American Garter

When you look at a pornmovie from between 1990 and 1995 you know you're going to be bored. The once so delicious Seka has shamelessly let herself go physically and moves through the the movie, and the scenes like a slow juggernaut, only exhuming non-interest in what she does. This movie by the way is about the time the nylon pantyhose was invented. Only saving grace, although also disappointing, is Selena Steele.

I had to trot out that apt cliche regarding the demise of quality porn, as this relatively forgotten title displays a high level of achievement not from the Golden Age of theatrical Adult Cinema in the '70s but rather a gem from the oft-criticized VHS '90s era.

No less than Gloria Leonard and Henri Pachard teamed up to create this very clever and incredibly stylish paean to the Undergarment Industry, with a true feel for fetishism provided by Nick Orleans (before he started to repeat himself ad infinitum). It's no coincidence that the movie set in NYC's Garment District in 1961 climaxes with the invention of pantyhose - Nick's favorite fetish.

A top-notch cast play an array of colorful characters, ranging from busty Tiffany Million as lingerie magnate Steve Drake's secretary, who longs to become a model (and does justice to pantyhose in the finale fashion show hosted by guest start Veronica Hart) to top-billed Seka as the house's fashion designer.

Sex scenes are concise and plentiful, and the talent abounds, with a young Brittany O'Connell, vivacious Ona Zee (as an accountant with unbridled libido) and one of the sexiest babes of that era, Selena Steele.

When it's all over, the corny ploy of listing epitaphs and "what happened to" descriptions across the chest of each cast member defies the norm by actually being creative and funny little pieces of black humor. This is a must-see classic, revived on DVD from the VCA vaults by Larry Flynt's otherwise trashy video company.

This was the very first hardcore porn film i ever saw. The first time i saw it was in Switzerland and it was dubbed into French. Not being a french linguist i had trouble following the plot (yes, there is one!) until i recently tracked down the original USA version thanks to the internet.

It purports to be a historical look back at am American underwear company from differing perspectives of designers, managers, advertising executives etc. but judging by the amount of time they spend in carnal pursuits it is no wonder business is not booming! Admittedly, i am no expert and have not seen much porn since, but i think this film is actually a solid movie from lighting, camera work and production values. The "action" scenes have the usual 2 girls 1 guy thing as well as straight 1 on 1 stuff. The toilet scene with Seka and her young female friend who are joined by a surprised (pleasantly!) handyman is one memorable scene. I am sure the Ben E. King song "Stand by Me" is used as the background music here. I use this film as the standard i judge this genre and i find that films made later don't compare to the standards of older flicks like this. Whacking good entertainment!