Hoffmann & Söhne

In 1976, director Alan Vydra took audiences on a tantalizing trip through Scandinavia with his erotic drama, Hoffmann & Söhne. The movie centers around the titular character, played by Robert Le Ray, who inherits his father's shipping empire and navigates both business and pleasure in this newfound position. While it boasts stunning European landscapes and an intriguing plotline, its true allure lies within its provocative sex scenes and exploration of human desire. With a talented ensemble cast including Claude Janna, the film delivers ample opportunities for viewers to indulge their senses. However, despite these elements, one cannot overlook some flaws that prevent Hoffmann & Söhne from reaching greater heights.

The story unfolds gracefully, introducing us to various characters entangled in the world of international trade and lustful pursuits. Our protagonist quickly finds himself torn between responsibility and temptation when faced with numerous sultry women - most notably, the enchanting Claude Janna. Their chemistry sizzles throughout the film, culminating in several unforgettable encounters that showcase not only their physical attraction but also emotional depth. In particular, there's a scintillating sequence where Janna and Le Ray explore each other during a late-night rendezvous aboard a luxurious yacht, illuminated solely by moonlight. It serves as a testament to Vydra's ability to craft intimate moments imbued with sensuous tension, elevating the material beyond mere exploitation fare.

Unfortunately, such highlights are tempered by uneven pacing and occasionally wooden performances from supporting players. Moreover, certain subplots feel underdeveloped, leaving viewers craving more context or resolution. Nevertheless, those seeking a well-crafted adult film will find much to enjoy here, especially if they appreciate European settings and aesthetics.

Claude Janna shines brightest among the cast, delivering a nuanced performance that transcends her role as eye candy. Her portrayal of a strong-willed woman unafraid to pursue what she desires adds layers of complexity to an otherwise straightforward narrative. Furthermore, her willingness to embrace nudity and sexuality wholeheartedly results in some truly breathtaking sequences, particularly when paired opposite Le Ray. Together, they create magic onscreen, making even the most mundane interactions feel charged with electricity.

Taken as a whole, Hoffmann & Söhne offers a delightful escape into a world of opulence and carnal pleasures. Although it stumbles at times due to its structural issues, the film remains worth watching for fans of adult cinema, thanks largely to its stunning visuals, evocative atmosphere, and powerful central performances.

Movie made by the Beate Uhse-company. Beate Uhse is to Germany what Hugh Heffner is for the USA. She is the biggest sex-producer of the country, publishing magazines, exploiting sex shops, making porn movies and she owns one of Europe's biggest postal order companies. This is quite an early production of hers, made in 1980. Apparently filmed in Amsterdam with German and French actors.

There isn't much of a story. Father and son Hoffmann run a bookstore. If a woman wants to be pleased sexually, she goes to the bookstore and asks for a magazine. She adds a password and is taken to the back room, where either father Hoffmann or his son, or both at the same time fulfill her sexual desires.

The female part of the cast is young and well looking. The male part is less impressive and to see father Hoffmann do his thing doesn't make you feel extremely happy. Oh, there is an orgy too. In the beginning father is wearing a strange uniform, but alas, he takes it off soon.

This is just a standard hard porn movie, with no story, no humor, no fancy camera-work and actors just doing what they were supposed to be doing. Should you fancy one or more of the girls, you are all right, otherwise skip the disc and move on to the next one. And should you pick up the DVD, be ware it contains a VHS-recording, which hasn't been pimped before it went on disc.

None of the girls was a real favourite of mine, but because of the good looks I rate this thing 2 out of 10.