Radley Metzger's The Opening of Misty Beethoven is probably the film all fans of the porn genre will want to see. A spin on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, the film charts the rise of Misty Beethoven from down-beat prostitute to become, under the tutelage of Dr. Seymour Love, the most expert of all prostitutes. This film boasts a superb script, humour, a fine musical score and some impressive production values. No expense seems to have been spared in getting location shots in Paris, Rome - including a grand villa - and an apartment in one of those converted warehouses where the old lift opens onto the apartment.
The film is a treat for the senses as misty goes about her education in the sexual arts; the maids and valets in various locations around the villa engaged in sexual acts; the look of boredom - yes really - on the servants as Misty begins her education; the theatre scene in which a couple are unsure of their actions. The music, too, is well chosen; just by listening to it, one immediately knows that this is the 1970s - apart from the William Tell Overture, of course. Who would not want to fly on an airline which offers sexual relief as part of the service - and stewardesses who have a nifty way to smuggle Cuban cigars past customs.
Ultimately, this is a porn film and it is in this respect that it loses points. The extreme close-ups just got too boring. Obviously, this film is about Misty learning the ways of using her mouth but again there is just too much of it. In fact, it was a welcome change when ordinary sex appeared on screen. Also, I was not keen at all on the male gay sex clip.
Sorry people! It is understandable why this film has achieved classic status but for me there was just too much of the same thing - and in extreme close-up. As the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life so a bit of variety would have been most welcome.
The film is a treat for the senses as misty goes about her education in the sexual arts; the maids and valets in various locations around the villa engaged in sexual acts; the look of boredom - yes really - on the servants as Misty begins her education; the theatre scene in which a couple are unsure of their actions. The music, too, is well chosen; just by listening to it, one immediately knows that this is the 1970s - apart from the William Tell Overture, of course. Who would not want to fly on an airline which offers sexual relief as part of the service - and stewardesses who have a nifty way to smuggle Cuban cigars past customs.
Ultimately, this is a porn film and it is in this respect that it loses points. The extreme close-ups just got too boring. Obviously, this film is about Misty learning the ways of using her mouth but again there is just too much of it. In fact, it was a welcome change when ordinary sex appeared on screen. Also, I was not keen at all on the male gay sex clip.
Sorry people! It is understandable why this film has achieved classic status but for me there was just too much of the same thing - and in extreme close-up. As the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life so a bit of variety would have been most welcome.