A Touch of Genie

Back in the 1970s, I used to watch a few porn films at the regular movie houses in town. They would usually be shown afte 10pm. The first mainstream porn movie shown as, of course, Deep Throat followed by many imitators. While I do not recall anything memorable from Deep Throat, other than the ending, I do vividly remember many of the scenes from a Touch of Genie. That, in itself, is quite remarkable for having seen a film only once 47 years ago. Quite frankly, porn movies they make today are boring, repetitive and just plain stupid. They are more neurotic than erotic. By contrast, this movie had scenes in it that I have never seen repeated anywhere else and that's a shame.

The storyline was also very funny and entertaining - quite unlike today's shot on video crap that has totally contived storylines that you've seen too many times before (for avid watchers, that is). A Touch of Genie is very entertaining from both a theatrical perspective and erotic one.

If you ever get the opportunity to watch this film, I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.

"A Touch of Genie," a 1974 erotic comedy directed by Joseph W. Sarno, is a whimsical ride that blends fantasy with pornography. With a unique premise and a playful tone, this film offers an amusing take on the genie-in-a-lamp tale, aimed at adult audiences.

The story follows Melvin (Douglas Stone), a quirky individual who works in an antique store near 42nd Street in New York City. Melvin is a self-confessed porn addict, often found in the local porno theater, and his favorite actress is the legendary Tina Russell. The film opens with a bang, as we see Melvin watching the gorgeous Lynn Stevens perform an intense and incredibly horny deep fellatio scene on her lucky partner.

Melvin's life takes an unexpected twist when he discovers a magical vase. Out pops a cute female genie, played by Chris Jordan. Dressed in a skimpy belly dancer outfit, she teases but never fully reveals all, leaving something to the imagination. Jordan's character grants Melvin five wishes, and the fun begins.

One of the standout scenes involves Melvin wishing to be like famous pornstars. He finds himself in a room with not one but three gorgeous women, all eager to please. The women take turns enjoying each other and their lucky genie guest, with a particular focus on worshipping his manhood together. The scene is an erotic feast, with bodies intertwining, mouths exploring, and moans of pleasure filling the room. It's a true celebration of sexual freedom and desire.

The film's cinematography by Joao Fernandes is described as "rough and no-frills," capturing the gritty atmosphere of 1970s New York City. The film's score is "blithely bouncy and playful," adding to the silly and whimsical tone of the film. These elements combine to create a charming and unique. 🎬💥🌪

A Touch of Genie (1974)

* 1/2 (out of 4)

Melvin (Douglas Stone) is a rather weird man who works in an antique store. When he's not working he's putting on a funny facial costume and heading to the local porno theater where he watches the movies. One day he masturbates into a vase and out pops a genie (Chris Jordan) who grants him five wishes.

A TOUCH OF GENIE is out there in two different versions. One of them is a full XXX porno while the other one, clocking in at 69-minutes, is a R-rated cut. It's the shorter version that is on review here so if you're wanting comments on the porno version then I can't offer any. As far as this version goes, I must say that it really didn't work too well with me. Director Joseph W. Sarno made some decent comedy films like THE SWITCH and he also made some awful ones like DEEP THROAT PART II. This one here falls into the middle of them but for the most part it's not all that memorable.

Again, perhaps the porn brought more out of the film but as it stands, this version is rather flat, although the cast members are certainly giving it their all. I thought both Stone and Jordan were good in their parts. We've also got a lot of famous porn stars playing themselves including Harry Reems. The problem I had with the movie was the fact that the comedy just wasn't funny and especially the Jewish humor.