The Concrete Jungle (1982)

A Woman In Prison (WIP) film that straddles the line between being a respectable drama, worthy of the Movie of the Week, and your standard sleazy grindhouse.

The Hot Box (1972)

Written by Jonathan Demme and produced with Roger Corman, this is less a Women In Prison (WIP) movie, and more a jungle action flick.  Four nurses working at a medical center in the Republic of San Rosario are abducted by guerrilla rebels, then proceed to commit acts of terrorism and acts of skinny dipping.

Women in Cell Block 7 (1973)

(Original Title: Diario segreto da un carcere femminile) An Italian Women In Prison (WIP) flick.

Hell Behind the Bars (1984)

An Italian WIP film that is basically the same as Hell Penitentiary (1984) - using the same basic cast, wardrobe and set.  Roger Corman did the same with with The Big Doll House (1971) and Women in Cages (1971) but at least had the good sense to use different directors to changes things up a little.

Hell Penitentiary (1984)

(Original Title: Detenute violente) An Italian Women In Prison (WIP) movie - one of the grimiest I've ever seen.  There have certainly been sleazier and more graphic WIPs, but there's just something about this one...

Amazon Jail (1982)

(Original Title: Curral de Mulheres) A Brazilian WIP flick set deep in the jungle; one of the sleazier examples of the genre not directed by Jesús Franco.

Women in Cages (1971)

Filmed at basically the same time as The Big Doll House with the same basic cast (Roberta Collins, Pam Grier and Judith Brown) and also produced by Roger Corman.  As mentioned in that review, the 1971 Corman films, while not inventing the genre, certainly laid down the playbook which Women In Prison (WIP) films dutifully followed for the next couple decades.

Women In Prison (WIP)

Other than perhaps slasher films, is there another genre of movie which follows the rules and tropes so faithfully?  Almost all of them have the requisite wicked warden, shower scene, escape attempt, creative torture methods, a shy girl dying, cat fights, tough lesbian who hates the new girl, and prison riot finales. 

The Big Doll House (1971)

An early Roger Corman produced WIP film featuring Pam Grier and Roberta Collins. Much of the tropes we're used to in WIP flicks are here - not necessarily originating here, but definitely solidifying them in the genre playbook, strictly followed for years to come.

Come On, You Idiot (1982)

(Original Title: Vieni avanti cretino) This looks like your standard dumb Italian comedy; however, it was unbelievably successful in Italy, and so worth taking a look.  Starring Lino Banfi, it basically just follows this buffoon around as he tries to find work after being released from prison.

The Police Are Blundering in the Dark (1975)

(Original Title: The Police Are Blundering in the Dark) The title and poster makes this look like a Giallo, but it's really just a standard whodunit.... well, not "standard"; this is a really odd and unique film.  It has your standard mystery slasher, but also features an invention that can take a picture of your soul, a condition called "erotomania" and a prominent lettuce patch.

Frühreifen-Report (1973)

Another Schulmädchen-Report film (who knew there were so many?).  This features some familiar faces in German exploitation including Ulrike Butz and Sonja Jeannine.  Usually these films are framed around a central theme, but this one is all over the place.

Come Make Love With Me (1979)

(Original Title: Tagebuch einer Siebzehnjährigen - Translation: Diary of a Seventeen Year Old) A German coming-of-age/sexual awakening film featuring Sylvia Engelmann, who was in a lot of great films throughout the late seventies, starting with Schulmädchen-Report 12 (1978).

Lehrmädchen-Report (1972)

A Schulmädchen-Report style film released as Love Apprentices in the US. It chronicles in its usual style, the sexual situations encountered by girls in Germany's apprenticeship system.... which means they're basically sexually assaulted by bosses and co-workers at every turn.

Der Tanzstunden-Report (1973)

Another Schulmädchen-Report style film, re-titled for US audiences as School for Swingers. This is an interesting modification on the "Student Report" - as it is specifically "Dance Student Report".  They were really milking every angle of the Schulmädchen-Report format. 

What Men Don't Think Is Possible (1971)

(Full Title: Der neue heiße Sex-Report - Was Männer nicht für möglich halten) Released as "Swinging Wives" in the US, but is actually a Schulmädchen-Report style film - actually it touted itself as "the hottest report yet!"

Girls Who Come To Munich (1972)

(Original Title: Mädchen, die nach München kommen) Released as "The Swinging Coeds" in the US, this is actually a Schulmädchen-Report spin-off by Walter Boos, who had actually directed some Schulmädchen-Report films.  Boos is also the man behind the magnificent Magdalena, vom Teufel besessen (1974) (Magdalena, Possessed by the Devil). The vignettes in this film revolve around the Munich Olympics and the various girls who migrate to the city for jobs. Also, as usual, the American title has absolutely nothing to do with anything - not one coed to be found in this film.

Schulmädchen-Report 12 (1978)

(Full Title: Schulmädchen-Report 12. Teil - Wenn das die Mammi wüßte) This is the last of the Schulmädchen-Report series we'll cover.  I understand there are a few more, but this is where we step off.  We'll still cover Schulmädchen-Report copycats, but this is where the "official" series ends for us.  It's already on the brink of porn, and not-so-recognizable from the start of the series, with the usual group of actresses long gone.

Schulmädchen-Report Films

This is just a post to consolidate all our Schulmädchen-Report films covered on VZ1.

Schulmädchen-Report 11 (1977)

(Full Title:Schulmädchen-Report 11. Teil - Probieren geht über Studieren; Called Blue Dreams and Naughty Freshmen in the US releases) Will this be the Schulmädchen-Report which finally jumps the shark? Spoiler alert - Nope.  This one falls right in line with the previous German faux-documentaries in the series. However, by 1977 it might have been reaching the end of its run.

Schulmädchen-Report 10 (1976)

(Full Title: Schulmädchen-Report 10. Teil - Irgendwann fängt jede an) Another episode of the German faux-documentary, rebranded in the US under titles "Smarty Pants" and "Every Girl Starts Sometime".  Let's face it, audiences in 1976 didn't want to go see a German movie named Schulmädchen Report - and the translation to "Schoolgirl Report" presents problems of its own.  It's hard to believe this makes the tenth we've covered in the series.  They are good for a quick, brainless jaunt, easily consumed and just as easily forgotten. You'll want to check this one for the exorcism story alone.

Schulmädchen-Report 9 (1975)

(Full Title: Schulmädchen-Report 9: Reifeprüfung vor dem Abitur) As we've discussed, these films were always disguised as American made productions in the states. This one was called "Varsity Playthings" in the US, and also released as "Sophomore Sensations".  Of course, the German sounding names were with names like "Shelly Gold". This one features the great Gina Janssen.  Had I known that, this one would've been watched long ago.

Schulmädchen-Report 8 (1974)

(Full Title: Schulmädchen-Report 8. Teil - Was Eltern nie erfahren dürfen) The eighth and by no means the last in the long-running German faux-documentary series.  This series had legs! (And I mean that in both connotations.)

Schulmädchen-Report 6 (1973)

(Full Title: Schulmädchen-Report 6. Teil - Was Eltern gern vertuschen möchten) This was titled "Campus Pussycats" for the US release.  In fact, a lot of these Schulmädchen-Reports were re-branded for consumption in the states - often with fake "American sounding" names listed on the movie poster.  So for example, VZ1 readers know Ulrike Butz is one of the best German sexploitation stars of all time, but US audiences in 1973 damn sure didn't know her name - and it sure sounds suspiciously like a German... so, the movie poster would put a name like "Shelly Gold" instead.

Schulmädchen-Report 5 (1973)

(Full Title: Schulmädchen-Report 5. Teil - Was Eltern wirklich wissen sollten) Another entry in our exploration of the long-running German faux-documentary series.

I feel this is where Schulmädchen-Report finally lives up to its potential.  At first, it was a novel idea (mockumentary as excuse to show endless nudity in a vignette format) which struck a chord for whatever reason with European audiences. But let's face it, they weren't particularly good films on their own terms.  I suspect the series would have fizzled had it not been bolstered by some strong entries into the "canon", starting with this one.  Part 5 avoids being overly dark and weird (as with Part 3 and 4) or lapsing into boring throwaway pieces (as with Part 2). You could argue that Part 4 took it in a better direction by finally bringing in actresses we know and love with Christina Lindberg, Igrid Steeger, and Ulrike Butz.  But this is where the stories and the erotic element are done right.

Schulmädchen-Report 3 (1972)

(Full Title: Schulmädchen-Report 3. Teil - Was Eltern nicht mal ahnen) The third in a long series of German faux-documentaries about youth amid the sexual revolution.

Schulmädchen-Report 2 (1971)

(Full Title: Schulmädchen-Report 2. Teil - Was Eltern den Schlaf raubt) The sequel to the smash success of Part 1.

Schulmädchen-Report 1 (1970)

(Full title: Schulmädchen-Report 1. Teil - Was Eltern nicht für möglich halten)  Here it is - the first in the Schulmädchen-Report series.  This was a huge success in Germany, topping the box office for several weeks, and spawning about a dozen sequels, and legions of imitators.  They all follow the same shtick: Framed as a documentary on sex in today's youth, featuring a series of stories/vignettes tied to the theme. Let's check out the one that started it all...

Hooray.. The German Sex Party (1974)

(Original Title: Hurra... die deutsche Sex-Partei) "Partie" here is meant as Political Party.  Yes, Germany has a Sex Party - and I'd say we need one here in the States asap. It certainly couldn't be any worse than either of our two worthless parties.

Greetings from Lederhose II (1974)

(Full Title: Liebesgrüße aus der Lederhose II. Teil: Zwei Kumpel auf der Alm) Sequel to the 1973 film, and there would be at least five more to come.

Ready, Willing and Able (1971)

(Original Title: Sonne, Sylt und kesse Krabben) A German romp about a nude beach, a rich guy trying to get laid, and two party girls played by Ingrid Steeger and Monica Marc.

Greetings From Lederhose (1973)

(Original Title: Liebesgrüße aus der Lederhose) We simply can't go on covering Bavarian sex comedies and Lederhosen films without covering the grand poobah of them all.  This film spawned at least six sequels and an untold number of imitators.  It launched the career of then little-known folk singer, Peter Steiner, and supposedly increased tourism to the area.

She Devils of the SS (1973)

A Nazisploitation film straight from Germany, featuring lots of Hitler-loving naked girls, from prolific exploitation director, Erwin C. Dietrich.

All Around Service (1976)

(Original Title: Ein guter Hahn wird selten fett)  Partners in a cleaning service provide a different sort of service for bored unsatisfied German housewives.

The Manipulated Man (1972)

(AKA Dressurakt für wilde Mädchen) The title is an allusion to the highly popular book Der dressierte Mann (The Manipulated Man) by German author Esther Vilar, that was published in 1971 and argued that women were dominating men. Another Schulmädchen-Report style film, which means we're served several episodes/vignettes around a certain theme, some mildly amusing, some tragic, all a bit odd.

The Day of the Masons III (1987)

(Original Title: El día de los Albañiles) And so we've reached the third in the epic Albañiles trilogy (Part 1 and Part 2). There was at least one more, but it wasn't the same.  The first two featured Angélica Chain and Alfonso Zayas and this one adds Maribel "La Pelangocha" Fernández to the all-star lineup.  And yes, there's more Tun Tun.

The Day of the Masons 2 (1985)

(Original Title: El día de los Albañiles 2) Sequel to El día de los albañiles (1984) and there would be a few more.  These could be considered vecindad films, which we've discussed before. This one also stars the prolific Angélica Chain.  (My goal is to have as many Angélica Chain and Rebecca Silva movies on VZ1 as we do Rene Bond and Michelle Bauer films.)

The Innocent and the Sinners (1990)

(Original Title: El inocente y las pecadoras) A religious zealot (Alberto Rojas) travels to the big city and gets involved with the seedy side of life.  Featuring Hug "Inglorious Basterds" Stiglitz and Maria Cardinal.

Un rolls para Hipólito (1982)

A lowly goofball finds himself dealing with the head honcho for strike negotiations.  The boss temps him with a lifestyle of the rich and famous in order to not have to meet the union's demands.  Featuring Jenny Llada and Eva León.

The Sex of the Poor (1983)

(Original Title: El sexo de los pobres ) A working stiff can't control himself when he sees beautiful women, and feels compelled to just molest them wherever and whenever.  He's brought to trial, and this film is that courtroom drama with stories told by the witnesses.

Cara al Sol Que Más Calienta (1987)

An odd and sad little comedy from Spain about a loser named Luciano who gets setup and blamed for things; the definition of nice guys finish last.  Featuring the gorgeous Isela Vega and Eva León.

La portera ardiente (1989)

There was a type of Mexican film called a "vecindad", of which we've covered several already on VZ1. [Examples: El vecindario (1982) and El día de los albañiles (1984)].  The films would center on a poor neighborhood and follow the thin plot-lines of the various characters which would range from overly tragic to silly comedy.  Everybody knows everybody, and there's always lots of bed swapping. 

Can You Be with 5 Girls at Once? (1979)

Original Title: Podrías con 5 chicas a la vez? An erotic flick from Spain that's slightly comedic, more of just an excuse to show the five titular ladies out of their clothes.

Emanuelo (1984)

A Mexican comedy starring Rafael Inclán and Rebeca Silva.  Basically, he's an electronics repairman who is also a professional pick-up artist.  He's banging every girl in the neighborhood, until he meets his match with Silva.

La Taquera Picante (1990)

Yeah, I know.  It's yet another Mexican sex comedy.  All I can say is, when it comes to this genre, Latin America did it right.  It will be a while before the well runs dry too - as they produced a shit ton of these films throughout the eighties.  Let's have a look at another Sasha Montenegro sex comedy "classic" - this one featuring Maribel Fernández, AKA "La Pelangocha" who absolutely killed it in Muerto al hoyo... y el vivo tambien (1990), demanding us to look at more of her work.

Open Day and Night (1981)

(Original Title: Abierto día y noche) This is an Argentinian sex comedy, but features stars of the genre from several countries including Peru, Venezuela, Mexico and Chile.

The Plumbers and the Ficheras (1988)

(Original Title: Los plomeros y las ficheras) The usual gang of Mexican comedic actors (Alfonso Zayas, Andres Garcia Rafael Inclán) and the usual gang of Mexican actresses who constantly get naked, including Sasha Montenegro and Rosario Escobar.  The story is crazy, all-over-the-place and largely irrelevant, as it just serves as a template to play out silly gags and gratuitous nudity. (Note that "Ficheras" refers to the Mexican sex comedy genre).

The Palo Alto Stallion (1988)

(Original Title: El semental de Palo Alto) A fat guy that can only growl and wheeze has the biggest penis is Mexico, and is fathering children wherever his stupid-ass takes him.

Tales of the White Sheets (1977)

(Original Title: Cuentos de las sábanas blancas) A Spanish film taking place in 1571, Sacedón del Río, where we meet the locals who live around the Plaza Mayor.  Lots and lots of Spanish boobs in this film; a typical sex farce with your usual bed swapping and cheesy humor.

The Angel and the Beasts (1978)

A girl has to parachute out of a nosediving plane; she lands on a tropical island and is held captive by two couples.  This German film (original title Teufelscamp der verlorenen Frauen) bears precious little resemblance to the movie poster.