Review of The Devil in Miss Jones

I am always surprised by the attention and praise this film receives. It's so famous that the title is a household name. Why? It's because "Devil In Miss Jones" was the first, or among the first films to incorporate hardcore sex into an actual movie with a plot and a decent budget. But within the genre, this is FAR from being the best, and once you really explore the realm of 70's Adult film, you will most likely agree. The first problem with Miss Jones, is simply that the lead actress, Georgina Spelvin, while possessing real acting skills, just isn't very sexy, or alluring. Now that might sound petty, but the bottom line is, this IS a sex film, and it should titillate the viewer, or at least create some sexy fantasy. Nothing against her, and in fact it was upon the insistence of Harry Reems that Spelvin play the part..I just think she is miscast as a central character. For example, Miss Spelvin was perfect in "Wet Rainbow," where she was cast as the wife of college professor (Harry Reems once more), who becomes obsessed with one of her husband's young female students. Incidentally "Wet Rainbow" is just one example of an adult film that is WAY better than "Miss Jones." And that illustrates another flaw with this movie... the plot. It is barely a plot at all. There is an interesting idea there, but it always feels like the story is just there as an excuse to string sex scenes together..sex scenes that are surprisingly unappealing. I don't want to be critical of an iconic film, and this IS an iconic movie, as it opened up the world of Adult Film and legitimized the sex industry. It inspired other film makers to be creative and inject real substance...and cash, into their art. "Deep Throat" and "Devil In Miss Jones" were not the best, but they definitely inspired the better stuff that came after it. For those really interested in this genre, check out "Sometimes Sweet Susan," "Butterflies," "The Taking of Christina," and "The Defiance," (for more open minded viewers,) and especially Radley Metzger's "The Image," which can be called the Rolls Royce of Adult film. Every one of these titles is superior to "Devil," and it's a shame that none of them get recognition today. Those who rated "Devil" so high, most likely have never seen any other films of the genre.