In 1968, the Production Code was abandoned and replaced by the MPAA classification system. Valenti gave producers the option of giving themselves a self-imposed 'X' rather than submit the film for a rating. X was the only one they hadn't registered a trademark. From 1969-1970 there was a glut of soft-core X rated films in the marketplace like "I am Curious, Yellow" and "Inga". However, by 1971, XXX hard-core had established itself in many urban areas and essentially replaced the soft-core X product. "Deep Throat" became a test case regarding the level of pornography that was going to be acceptable in theaters. It was subject to extension litigation and several were brought up on charges including Harry Reems. For a period of time it was declared obscene in New York. I traveled with a group of high school friends to see it in New Jersey circa 1973 and even though we were underage, we got in. Needless to say, with all the hoopla surrounding the picture I was disappointed. It was a typical boring porn notwithstanding Lovelace's ability to control her gag reflex. I've seen better and I've seen worse. The trouble with most porn is that eroticism is both psychological as well as physical. A truly sensual scene requires performance, some motion picture technical finese as well as the mechanics of sex. Few porno actresses had any acting talent beyond faking orgasms and the production value of most XXX features tended to be poor. "Deep Throat" is no exception. Richard W. Haines
