'V': The Hot One

The pseudonymous "Robert McCallum" a/k/a the late real world director and ace DoP Gary Graver may have claimed, if the opening scroll's anything to go by, that this adult film - one of his or anyone else's very best ever - was based on a real life case history, yet to any viewer somewhat versed in world cinema it should be immediately clear that Luis Bunuel's BELLE DE JOUR served as the real source of inspiration. Best to overlook the needlessly sensational title, which unfortunately makes the movie sound like "exploitation city" (to quote late great genre critic Jim Holliday), as this proves a thoughtful dramatic sex film that easily ranks among the intimate industry's finest.

Genre goddess Annette Haven at her most ethereally lovely delivers a compelling performance as Valerie, trophy wife of upper middle class attorney John Leslie. Left alone throughout most of the day, she discovers the urge to experience sex of the seamier kind. To this effect, she takes up afternoon residence at Madame Jacinda's fancy cat house. Under the tutelage of "house girls" Sandi Pinney, dusky diva Desiree West and the tragic Kristine Heller, she learns to fulfill the fantasies of the lonely regulars like frustrated school principal "Radio" Ray Wells and mother-fixated weirdo John Seeman who frequent the place...until her husband's business partner Paul Thomas inadvertently turns up looking for action. As Valerie's devious "best friend", an unusually serpentine Laurien Dominique languidly observes from the sidelines as some sort of semi-oblivious fantasy facilitator or distaff Greek chorus.

An effortlessly intriguing and intelligent script is handled with commendable delicacy by Graver, who was of course also responsible for the first rate cinematography. Sex scenes are invariably raw and intense with the usually ladylike Haven really letting her hair down for a welcome change, especially in the memorable marital rape sequence with Leslie. Kay Parker makes her non-sex debut as the maternal madam and, ironically, looks older than she did in subsequent features. Extremely interesting eclectic soundtrack borrows from real world sources far and wide, including several tracks (amongst which his popular "Psyché Rock") by French avant-garde/"musique concrète" deity Pierre Henry, already employed by this director to spectacular effect in his fabulous fornication film-making debut 3 AM.

The traumas of a rural childhood drag Valerie, an attractive young woman magnificently played by the goddess Annette Haven, towards a mismatch in her relationships with others. Already in her adulthood, she senses this psychopathic behavior even with her husband and, randomly, she leaves home at night to roam the clubs of San Francisco in search of easy sex, sleaze and exhibitionism, even engaging in street prostitution for Pure vice and not out of economic necessity.

Once again, female dissatisfaction is the ideal counterpoint to male desire, and once again serves as the backbone of a story that, although it lacks the slightest originality, is captured with taste and a very attractive erotic vision. This is one of the great porn titles of the late 70s.

'V': The Hot One' is a sultry, sensual ride that delivers on its promise of eroticism and adult themes. With a nod to European cinema, director Gary Graver crafts a visually stunning film that oozes sexuality and style.

The film is effectively an adult remake of Luis Bunuel's 'Belle de Jour', with a similar premise of a well-to-do housewife leading a double life. The gorgeous Annette Haven stars as Valerie, the titular "Hot One," and her performance is a standout. Haven embodies the role with a mix of vulnerability and raw sexuality, making her character's secret life of prostitution both believable and intensely desirable.

John Leslie also delivers an impressive performance as a subdued, controlled character, showcasing his range. And let's not forget the iconic Kay Parker, who makes her adult film debut in a non-sexual role, adding a touch of class and a familiar face for fans of the genre.

The film's production values are impressive, with sumptuous surroundings and a fine musical score. The end party sequence, a throbbing orgy of bodies and synths, is a standout, showcasing the film's ability to create a hedonistic, immersive atmosphere.

However, the film does fall short in terms of originality. While the source material is inspired, the plot is a familiar one, and the story sometimes takes a back seat to the eroticism. That said, the film captures female dissatisfaction and male desire effectively, creating a unique, if familiar, backbone to the tale.

In conclusion, 'V': The Hot One' is a visually stunning, sensual experience. While the plot may lack originality, the film makes up for it with tasteful, attractive eroticism and strong performances. A must-watch for fans of adult cinema, it's a satisfying, sinful treat.