This week we take a trip back thirty eight years ago to 1987. So what was that year like? Were you around then? How much do you remember if you were. The 1980’s were quite a decade so let’s see what 1987 had in store
As always let us begin with the cost of living and then some of the news and entertainment highlights and other news. The average yearly income was $24,500, the average cost of a new3 bedroom house was $92,000, and new cars averaged at $10,300. On the other hand you could buy a brand new Hyundai for just $5,200, a car that also got an unheard of 38 mpg. At the gas pump a gallon of regular was still below the dollar mark at 89 cents. At the supermarket a pound of bacon was just $1.70 and a dozen eggs just 65 cents. For the kids a Talking Alf was $70. and a kids NASA walkie talkie set $20. (Imagine what they are worth now!) In news headlines in 1987 the USS Stark is attacked on May 17th by an Iraq Air to Sea missile which is called “an accident” and 37 US Sailors are killed. In the UK, Margaret Thatcher is elected as Prime Minister for the third time. Hurricane force winds hit much of the South of England killing 23 people and causing 7.3 billion pounds in damage. In the U.S a rare earthquake 5.0 on the Richter scale affects 14 states in the Midwest and parts of Canada. The Fox Network makes its broadcast debut. It is the year of the big scandal involving Televangelist Jim Bakker. The Food and Drug Administration approves anti-AIDS drug AZT. A new drink called Snapple is in stores.
In the world of entertainment in 1987 among the top Hollywood films were Dirty Dancing, Wall Street, Good Morning Vietnam and Three Men and a Baby. In the world of music the hit makers included Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, George Michael and U2. On TV a new show “The Simpsons” debuts. Also popular in 1987 were Wise Guy, Hill Street Blues, 21 Jump Street, Alf and L.A. Law. Among the celebrities we lost that year were actor Lee Marvin, entertainer Liberace, comedian/actor Danny Kaye, dancer/actor Fred Astaire and actor/comedian/ entertainer Jackie Gleason.
In the world of porn just about all films were now being done in California and also a big Euro push is underway. More new technology with cameras, special effects and lighting enhance film making. AVN and XRCO awards shows are still relatively new, but very popular. New faces, new looks adorn porn films and some great movies are released including the one we take a look back at today, “Hands Off”.
Hands Off – Plum Productions – Director – Anthony Spinelli – Cast – Shanna McCullough, Tracey Adams, Keisha, John Leslie, Mike Horner, Rex Nemo
This is one of those classics from the golden age that slips under the radar and is rarely brought up in conversation. However, it is a film that definitely belongs among the best. Director Anthony Spinelli, who did classics like Talk Dirty to Me, SexWorld and Nothing to Hide, rises to the top with this dark, erotically charged and moody dramatic film. He is at the top of his game with this dazzling and moody stunner.
The film stars the exciting, very sexy and beautiful Shanna McCullough as a woman who has climbed to the top of the business world. The rise comes at a great cost to her personal life away from business. What creates the mood and darkness of the film is she begins to have very visual and startling sexual fantasies. These are brought on by a series of persistent and unending calls from a mysterious admirer. At first the calls don’t do anything to or for Shanna. But the more calls she gets, the nastier and filthier they get from this mystery man. Now these calls begin to play with her mind and the sensual, wild fantasies she begins to have. She is determined to find out just who this person is that is behind this bizarre behavior and why has zeroed in on her.
As this story moves along it also brings to life these fantasies that she is having because of the calls. The sex scenes that take place, there are six of them, cover everything you could think of with both men and women. Spinelli creates a well devised string of events of desire and debauchery allowing this small cast to give some outstanding performances not only sexually but dramatically as well and play it bigger than it is. It all works into the story and plot very realistically as Spinelli takes the viewer along for this moody, dark and erotic ride. Ms. McCullough is absolutely delicious in her role, looks superb and delivers a tremendous performance with all of the mood changes, sexuality and what comes her way towards the end. The pace of the film as it moves along towards it ending makes it really difficult to see who is the more excited one when the caller and Shanna finally meet one another. When they meet and she discovers who this mystery caller was the connection becomes immediate and they get into one very down and dirty, all consuming, passionate encounter that is totally off the charts!
Good storyline, great cast, some superb dramatic moments and sex scenes that are definitely pot boiling sizzlers. Spinelli’s knack for drawing the best out his cast shows off very well here and the cinematography creates an even more erotic and dark mood. “Hands Off” is truly a golden age classic that should be seen and enjoyed. Be sure you check this one out, you are going to love the view Shanna McCullough projects throughout this excellent film.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
