Schmutziges Spiel

Despite the racy title, this is a pretty standard TV-movie shown in 1989. Prior to its broadcast there was a big noise and controversy in the press over the supposed decadent and depraved content. (Lisa Hartman plays a cop who goes undercover at an upscale brothel that caters to S&M fetishes, etc.) Plus the added allure of Vanessa Williams as a hooker - fresh from her nude photos scandal in Penthouse - added fuel to the fire.

The media complained bitterly about such sordid trash being flung in the face of the public. The movie itself turned out to be a remarkably tame police drama. No nudity, nothing weird or shocking, just a few quick glimpses of shadowy couples and some off-camera noises (whip-cracking, moans, etc.). Slightly suggestive, but nothing to justify all the fuss. Maybe they saved some footage for the video release, but I doubt it. For this sort of story, better to check out "Undercover" with Athena Massey which really does deliver what it promises.