and to enjoy those brief glimpses of Marilyn's former, prettier self.

Copyright © Imperial Reviews

Posted By Imperial, www.excaliburfilms.com | 10/5/06 1:58 PM

Miles' Rating:

Starring: Volumes have been written debating this film's worth or worthlessness. Looking back almost 30 years later (it's now on DVD), it's clear we've become too jaded by modern porn's shock jocks to appreciate the story's edginess. This is about the kidnapping and, let's be honest, rape of young girl for the pleasure of an audience. It even argues, then shows, how the "treatment" turns her into a more satisfying lover. It worked then and still works today, Even as just a curio piece, thanks to the casting of pretty and, yes, wholesome looking Marilyn Chambers.

Most of the film is set in real time. We watch the "performance" along with the audience, which gives the film a sense of disconcerting sense of reality. Shot on a shoestring budget, the Mitchell Brothers struggle to capture the hardcore scenes with consistent clarity. But that only adds to film's documentary feel.

Up to this point, porn actresses were mostly unattrative hookers and strippers. Marilyn looked pure. It's hard to see this film working with anyone else.

The three key sex scenes are now legendary. Chambers is given an all-girl oral session, fucks black Johnny Keyes, then services four men on the trapeze. At the time, all three broke taboos. Interracial sex made audience flinch as did having a half-dozen girls fondle Chambers in preparation for Keyes' delivery. While on the trapeze, Marilyn's forced to perform oral sex. Blow jobs may be commonplace today, but watch how Chambers struggles to do it while jerking-off two others. It's presented as something uncommon and even degrading.

The special-effect ending, with cum-shots firing in multi-colors is a leftover from the psychedelic sixties.

A 9. Definitely worth watching--even studying--as an historic piece, if nothing else. It's porn from another more innocent time.

Posted By Miles, www.excaliburfilms.com | 10/12/06 1:58 PM