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La monaca di Monza (1969)
Beware of Alpha Film release!
I agree with others who found Visconti's take on the "Monza" story pretentious. My review concerns the butchered version released in dual English-German audio by Alpha Film. It deletes 8 minutes of the original, sanitizing all scenes containing nudity (with the minor exception of a split-second view of a peasant girl's breast in the opening scene). What's left is a dreary melodrama featuring a somewhat wooden portrayal of the villain Gianpaolo Osio (Antonio Sabara) and the endless lamenting of the doomed Sister Virginia (Anne Heywood). The debauched priest, Father Arrigone (Hardy Kruger), also lacks any depth of character - no sense of corruption at all. For a more entertaining retelling of this centuries-old story of scandal and heresy, catch the 1980 Bruno Mattei version, "The True Story of the Nun of Monza" (La vera storia della monaca di Monza) featuring Zora Kerova as the titular nun. And lastly, don't even think about the 2002 "adult" remake, "Die Schwantz-Nonnen von Monza." Yuck!
Il mondo porno di due sorelle (1979)
A pretty fair film, actually...
I must be less cynical than those who see this film as "dreck." The interplay between the sisters, Emanuela (Buchanan) and Giovanna (Montenero) is engaging - and both are physically stunning beauties. Thankfully, the edited "Emanuelle & Joanna" versions (IFC and EMI) both lack the post-production hardcore inserts, which added nothing to the story. I found the differences between the 85 minute English IFC release and the 83 minute EMI Italian release of interest. The former cut the scene showing Giovanna's use of cocaine and her ordered rape of Emanuela's husband. The latter apparently deemed this content suitable for Italian audiences, but drew the line on including Giovanna's lecture on Satanic worship. All in all an enjoyable film with an interesting story premise from the "golden age" of European soft-core.
Cicciabomba (1982)
A cute story ruined by unlikeable star.
I am a huge fan of Italian comedies - particularly the '70's vintage films. This one, however, was obviously a vehicle to promote the pop star of the day, Donatella Rettore. Ms. Rettore is best when she's attired in her "fatty girl" suit - playing a high school girl who is relentlessly bullied because of her weight. But once the costume is shed at the 30 minute mark, a hard-edged woman who looks every bit her 27 years (if not more) replaces the otherwise sympathetic character, and the film quickly swirls down the drain.
Furthermore, contrary to another review, this film has absolutely no pornographic overtones, bare skin, rough language or the like. Today, it would be rated PG.
And lastly, whoever translated the audio for the English subtitles used by Mya Communications shouldn't quit their day job. They help one get the gist of what's going on, but otherwise, they're horrid.
40 gradi all'ombra del lenzuolo (1976)
A sad English voice-over of the wonderful Italian sex comedy, 40 gradia all'ombra del lenzuolo
Remarkably, this release contains the occasional scene not found on the Italian language version. Watch the Italian version with subtitles downloaded from the web to truly appreciate this film.
Each of the five vignettes offers something to enjoy: (1) Watching Edwige Fenech walk down the street in her trademark skin tight dress is simply marvelous. Someone ought to make a 20 minute loop of that. (2) Giovanna Ralli is the ultimate in sultry Italian beauty - and her relentless abuse of "cheauffeuer" Filippo is delightful. (3) Perky Dayle Haddon was an unexpected treat - especially in the bathtub. But Marty Feldman owns the day in this thigh-slapper. (4) Barbara Bouchet is perhaps the weakest of the group - coming across a bit wooden as the target of an enigmatic man with tons of money. (5) The fresh-faced Sydne Rome plays spacey Marcella to perfection in this cautionary tale of a canine jealousy.