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[DavidS]

I first started watching hardcore films back in the mid 70's. It was early days. The industry was in its infancy and it had a fresh feel about it. Living in Britain, your choices were somewhat limited, and the films I managed to see were 20 minute loops from much longer films. However it was clear from these loops that the films being produced in Europe were well directed, well acted and well casted. The best seem to be either French or German and the odd Danish one too. The films were mainly light hearted and fun to watch. The reasons are clear, they were made by directors who had had experience in either softcore or the ordinary cinema. The same applied to many of the people who appeared in them, and they seemed to enjoy making them. They were clearly made to appeal to a mixed adult cinema audience. This situation carried on into the early eighties but then there were big changes.

The arrival of video meant that films were much easier to make. Gonzo had arrived. The rise of political correctness and extreme feminism meant that porn was no longer a sensible option for talented actresses and films were increasingly cast using 'models' with no acting experience or talent. By their very nature, videos were made for private home viewing and became far more specialist in nature. For example, in a film to cater for the 'big tit, fans, all the female cast were busty, instead of just one or two which used to be the case. Most of the proper actresses who were still in the business moved out when std became a significant problem, but that was not the only reason.

It would be wrong to suggest that no good films were made after 1983, that is indeed nonsense to suggest. Good films are still being made. However, particularly with the negative influence of the US industry, too many films are now talentless, crude and, frankly, offensive. I do not suggest that all porn films should be comedies, but it would be nice to see more light hearted, entertaining ones again and less of the dark satanic mills. I am NOT having a dig at Saleri, he make quality films. What do others think?

[Advocate]

I quite agree, but before I go any further, I should warn you that I hail from that sinkhole of cinematic negativity, the good 'ol US of A. Actually, the period of approximately 1974-1984 is referred to here in the USA by us old folk (relatively speaking) as the "Golden Age of Porn" and is remembered with great fondness. I too started watching adult flms in the mid-1970's, and some of those films which I have now (on VHS only, of course) are among my favorites. However, I have seen thumbnails from British 1970's films (e.g. John Lindsay's work) , and they are equally delightful...wish I had ready access to the films themselves, but the expense and aggravation of ordering them from overseas, coupled with the NTSC/PAL incompatibility factor, renders this problematic. Even today, I like some of Ben Dover's work because, silly as it can be, it is free of the often grim, nasty quality of US films. Don't get me wrong: I like the ultrahard stuff itself, it's just that without being leavened by a decent script it quickly tends to become depressing and excessive.

Also, having "come of age" in the 1970's, I absolutely loathe and despise tattoos, body piercing anywhere but the earlobes (and for the sake of consistency I'd be glad to bid adieu to that as well), and shaved pubic areas. So you can imagine how difficult (impossible, really) it is for me to find US-made porn that I can stomach. For that reason, I am increasingly attracted to British women in adult films, who to some degree have managed to avoid these distressing trends and at the same time still speak English (which may seem a trivial thing, but the Euro films often have terrible dubbing ). In any event, I share your feelings about the evolution (or perhaps "devolution" would be more appropriate) of adult films, and I only wish that there were films today with at least a modicum of plot and which featured the kind of women who posed in, say, Mayfair during the 1970's. But that's a pipe dream....as it were. ( As you aptly noted, there is the almost singular exception of Salieri, whose work is superb...wish to hell he'd made a few films in English, though)

I am new to this site, having thus far only having posted a few ID inquiries, but I really enjoy the quality and diversity of the posts. I was particularly impressed to see how everyone pitches in to help identify a film/actor in response to an inquiry. I hope to continue posting, and I will certainly continue reading!! Nice to find there is someone from "across the herring pond" (sorry, but I've always loved that expression and who knows when I'll get a chance to use it again) who seems to share my opinions of the merits of the Golden Age vs. modern stuff. Long live the '70's, sez I !!!

Regards,

Advocate

[DavidS]

You are most welcome to this site Advocate. I am sure if you continue to do postings of this quality you will be a much needed asset. I shall do a fuller reply later.

[DavidS]

Your views largely mirror my own. I agree in the late 70's/early 80's the US were still making good films. After that there was very little good stuff at all. The quality of European productions went downhill too, but now and again you still can get good quality European films.
It is true that some of the British stuff in the 70's and 80's was very good, remarkable when you think of the obstacles put in the way of the adult industry in the UK during that time. Actually Britain still produces some good films.
I wholly agree with you about tatoos and piercings. Only yesterday I received a dvd featuring Anja, an extremely busty black girl who appears in German films. Her otherwise attractive features (assuming you like big women) are spoilt by tatoos and excessive facial 'furniture'.
I am not a Saleri fan but I readily concede that he does make quality films and is very popular with his many devotees. I don't know what way European porn will go, as a recent thread on this forum suggested, the European nature of many films is disappearing because of the need to appeal to a global market. I am afraid the US industry have completely lost the plot. They have a mountain to climb if they want to get back to making quality porn again.

[Advocate]

Since we're on the topic, do you know offhand of any standout British or Continental women who meet my rather stringent standards (No tats/ piercing/significant pubic shaving)? My ideal in this regard was a British actress some years back of whom you have probably heard, named Lynn Smith. You can see some pictures of her, courtesy of the bgafd forum, at :



Unfortunately she never did hardcore to my knowledge, but she represents the "Gold Standard" for purposes of my aesthetic preferences. It is typically ironic that such a beauty did only softcore stuff...what a shame!!!! So anyway, if you know of any really attractive actresses who fit into this rarefied category, either from the "modern" era or the 1970-80's period, please advise. Since I'm new to the British film scene in particular, this should prove a novel experience! Any applicable URL's would be most welcome as well. Anyone else reading this post is heartily invited to chime in with relevant suggestions as well. Thanks to all in advance!!

Advocate

[DavidS]

Hello Advocare. You may have more success if you start a new thread regarding the information you require. This one hasn't excited too much interest.

[motospam@yahoo.com]

Hi Advocate,

I've seen a hardcore series with Lynn Smith - it's another bathroom series, less soapy and with a darker haired guy, but she sucks cock and is definitely fucked in several different positions and there's an apparent cumshot on her tits.

She's wearing a red & white polka-dot dress at the beginning of this series and she looks incredible in every shot.

UNFORTUNATELY, the URL I'd seen this series at is deleted, but I did manage to find some shots from the series at http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/br ... yahoo.com/