1976 was the Bicentennial Year as the U.S celebrated 200 hundred years of independence from England. Everything was centered on the red, white and blue with celebrations of every description taking place all over the country. So what do you remember from 42 years ago, 1976?
As we always do, we begin with the cost of living then. To start, a gallon of gas was now at 59 cents, the average income was only $16,000 a year and the average price for a new 3 bedroom home was $43,000 while apartment rents averaged about $225 a month. You could buy a Polaroid camera for $28 (remember them?), or a microwave for $199. If you wanted a new car, a brand new Plymouth sedan went for $3,100 fully equipped. Men’s corduroy suits were the “in” thing (I had one!). Here are some of the news headlines in 1976……..The first commercial Concorde took off from the UK for New York and a new computer company is begun by Steve Jobs called Apple. Legionnaires Disease affects 4,000 delegates in Pennsylvania. Fidel Castro became the President of Cuba. In New York City, the “Son of Sam” killings have the city on edge for a year. The CN Tower in Toronto opens and from its top level rotating restaurant you can see 5 different states. (Been there and it is an incredible view!) The $2 bill is introduced. Betamax is introduced in the U.S. and VHS tape makes their debut in Japan. For fans of comic books, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man, is the first major intercompany crossover, co-published by DC Comics and Marvel Comics.
In Hollywood among the big films of 1976 are Rocky, Taxi Driver, Network, Carrie and The Bad News Bears. In pop music Elton John, Queen, Barry Manilow, ABBA and Diana Ross were among the top sellers and disco music is taking hold. For TV watchers some of the hit shows included Hawaii Five-O, M*A*S*H, Serpico, The Bionic Woman, Columbo and The Carol Burnett Show. Among the celebrities we lost in 1976 were author Agatha Christie, actor Sal Mineo, singer Florence Ballard of the Supremes, billionaire Howard Hughes, actress Rosalind Russell and musician Vince Guaraldi.
When it came to porn in 1976 most all productions were still being done in New York. However, California and some locations in Europe began productions. The coming of Betamax and the impending future of VHS tapes would have a major effect on the industry. In 1976 some good adult films were released including the classic we take a look back at today, “Naked Afternoon”.
Naked Afternoon – Westwood Films – Director – Alan Colberg – Cast – Abigail Clayton, Annette Haven, Lynn Harris, Clair Dia, John Leslie, Ken Scudder, Joey Silvera, others.
Back in the 1970’s most porn films were heavy on story lines, plot, shot on film and on actual locations. That is one big reason why so many films from the golden age have a very mainstream look to them. They actually tried to make them real movies, not just “fuck flicks” and in many cases succeeded.
The story in this film is about a young girl Thomasina (Abigail Clayton) who has big dreams of becoming an actress. She has talked about it with her boyfriend and he just goes along with her not convinced she is serious. While he heads off to work, she meets a girlfriend (Clair Dia). They discuss her dream and they also get it on in a very sexy and erotic girl/girl. She takes a job in a very upscale Beverly Hills spa as a masseuse and that’s when opportunity knocks, or so she thinks. At the spa she meets a big time movie producer (John Leslie) who tells her she has it all and promises her she will have a fabulous film career. It turns out to be a small part in a porn film, not mainstream like she thought. But she decides to do it one time because the money is good. While she has a certain innocence, she is also a very sexual being. She does her part in the film and is hooked by everything that takes place. This begins a rapid climb up the ladder to porn stardom and all that comes into her life with it. What happens with her and her new found career is the basis for the rest of the movie that gives the viewer a look at what really happens behind the scenes in Hollywood. It is all very well chronicled and put together and the use of some exterior shots of the actual Paramount lot adds to the realism.
There is a lot more going on in this production as the characters develop. It is a good mix of drama, with some humor and characters who come off very believable. Now, as I always do in my reviews I don’t like to give away too much and spoil it. So find this classic and enjoy it from beginning to end.
You’ll find no lack of sex scenes as there are nine of them incorporated in this story, some with very good chemistry and loads of sizzle. Back then everything was all natural, no tattoos, piercings, etc, just real bodies. The acting in this production is above par with Ms. Clayton displaying some excellent acting chops. Leslie, of course, would go on to become one of porn’s biggest male stars and later a very successful director/producer for Evil Angel, as did Joey Silvera. Add to that the elegance and talents of Annette Haven, who unfortunately was under used in this film, and this is a must see porn classic.
You can find it in DVD form with a lot of extras added plus a bonus scene with the late Shauna Grant. Today most of the key cast members are now enshrined in the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. I highly recommend getting hold of “Naked Afternoon” a very enjoyable, entertaining and sex filled golden age classic.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
