Description
As much as I appreciate the classics of adult from the seventies (DEEP THROAT, THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES and so forth), I do realize that some formerly acclaimed X-rated flicks don't really hold as much erotic or stroke value when compared to the kind of smut we have today. Such is the case with THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A FLEA, a rather well-produced DVD and faithful presentation of the classic Mitchell Brothers' Film which has been accurately described as a "hardcore BARRY LYNDON." However, I happened to watch this film fresh from reviewing CUM DRIPPERS 3, when the image of babelicious Taylor Rainmore… was still fresh on my mind and stained in my shorts, and well, folks...there is just no comparison when it comes to the wood-producing factor between the flicks. If you want to get off without scanning through the disc, pick up CUM DRIPPERS. But if you want something to give the wife for her anniversary (just kidding), pick up FLEA.
Anyone who has ever visited The O' Farrell Theatre, recognized as the best strip club in the United States (believe it!) and are aware of their porn history knows that Jim and Artie Mitchell led ambitious (and tragic lives) during their lifelong foray into adult entertainment. They enjoyed making lavishly produced adult films, drawn from what we would now consider to be highbrow literary and historical sources. Their movies were also peppered with some low-key comedy bits and action that was definitely hardcore, but certainly not as graphic as what we get today.
Based on an anonymously written novel written in the nineteenth century, this adult movie is a faithful representation of the book. It's narrated from the perspective of a flea who apparently has a parasitic relationship with the main character (admittedly, perhaps not the most appealing concept, even for porn). Made almost 30 years ago, this movie holds up pretty darn well thanks to a lavish production design and recognizable performers from yesteryear including John Leslie, Annette Haven and Paul Thomas.
But aside from the story, which, given my philistine nature, I paid little attention to, the sex scenes themselves are not the most dick-stiffening I've ever seen. Though there are situational set-ups of non-consensual sex, the hardcore occurs in broken spurts, and never gets in the way of the storytelling. If you want long, lingering, microscopic close-ups of genitalia in action, then all I can say is "Hah!" (in the immortal words of Alf). Sure you get to see the performers' sex organs, but most of the camera work is done in medium and far shots. Although we get some nicely composed footage of John Holmes porking the lovely Annette Haven in her bed, their encounter is left incomplete, interrupted by character running around and generally causing a scene. Even John Leslie's eventual screwing of Jean Jennings is filmed without a visible cumshot. Actually, one has to admire seeing such restraint and discipline on the director part in withholding on the hardcore stuff. When it comes to building tension and excitement, less can definitely mean more. However, those who have been weaned on videos from Red Light District, Extreme Associates, or any other predominantly gonzo company may not have the patience for coyness going on in this flick.
Given the age of this film, video and audio quality are surprisingly good, though the reds are occasionally over-saturated in certain scenes, resulting in a flaring of the picture which is almost blinding. Scratches and dirt often pop up randomly, but this is no doubt a fault with the original master. The extras are generally standard for most adult DVDs, but the substantive material is what is truly of interest. For instance, the trailers on this disc are well-made and include an ad for THE GRAFENBERG SPOT, one of my favorite Ginger Lynn films which co-stars Amber Lynn, Harry Reems, and John Holmes. Even more interesting is the fact that the trailer actually advertises Traci Lords' appearance by name, though it shows none of her footage, damn it! Incidentally, the picture quality on this particular trailer is sensational, and I look forward to seeing this classic flick (even with Traci's scene removed) on disc as soon as possible. Finally, the Photo Gallery gives us stills of mostly hardcore conduct, with static images of dicks, boobs, twats and butts.
While I'm glad to see FLEA on DVD, I am certain that most viewers would take a more prurient interest in other Mitchell Brothers' classics like THE GRAFENBERG SPOT or even more of the original Marilyn Chambers movies. You can store this movie among other seventies' classics like BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR and THE RESURRECTION OF EVE. It may not be a flick you watch again and again (in fact, I can't imagine wanting to sit through it more than twice), but it's worth a look for historical purposes, if nothing else.
| Annette Haven |
| Jean Jennings |
| Paul Thomas |
| John Holmes |
Info:
- Category:
- Movies > Adult
- Case Type:
- DVD
- Release Type:
- Retail
- Language:
- English
- Comments:
- 1 read add
Cover Info:
- Title:
- Autobiography of a Flea (1975) Retail DVD
- Part:
- Front
- Dimensions:
- 3220 x 2151 px
- Size:
- 3,677 KB
- Downloads:
- 70 (0 today)
- Uploaded:
- 01/02/08 by Collector
- Quality Rating:
-
- Currently /5 Stars.
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