This week we take you back thirty nine years to 1977.Where were you during that year? For me, 1977 we made the decision to make the move from New Jersey to Florida. Let’s go back down memory lane and see what the year was like as far as news headlines, entertainment news and more.
First, as we always do, let’s take look at the cost of living in 1977. The average income in the U.S. was $15,000 a year and the average cost of a brand new 3 bedroom home was $49,000. A brand new Chevy Nova was $3,900 and gas was only 65 cents a gallon. You could by a 5” portable TV for $150 and complete stereo system for $250. Women’s tunics were in fashion and only $11 and men’s leather slip on shoes just $14. As for the news headlines 1977 was the year New York City had a total blackout that lasted more than 24 hours. Jimmy Carter was elected President and the Trans Alaskan pipeline opened. The Medal of Freedom was awarded posthumously to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The World Trade Center twin towers are completed. The death of Elvis Presley at age 42 shocks the entire world. It was the year when Apple introduced the first computers and Voyager I and Voyager II are launched unmanned to explore the outer solar system. A new diet program called Slim Fast comes on the market and who could forget the introduction of the Chia Pet?
In the world of entertainment some of the big hit Hollywood films included Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Rocky, Annie Hall, Saturday Night Fever and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In the world of music among the pop hit makers in 1977 were The Eagles, Barbra Striesand, Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees and Fleetwood Mac. As for TV’s big shows that year The Carol Burnett Show, McMillan and Wife, Columbo, Family Feud and Welcome Back Kotter were among the big hits. Some of the celebrities we lost that year would include comedian Groucho Marx, basketball coach Adolph Rupp, actress Joan Crawford, band leader Guy Lombardo, singer/actor Bing Crosby, comedian/film maker Charlie Chaplin and”The King”, singer/actor Elvis Presley.
In the world of adult, porn films became much more popular as they continued to mesh good storylines and good acting with sex scenes. Most films were being done in New York, but there was a move beginning towards the west coast. Regular movie theaters were beginning to show porn on a limited basis. There were some good adult films in 1977 such as Long Jeanne Silver, Barbara Broadcast, Baby Face and the one we revisit today, “Anna Obsessed” .
Anna Obsessed – Arrow Productions – Director – Martin Martin – Cast – Constance Money, Annette Haven, Susan McBain, John Leslie, Jamie Gillis
This film was first released in 1976 then taken off the market shortly after mainly because some of the subject matter was too strong, even for porn back then. Then it was re-released under “Anna Obsessed” and enjoyed considerable success and critical acclaim even though there were still some who were worried about the movie’s plot. Most fans of early porn may not remember this one, but porn aficionados certainly will. It is a film that is in the XRCO Hall of Fame and considered by many long time industry people as one of the best overall films of porn’s golden age.
It was a time when the films were done on film, had story lines and plots, real acting, real locations and the performers were natural, no plastic, no buff bodies, no store bought enhancements. What you saw is what you got in every phase of the films that came out during that period in time. This was a film that delivered on every level.
The film has a mainstream feel and look to it right from the opening scene on a rainy night. The story centers around Anna and David Carson ( Constance Money and John Leslie). As the rain comes down the camera goes into the bedroom and we see Anna and David having sex, but it becomes very obvious that she is not enjoying it. It is not the fault of David, who tries everything but nothing seems to work. This frigidity totally becomes physiological with Anna and wants to find out the reasons for her problem before it ruins the good marriage she and David have.
On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with David as he is having quite the lusty affair with his secretary (Susan McBain). She is giving him everything he is not getting at home. The secretary also has a fantasyman (Jamie Gillis) that appears here and there. As time goes on Anna meets Maggie (Annette Haven) at the train station and they become quick friends. As they part, Anna drops her purse, Maggie picks it up, keeps it so she can get in touch with her. Maggie wants more than friendship where Anna is concerned.
Then comes a scene in the film that changes everything about Anna. It is a very rough, tough, graphic rape scene that may not sit well with everyone, but it becomes a focal point of the film and who this rapist is that has been lurking throughout the film. I could continue and give you the rest and what happens and to who and how this turns out. However, it is too good a film to not see and discover for yourself.
There is a DVD version of this film out, but there have been major cuts in the film. If you can still play VHS and can find a VHS copy then you will have the entire uncut version. The five person cast was magnificent, the acting superb, the settings, cinematography, music, lighting were all that of a mainstream film. The direction of Martin Martin is simply spot on, fluid and realistic. “Anna Obsessed” is truly a golden classic to be found and viewed. While the main subject matter is a violent one, it is a reality of life and how it can change someone forever. Kudos to everyone involved in this porn gem.
A few side notes: Leslie Bovee was originally slated to play Anna but because of the violence in the film she turned it down. Ms. Money was convinced to come back from her home in Alaska to take the role.
Like a mainstream film, this one had 2 weeks of prep and rehearsal and was shot over a 10 day period all on real locations in New York City and Long Island. Also like a mainstream film the films crew was not just 3-4 people but more like 30 crew members. It also had a budget of $100,000 an enormous sum for that time.
Rumors have circulated for years that the director and crew were all from mainstream Hollywood and “moonlighting” doing porn. Considering all the work and effort put into this film I tend to believe it.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
