Fleshpot on 42nd Street

Fleshpot on 42nd Street (1973)

*** (out of 4)

Dusty Cole (Laura Cannon) is a woman living in New York City where she finds herself broke and in a bad place. She agrees to move in wide drag queen and prostitute Cherry Lane (Neil Flanagan) but soon she too is turning tricks for cash. Before long Dusty meets Bob (Harry Reems) and the two quickly fall in love but Cherry puts pressure on Dusty to do one more trick.

I've seen a little over a dozen Andy Milligan movies and I must admit that I rarely give them more than a half a star. The majority of his movies are BOMB rated so obviously I don't think too much of him as a director. At the same time, I understand the cult following that has built around him over the past decade. With that said, I was completely shocked at how good FLESHPOT ON 42ND STREET was. The story itself isn't anything overly original but I thought the film has a certain rawness that worked in its favor and the film also benefited from a terrific performance by Cannon.

Cannon's filmography is mostly porn titles but I must say that she was excellent in the role of this woman who just wants happiness but finds one bad situation after another. I thought Cannon was extremely believable in the part and she brought a certain tenderness that made you care for the character. Flanagan, a Milligan favorite, is also quite good in the role of the drag queen. The line delivery and the way Flanagan can go from good to bad was performed very well. Reems is also good in his supporting part and look fast for Fred Lincoln of THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT fame.

Milligan does a fine job building up the story and this is certainly the best movie I've seen from him. I thought he did a very good job at making the film seem very realistic as if you were watching real people. There are some great shots of 42nd Street during its exploitation glory days that fans will enjoy. There's a lot of nudity in the film as well as some sexual violence but it just helps the drama of the story.

I thought this was an entertaining grindhouse relic. It was more of a drama than anything, but the characters made it watchable. The lead actress seems ruthless at first, but eventually shows she can gain our sympathy--she is generous to her friends, and just wants a better life. Her transgender friend gets all the best lines. The men are all lumps of crud (and terrible actors)--except Bob. It's not the most complicated story--it's more of a character piece, but I was never bored by it. I don't know if there are different versions out there, but the print I saw was pretty grainy. Also, some of the camera work could make you motion sick the way it shakes around. But I will recommend it for anyone who can overlook technical flaws to find a trashy gem set in 70's New York.

A homeless young woman hops from bed to bed and friend's apartment to friend's apartment trying to find herself and gets into all sorts of trouble with a variety of shady characters until she meets a guy she really falls for.

Sometimes funny, sometimes shocking, and always unpredictable, Fleshpot on 42nd Street goes further than just about any other low budget exploitation cheapie from the era and includes real sex. Oddly enough, the sex scenes don't deter from the film or stop the film cold and only enhance it.

As low budget and crass as this movie maybe, I was highly impressed by it's realism and efforts made by all. A cross between early Paul Morrisey and John Water films, for better or for worse. But I'd say Andy Milligan and the actors knew the New York and the times they were in. Laura Cannon, Neil Flanagan, and even comical Harry Reems all exude a hope and optimism that there is aspirations to live for, and life can improve. Yet doesn't pull any punches that a hard life on the streets can't be easily shaken off for Prince Charming either. As low budget and awkward as this movie maybe, there's a dedication and determination in it all that is endearing. The seedier side of Looking for Mr. Goodbar. But an entertaining tale for only the most mature of movie goers. A valiant effort!

Gritty in substance and style, "Fleshpot" looks at the seedy side of urban existence, specifically in New York City. Dusty (Laura Cannon/Diana Lewis) is disgusted with her life as a hustler and a criminal. She feels trapped in a cycle of survival that does not allow her to look beyond the current day.

This adult film is cinema verite and it does a fair job of capturing life in and around the streets. The acting is credible. Sometimes the framing is poor. Surprisingly, there are humorous moments, and some philosophizing by the characters.