A História de O

Despite the label of "TV Series", I have never seen proof of this one ever being shown on television; more likely, it's a ten-part straight-to-VHS/later five-part DVD feature. Any which way, this is another version of Pauline Reage's erotic BDSM-themed literary classic, as previously seen in Just Jaeckin's hugely successful 1975 adaptation (starring Corinne Clery). One of the producers of that film, Éric Rochat, also directed a 1984 sequel of sorts, which has little to do with the original. It is again Rochat (under the alias of Ron Williams), who directed this (circa) 1992 version. Exact details of origin seems to differ, but it's shot in Brazil in the early 90s, where Rochat had previously made The Fifth Monkey/O Quinto Macaco for Menahem Golan, an entirely different story, starring Ben Kingsley.

This version is quite an ambitious curiosity, as Rochat, a self-confessed O-fanatic, sets off to deal with the entire novel as closely as it is possible. However, as the film is soft-core, quite a bit has to be implied rather than shown (solved, sometimes, through strategically placed objects in front of the "naughty bits"). The entire cast is put together from local Brazilian talent (many from the "telenovela" world, it seems). Many of them are required to spend most/all of their on-screen time in advanced stages of undress and/or compromising situations. While the film/series never has been available in Brazil, it has enjoyed and still is enjoying healthy sales in many parts of the world. For example, it is still a best-seller in German-speaking territories.

The actors are doing a decent job, despite everyone being rather woodenly dubbed, and Claudia Cepeda is good in the lead. The film is clearly low-budget and the cinematography is a bit flat, but significant attention has been given to location, sets and costumes. Sometimes it goes a bit over the top, but one can live with it. My favorite part is the episode at Anne-Marie's all-female estate Samois, where Rochat presents a hedonistic haven of submissive elegance. Jacqueline Sperandio plays Anne-Marie with a touch of Charlotte Rampling (who indeed was considered for the '75 version).Very intriguing. The women are all attractive without necessarily looking like your standard model type; here they come in different shapes and colors. A bit distracting is the fact that many of them have very obvious tan-lines, something that does not go well at all in an environment where no one ever wears swim- or underwear.

Nevertheless, The Story of O is a rare oasis of refined sado-erotica in its field. No dungeon setting, no campy dominatrix in leather boots and no one crawling around on all fours, as is all but the rule these days.

The film came out on Video on the BRI Home Video in 1994 as a 10 Volume set. Each Tape contains one 60 minute episode. The film contains nudity and many adult situations but it is tasteful and while it is erotic and does contain a lot of nudity, it is not pornographic in nature. They did a good job with the series but it has two flaws built into it. First, as a series it was doomed...there are only a limited number of S & M tricks that the writers could pull out of their hats...before it starts getting repetitive. Secondly, because it is a series and not a mini series the 10 volume set does end at point that brings some closure but it ends without a bang...Perhaps it was just one of many episodes that was ment to be followed by another episode the next week. The Picture above is for the 1975 film directed by Just Jaeckin and has nothing to do with the series...likewise the Amazon vhs link brings you to the Just Jaeckin version which has nothing to do with the Series. The Volumes in the 10 volume set and their contents are listed below:

In Volume One O meets Rene and they become lovers, Rene and others evaluate her potential for training and she is introduced to "Roissy" a house of training.

In Volume Two O undergoes training at the house of "Roissy" chains, whips and servitude abound...simultaneously she as she continues to internalize her submission.

In Volume Three O's training at "Roissy" continues...Rene leaves O at the house for 5 days...thinking that her trainers would be less reserved in his absence...and he was right!

In Volume Four O has completed her training at "Roissy"...O is attracted to Jacqueline a female model she works with and is pursuing her...and O is introduced to and "given to" Sir Stephen.

In Volume Five O comes to the realization that Rene has given her to Sir Stephen...for good. Besides her "normal" training, O is being trained to lure another woman (Jacqueline) into dealings with Sir Stephen and Rene.

In Volume Six O becomes intimate with Jacqueline with the eventual goal of presenting her to Sir Stephen and Rene. Preparations are made for O's branding and Rene reassures O that he still loves her.

In Volume Seven O is brought to the all female environment at Anne-Marie's countryside estate for further training...Where she is marked with Sir Stephen's initials.

In Volume Eight Having been received more training while during her stay Anne-Marie's estate she returns to Sir Stephen. He picks out her wardrobe and decides to lend her services to some other men. O also become Jealous when She learns that Rene is seducing Jacqueline so that he can present her to Sir Stephen.

In Volume Nine O and Rene are both intimate with Jacqueline and both have the final goal of presenting her to Sir Stephen. Jacqueline is repulsed at some markings on O...but when Jacqueline's little sister Natalie hears of O's servitude she is enthralled.

In Volume Ten Jacqueline and Natalie make their decisions on whether to join Sir Stephen, O is put on display at a party and O realizes that Rene no longer desires her as he once does but she has reached such a psychological state that she no longer cares. Devotees of this life style will probably like the film alot!