Real Boogie Nights: 70s & 80s Classic Porn Films To Screen in NYC

May 30, 2014
MCBEARDO

Big muffs, real tits, and 35mm heat to hit Anthology Film Archives this June

Sex can be had anywhere, but for some us, the act of viewing the filling of holes and the drilling of poles—in whatever variations/combinations—will only feel complete when conducted in public. You know: like ladies and gentlemen.

Time was, the only way to properly view pornographic motion picture entertainment was in adults-only theaters, projected larger-than-lust on the not infrequently semen-splatter silver screen. That’s when porn movies were just that: movies.

New York City’s beloved, inestimably important revival theater Anthology Film Archives has taken up the mantle of resurrecting hardcore porn cinema in an actual cinema setting with its quarterly “In The Flesh” series of vintage X-rated movie screenings.

The series focuses on the post-Deep Throat “porn chic” era of the early ’70s and extends to the mid-’80s, when porn filmmaking succumbed to the cheapness—in every sense—of video. You will not see any VHS or DVD projections here, as “every one-time-only screening is from a rare archival 35mm print and features appearances by filmmakers, actors and/or crew members, as well as critics, scholars and other participants in or observers of this 'Golden Age' of adult cinema.”

You read correctly: ’70s porn stars. Right there, still hot. No wonder it’s called “In the Flesh.”

Above Images: Kelly Nichols

Now, alas, another quarter is upon us, and so comes a hot new load of “Flesh.” Dig the official announcement:

"In the Flesh" continues in June with a special "Gay Pride" edition. Some of the finest classic adult films were made by gay men, bringing a distinctive personality and flair to campy comedies and poignant dramas.

Chuck Vincent's clever comedy classic Misbehavin' will screen Friday, June 13, as part of a loving tribute to legendary icon Gloria Leonard, who we lost earlier this year. The tribute will also include special appearances by Veronica Hart, Kelly Nichols, Candida Royalle, and Veronica Vera sharing their memories of the late Gloria and Chuck.

Image: Gloria Leonard

Hart and Nichols will return Saturday June 14 for a very rare screening of Chuck Vincent's Roommates, perhaps his best-known work. The two "roommates" will be joined by cinematographer Larry Revene, costume designer Eddie Heath, and other surprise guests from in front of and behind the camera. This is one reunion you will not want to miss!

The final screening of the weekend, on Sunday, June 15, is John and Lem Amero's Blonde Ambition, the most flamboyant adult film ever made, which will feature another highly-anticipated in-person appearance by Revene as he dishes about the film's production and the many interesting figures he worked with during his incredible adventures in the adult movie business.

"In the Flesh" is curated by adult film historian Casey Scott and sponsored by Steven Morowitz (Distribpix) and Joe Rubin (Vinegar Syndrome).