This week we go back thirty six years to 1981. How much do you remember as far as what the big stories were, prices and new advances in technology, etc.? Let’s begin, as always, with what the cost of living was then.
The annual average income in the U.S. was $21,000 a year, the average cost of a new 3 bedroom home was $78,000 and if you rented, the average for a 2 bedroom apartment was $300 a month. The price of new cars had risen ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 with a Pontiac Sunbird only $5,100. The cost of a gallon of gas had jumped all the way up to $1.25. You could by a 19 inch color TV for $400, an under the counter dishwasher for $250. For the kids the very popular Star Wars Figure set went for $30. (Imagine what they are worth today!) In some of the news headlines…..It is the first year the word Internet begins getting mentioned and MS-DOS was released by Microsoft along with the first IBM PC. Iran releases 52 American hostages, who had been held for 444 days. Air traffic controllers strike causing chaos with air travel in the US and newly elected President Ronald Reagan fires them. The first flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia takes place. 147 passengers and crew of a Pakistan Airways are taken hostage and released in Syria. Egyptian president Anwar Sadat is assassinated. What was happening in the Middle East was just a harbinger of what was to come and still goes on today, but too many politicians turned a blind eye towards it. Lady Diana Spencer marries Charles, Prince of Wales. Sandra Day O’Connor is nominated to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Muhammad Ali retires with a career record of 55 wins and 5 defeats. The first American test-tube baby is born. The introduction of the first Frequent Flyer Miles AAdvantage is introduced by American Airlines. 3M debuts the very popular Post-It notes.
In Hollywood among the 1981 hit films were Raiders of the Lost Ark, Arthur, On Golden Pond, Chariots of Fire and For Your Eyes Only. Pop music’s top hit makers include Blondie, Dolly Parton, Lionel Ritchie & Diana Ross, Queen and John Lennon. In TV land the big hit shows of the year included Dallas, Three’s Company, Alice, Hart to Hart, Dynasty and Happy Days. Among the celebrities we lost that year were former heavyweight champion Joe Louis, singer Harry Chapin, actor William Holden, actress Natalie Wood and rock and roll pioneer Bill Haley.
The porn industry was undergoing a big shift to California as more films were being done on the west coast. New technological advances for cameras and special effects helped make films look better. Another new change, video, was on the horizon. Among some great adult films released in 1981 is this classic we look back at today, Lasse Braun’s “American Desire”.
American Desire – Caballero Video – Director – Lasse Braun – Cast – Veronica Hart, Lysa Thatcher, Mai Linn, Mistress Candice, Robert Bolla, George Payne, Jack Teague, Roy Stuart, Dave Ruby.
As more films began shooting out on the west coast there were still some New York productions like this one being done. It was shot entirely on location in New York City, Long Island and Connecticut and some of the exterior shots really bring back memories of the area at the time. The movie marquees, midtown Manhattan, the twin towers, expressways, etc.
The story revolves around Bob and Sheila Welles (Robert Bolla and Veronica Hart) who were the perfect duo for this film. They are a married couple who love each other but are stuck in a rut as their sex life is dull and creating problems. So he comes up with the idea that maybe they should embark on a search for some new “fun” partners. Sheila is a very sexually frustrated and somewhat of a prude and wants no part of it. Without her knowledge, Bob decides to call on Mistress Candice and gets more than he bargained for in a domination scene that is played for laughs. Meanwhile, Sheila goes to see her father to get his advice on what to do. That’s when she finds out her dad is very occupied and busy with his young and sexy wife (Mai Linn).
During the visit Sheila meets a good looking young scholar (George Payne) who has a major interest in buying her father’s house and property. Mai Lin, however, gets her hands on this hunk first before Shiela then comes the unthinkable. Her dad, aware of the interest the young guy has in Sheila wants to know if his uptight daughter would like to join in with his wife and the young guy. This shocking revelation now brings about some new twists and turns as Sheila begins to shed her coldness and sexual frustration and becomes one very erotic and sexual being.
The various encounters and people who enter her life bring changes she never thought could happen. Bob also has his new awakening when he picks up a hitchhiker (Lysa Thatcher) an encounter that brings about a major change. By now Sheila has really turned the sexual corner discovering not only pleasures she’d never imagined, but her own sexuality as well. By the time we get to the film’s closing Bob and Sheila have now invited Lysa into their new open marriage enjoying all the new sexual treats they have discovered.
Being shot on location the cinematography is extremely well done. It captures the feel of the couple, the erotic nature of the story and brings you into their complicated life and all that takes place. The sex scenes are magnified with visuals and angles giving off plenty of sizzle and steam. The writing was well done allowing for the characters to display expressive portrayals. The acting by the entire cast was above par giving everything a more believable air. For Ms. Hart this was probably one of her very best roles in a long, very successful career that gained her worthy entrance into both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. The music that is part of the film is perfectly done and adds a nice balance. The direction by Lasse Braun is meticulous, fluid and done with a mainstream feel to it. “American Desire” is a true classic from the golden age. It is available on DVD and I very much suggest getting hold of this film.
A side note: The director of this film, who also directed a number of other great productions from the golden age, Lasse Braun passed away in 2015. He was the father of today’s much awarded and current 4 time AVN Director of the Year, Axel Braun.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
