The Pink Ladies

The Pink Ladies (1980)

*** (out of 4)

To reveal too much of the plot to this Roger Watkins directed porn movie would be a mistake because there's really not too much plot but the main thing going on is that various people have sexual fantasies and us viewers get to witness them.

Apparently Watkins didn't like this movie, didn't want to make this movie and after he had made it he hated it, which is a bit strong in my opinion because I found it to be quite good for what it was. Perhaps Watkins didn't want to make the film but it still seems like he wanted to turn in something more than just your run-of-the-mill adult picture.

What really impressed me about this film was simply how well-made it was. Yes, you can call an adult film "well-made" and especially this one because it is. I really loved the editing style of the film because you could tell that Watkins was having fun with these fantasies and even more fun just showing off the cast doing their tricks. The editing of the film was terrific but so was the cinematography.

It certainly helps that you've got a fun cast as well. Samantha Fox is always fun to watch perform and Vanessa del Rio gets special attention because, well, she's Vanessa del Rio and can do whatever she wants. Horror fans will also be happy to see Robert Kerman (CANNIBAL FEROX) and Michael Gaunt (CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD) among the cast.

Richard Mahler/Roger Watkins is known for several hardcore classics, but even when he is making a minor film he shows talent, as in the trivial but well-executed THE PINK LADIES.

Boasting top NYC XXX talent, it's another slice of life show (see his COSMOPOLITAN GIRLS as a prime example) about a group of 4 Manhattan housewives and their typical daily activities.

The comedy derives from the comfortable repartee among the women, familiar talent like Samantha Fox and Robin Byrd plus imported stars Christine De Shaffer and Kandi Barbour. From the opening abstract racquetball sequence, Watkins has fun mixing and matching his heroines, notably during an extended discussion where we only see each one's legs in a separate bathroom stall (no faces) cutting back and forth as they speak. Later there is a montage of four money shots in succession.

Running gag is that of the four, Christine De Shaffer is the figure of fun, not exactly bullied but definitely mistreated by the others. The usual gang of NYC idiots is rounded up to play their husbands and sex objects, like R. Bolla, Ron Hudd and Michael Gaunt plus Jesse Adams. Ron Jeremy pops up and for the umpteenth time does his specialty of sucking his own cock.

Among the various fantasies of the gals and their mates depicted is an imaginative orgy in a gym where Robin Byrd couples with a blue man (presaging the look of Blue Man Group, but used here as fetish garb), while Barbour humps a Black dude who's painted red and wearing eerie goggles.

Ending scenes are slightly cryptic, centered around De Shaffer and Watkins' final image is a freeze frame cum shot.

"The Pink Ladies," directed by Roger Watkins (credited as Richard Mahler), is a 1979 adult film that follows a group of four Manhattan housewives and their daily adventures in sexual exploration. It's a fun and creative take on the classic XXX formula, delivering a healthy dose of comedy and bizarre set pieces to keep viewers entertained.

The film opens with a tantalizing scene, setting the tone for the rest of the movie. We're introduced to Lori (played by the stunning Samantha Fox), Kay (Kandi Barbour), Jane (Robin Byrd), and Leslie (Christine De Shaffer), who are enjoying a game of racquetball at their gym. Their activities are watched by a voyeuristic man, Rob Hudd, who fantasizes about the women servicing him, setting the stage for a steamy encounter.

The standout scene of the movie involves Samantha Fox, who embodies the arrogant bossy friend within the group. In this explicit sequence, she takes control of a situation, dominating and teasing her male partner, only to be joined by her girlfriends in a steamy, colorful orgy. The scene is a visual masterpiece, with bodies painted in vibrant colors, creating a unique and artistic twist to the typical orgy scene, a true signature of Watkins' style.

While the film has its memorable moments, it falls short of being a classic. On the one hand, it boasts a strong cast, including well-known adult stars like Ron Jeremy and Vanessa Del Rio, and delivers on its promise of explicit content. The interactions between the ladies are a highlight, offering a glimpse into their friendships and sexual fantasies.

However, the narrative is somewhat lacking, and the film doesn't quite reach the creative heights of Watkins' other works like "Corruption" and "Her Name Was Lisa." It's worth noting that Watkins himself reportedly wasn't a fan of "The Pink Ladies," perhaps due to its lighter and more comedic tone compared to his usual gritty and emotional brand of filmmaking.

In conclusion, "The Pink Ladies" is a fun and frivolous adult film. It may not be the most memorable entry in the genre, but it offers a good time for viewers seeking a blend of comedy and explicit content. With a talented cast, bizarre twists, and colorful visuals, it's a unique addition to the world of adult entertainment, delivering a healthy dose of NYC-style naughtiness.