Blue Movies

A surprisingly funny film, this 86 feature, shows two guys in dire need of cash. Way back before Zach and Miri made their porno, these two clowns (a likable duo act) made theirs, which becomes an overnight success, where in reality, their titled hit, flick Rim Of Passion, belongs underneath the rim of a toilet bowl, so bad, it wouldn't run alongside Ed Wood's films. But let's throw reality aside for a moment, or may'be just keep it there. These two new pornographers, also clash with some mobsters who hold a lot of weight in the adult industry. There's a few funny moments in this 86 comedy surprise, of course, including the audition process, one auditionee, sucking after the next. Also thy take a bit of face slapping from from more respectful would be actresses, they approach for their porno, while also winding up in the clink, for propositioning a younger party. Oh, and check out the scriptwriter, who's lost his magic, or is he really a scriptwriter? Afterall, he wrote Gunsmoke. With an unknown but appealing cast, save for a Mash favorite, you're guaranteed a night of laughs in this surefire comedy, to get the rib ticklers going.

My review was written in January 1988 after watching the film on Academy video cassette.' "Blue Movies" covers familiar ground, pinpointing the comic travails of would-be porno filmmakers, but with a disarming, pleasant approach to the potentially smutty subject. It's an okay home video title.

Steve Levitt and Larry Poindexter are the nerd and his would-be standup comedian pal, who raise a little money to get rich quick in the adult film biz. They hire a down-and-out veteran screenwriter (Don Calfa in an effective supporting role)and a whiz kid director just out of film school (Leland Crooke). Project moves closer to reality when a bona fide sex star Randy Moon (well-limned with panache by Lucinda Crosby) agrees to work for them, but that also gets them into hot water since the mob doesn't want her working for an independent.

Though pic becomes silly in the final reel of chasing around one step ahead of the mafia, filmmakers Paul Koval and Ed Fitzgerald show an apt talent for satire that puts their pic head and shoulders above such rude forerunners as "Let's Make a Dirty Movie" and "Screen Test".

An added bonus, probably unintentional, is that lead actress Lucinda Crosby looks a lot like real-life porn star Janey Robbins, lending verisimilitude to the picture. Other roles and various inside jokes are competently executed.

Blue Movies is a low-budget yet extremely well-made comedy about two guys in their late 20s, "Buzz" and "Cliff" (played by Steve Levitt and Larry Poindexter, respectively) who are both broke and unemployed. They hatch a scheme to make a porno movie, and expect the profits from this effort to eliminate their financial problems.

Of course, they need some funding up front. They ask their ultra sleazy friend "Dr. Gladding" (played by Larry Linville) to put up the cash. They are otherwise clueless when it comes to writing, camera work, and directing.

A special treat in this movie is how a local gangster, "Mr. Martin" (played by Russell Johnson), learns about their endeavor and tries to get a piece of the action. Russell Johnson is surprisingly convincing as the bad guy.

This is a funny movie and well worth watching. Sadly, it is not easy to come by. Do not be deterred by the title; this is not a porno movie. It is comedy about two incompetent guys trying to make a porno movie. There are only a few moments of actual nudity.

The locations for this movie were all in West Los Angeles, with particular emphasis on Venice Beach.

Two schmos decide to make a "blue movie". But they have a problem with fiances. So they do everything in there power to try and make it work. The end results are pretty funny. I was surprised by how entertaining this movie actually was. Highly recommended. A