Barbara Broadcast - 1977

There are a few 70's porn movies that are absolute "must see" classics. Today's choice is high on that list. Barbara Broadcast, released in 1977, is an example of just how good adult entertainment can be, when it tries. This is big budget porn, with a cast of extras rarely seen in adult movies. Beyond that, the writing is smart, taking subtle (and not so subtle jabs) at the state of American culture, with a sophisticated wit. Not all of the humor in the movie is highbrow. You might even find yourself laughing, (well, at least snickering) out loud once or twice.

 

As soon as the opening credits end, we enter an upscale New York restaurant, and immediately know that this isn't your typical porn movie. The sets are elaborate, to say the least.

Confessions of a Young American Housewife - 1974

Unlike most of today's porn, 70's porn often had a sense of social consciousness. Some directors actually had some sort of a message to deliver, that was conveyed by the story line (yeah, a story in porn. What a concept.) and the actual sex scenes. In the best of cases, the sex scenes moved more than the viewer's crotch and affected his thinking. Let's be honest, we weren't dealing with Schindler's List, but there was some attempt to create conversation at least.

Today's example of thoughtful, if heavy-handed, 70's porn is Confessions of a Young American Housewife, starring the amazing Jennifer Welles and the lesser-known Rebecca Brooke. Originally shot as a softcore tease, later edits included some hardcore inserts. Frankly, the original edition isn't bad unless you just have to see all the anatomical parts.

As the movie opens we meet Carole (Rebecca Brooke) and her friend Anna (Chris Jordan), who is the stereotypical comical sidekick/ best friend. Anna has enough sideways looks and the ability to carry a one-liner that she could have been on a sitcom back in the day.

Deep Throat - 1972

Okay, class. Time for a pop quiz.

Deep Throat, the infamous 1972 release produced by Gerard Damiano, starring Linda Lovelace and Harry Reems:

1. Pushed porn into the mainstream in the United States
2. Made 10's of millions of dollars
3. Became the target of multiple criminal charges
4. Was a love story
5. All of the above.

The most infamous porno of them all

Autobiography of a Flea - 1976

The first porn movie that I remember seeing in a theater was the amazing Autobiography of a Flea. I had seen a few other flicks, including a ton of softcore and the impressive John Holmes playing a sailor who thoroughly wore out a set of twins. But the first feature that I recall watching from beginning to end was this well-known hit starring Jean Jennings, Paul Thomas, Annette Haven, John Leslie and a host of others.