Here is another porn classic  from the vault. We removed the dust from our review that was done in back around 1995 in NightMoves when featured some film classics of the golden age. This was a very clever, extremely well produced film that has become a true porn classic of the golden age. Done in 1976, our Bicentennial year, it is a perfect example of how features were done back in the day. I hope you enjoy the review and will go find the film.

Autobiography of a Flea – Mitchell Brothers Films – Director – Sharon McNight – Cast – Annette Haven, Jean Jennings, Joanna Hilden, John C. Holmes, Paul Thomas, Dale Meador, John Leslie, Mitch Mandell, John Rolling, Michael Dolan, Ken Scudder, John Tate and the voice of Warren Pierce.

This masterful production is a period piece and prime example of the era’s best-made films. The story line comes from 19th Century French erotic literature that portrays a young and very innocent girl who is slowly corrupted by the evil doers that surround her life. What makes this film even more outstanding is the girl’s story is told by a flea who lives in her privates. The voice over of the flea is an absolute brilliant piece of work done by Warren Pierce. In the literature it was taken from the girl Belle is just fourteen. In this adaptation the role is played by Jean Jennings who was in her mid 20′s, so there was no problem with the film’s release because the girl’s age is never mentioned in the film as it is in the original French literature.

The film’s beginning has Belle meeting a young man in church. They leave and decide to go to the park and have some sexual fun. Then a priest, Father Ambrose (Paul Thomas), happens to spot them as he walks through the park. He insists that Belle must come and see him privately to receive her punishments and also her salvation from sin. Of course Father Ambrose has other things on his mind, like getting to penetrate Belle sexually and lead her into a depraved world. He also has three of his other priests violate her, one them being John Holmes. From here on Belle’s life tumbles downward as she discovers the love of sex and pleasure and how to bring others into this new world that Father Ambrose opened her to. The movie goes at a brisk pace with some clever plot twists that in some cases become more interesting than the sex. As for the sex scenes they are cleverly wrapped in both soft and hardcore and work very well in context to the story. They are not overly long but pack some solid eroticism and delivered well by the cast. However, as the film continues you do catch on that the Mitchell Brothers put this together with their tongues firmly planted in cheek to keep it from going completely over the edge. Keep in mind this comes from French literature of the Victorian age so the humor that is displayed along with the eroticism plays well for the period this entails. What makes “Autobiography of a Flea” a classic is how this entire story is told. The script is sharp, humorous and the cast is extraordinary in their roles. The period costumes and settings are masterful and the direction by Ms. McNight moves with a tightness that keeps your interest throughout.

One thing I will caution you on. If you are one who likes long, drawn out sex scenes, you won’t find that here. While the hardcore scenes are done very well they are short by today’s standards. However, if you like a story, plot, twists and turns, good actors along with a well done mix of soft and hardcore sex, then the classic “Autobiography of a Flea” is a definite must see film. The reissue is available on DVD and is extremely well reproduced.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN