1980 was the beginning of a new decade, so what was it like thirty seven years ago? If you were around what do you remember from then? Let’s take a look back at some of the news and entertainment headlines as well as the porn classic we highlight from 1980.
As always we begin with the cost of living. The average income in the U.S. was $19,500, the average cost of a new 3 bedroom home was $68,000 and the average cost of a new car was around $7,000. You could get a new Pontiac Firebird for just $5,900. By 1980 gas had gone over the dollar mark at a $1.19 a gallon (and we thought that was terrible!). If you wanted to spend the money you could buy a Magnavox VHS Recorder for $699 or a VHS Home Movie Camera for only $1,599. Guys could also go out and by a classy 3 piece suit for $90. Food wise, four cans of Campbell’s Tomato Soup was 97 cents, a Hershey bar just 25 cents, ground beef $1.29 a pound and a dozen eggs were just 95 cents. Some of the news headlines included former actor and California Governor Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States, Beatle John Lennon is assassinated in New York City and Hurricane Allen kills 235 people in the Texas area. The war between Iran and Iraq begins and even then we had clues as to where that would lead. The U.S. leads a boycott of the Moscow Olympics in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The Killer Clown, John Wayne Gacy Jr., is sentenced to death for the murder of 33 boys and young men. Fire destroys the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas and a severe summer heat wave in the southern U.S. causes 1,117 deaths in 20 States. New technology brings about the first available domestic Camcorders and the first fax machines in Japan will soon to make their way to the U.S. 30% of US car sales now are imports. It is also the year when the Pac-Man arcade game makes its debut along with a new item called Post It Notes from 3M.
In the world of entertainment among the big hit movies were Raging Bull, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Superman II, Nine to Five and Coal Miner’s Daughter. In music, the big hit makers include ABBA, The Cars, Blondie, Eric Clapton, Queen and Olivia Newton-John. Among the popular TV shows were Taxi, The Rockford Files, Lou Grant, Fantasy Island and WKRP in Cincinnati. Among the celebrities we lost in 1980 were former Beatle John Lennon, Olympic Gold medalist Jesse Owens, comedian Jimmy Durante, director Alfred Hitchcock and actor/comedian Peter Sellers.
In 1980 the porn industry expanded with more productions coming from California. The new technology for cameras and other innovations would lead to some exciting new looks on film. Some future porn classics came out in 1980 including the one we take a look back at today, “Talk Dirty To Me”.
Talk Dirty To Me – Dreamland USA –Director – Anthony Spinelli – Cast – Jesie St. James, Juliet Anderson, Sharon Kane, Dorothy LeMay, Holly McCall, Cris Cassidy, John Leslie, Richard Pacheco, Aaron Stuart, Carl Regal
The film centers on Jack (John Leslie), a conceited, bragging ladies man, and his buddy Lenny (Richard Pacheco) who is somewhat mentally handicapped and slow. The film also carries another sub story about Marlene (Jesi St. James) and her husband Frank (Aaron Stuart) that connects all of the characters. As the film gets underway, Jack and Lenny are at the beach and as Jack tries to figure out which chick he’ll get to screw while Lenny is fascinated with all the hang gliders. Jack has dumped his girlfriend and she takes it out on Lenny, shoves him and sprains his ankle. Jack takes him to the doctor and when the doctor (Cris Cassidy) tells him the fee, Jack whips out his dick for payment and after her initial shock we get the first sex scene.
As for Marlene, she gives Frank a great sendoff present. Then we see her at the beach where Jack spots her and guarantees Lenny he’ll get her in bed. Jack flirts with her later at a movie theater exit. He and Lenny find the house next to where she lives is vacant so they sneak in to spy on her undressing. Next we see Jack offering to do her yard work putting his plan in motion and she hires him. Then there is a scene with the realtor Helen (Juliet Anderson) who is trying to sell the vacant house to a client but can’t get him to commit. Jack comes in, sees the realtor and makes his own offer and before you know it they are at it while Lenny can only watch his buddy from upstairs. There is a lot more that takes place throughout this great film not only with the sex scenes, but the overall story of Jack, his handicapped friend Lenny and the sex hungry wife who wants it every way all the time.
There is a scene between Lenny and Rose (Sharon Kane) that is sexually touching as she coaxes him to explore her and the encounter is beautifully done. Even without seeing a pop shot it is obvious what happened by the facial expressions and a very tender, “Did that make you happy?” line. It is a very good scene that fits perfectly. It really brings about the bond of the lecherous ladies’ man Jack, who seemingly gets any girl he wants and Lenny, who strikes out more than Mickey Mantle did, but has to be content to watch. Still, the bond that exists between these two is a very special one that is extremely well portrayed.
The storyline and plot is well developed and keeps your interest at a high level. It isn’t just the steamy sex scenes that make this a great film but the casting. Leslie, who would become a porn legend and icon in the industry, is perfectly cast and gives one of the best performances of his career playing Jack with just the right swagger and believability. Richard Pacheco as Lenny is done in a very sincere, understated way that grabs your heartstrings and also shows the range Pacheco had as an actor. Jesie St. James is the absolute perfect choice for the frustrated wife and the rest of the cast bring their characters to life in solid roles. Spinelli’s direction, cinematography and production settings are all spot on making this film the classic it has become. If you have never gotten the chance to see this gem, get hold of the re issued DVD of “Talk Dirty to Me”. It is one of the true classics from the golden age of porn.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
