Joe Sarno was a pioneer and prolific purveyour of sexploitation and adult films. Sin in the Suburbs (1964) is an early standout in the genre of "adult" films. It presents a more intelligent and less a "nudie" film than initial appearance might indicate.
The story includes a teenage daughter who discovers her mother is having an affair and a salacious suburban sex club. While the film lavishes on period kitschy furnishings and decor, the sex club scenes bring Eyes Wide Shut to mind. Also notable is the effective editing.
During the first season of The Outer Limits, this episode titled "The Mutant" aired on March 16, 1964. Most notable to myself is the portrayal of the mutated space researcher Reese Fowler by none other than a favorite actor of mine - Warren Oates.
By way of an introduction to this episode, here's the opening narration:
"At this very moment, our horizon is menaced by two explosive forces, both man-made. One is a deadly wonder; the other, wondrously alive. Both forces have compelled Man to reach out for worlds beyond his own, new worlds where he may find peace, and room to grow. This is the first of those new worlds. The United Nations of Earth have claimed it, and called it Annex One. It is almost identical to Earth, except that there is no night--sunlight is constant. Early reports from the small expeditionary team stationed on Annex One indicated that the ancient planet appeared suitable for colonization by Earth's overflowing population. But the most recent reports have contained unspoken, oddly disturbing undercurrents, and the United Space Agency has decided to investigate. The man chosen: Dr. Evan Marshall, psychiatrist."
This oddity of children's film fare from the former Soviet Union was written about in a past issue of the always excellent Shock Cinema and the high weirdness described in the review encouraged a viewing.
The movie opens with a persistently misbehaving young girl magically entering the Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors, accompanied by her own reflection, in an inter-dimensional battle against the bad guys. Loads of color and lavishly designed sets are a real highlight and impressive part of the production, often as trippy as the more lysergic Sid and Marty Krofft ideas. Filmed while the Cold War was red hot, even in this kiddie flick there is room to integrate condemnation for the stupidity of capitalism. For fans of bizarre cinema from around the globe - check it out!
a big fan of reading books, all kinds of art, J.G. Ballard, autumn, Dr Pepper, listening to records, women wearing skirts and high heels, exceptionally weird movies, bike riding, diners and other stuff...
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