The Hacienda

Euro babes are the draw in this British Harmony release shot over 10 years ago, right before the label took off with its various Gazzman and Tanya Hyde classics. An uninhibited guest star Poppy Morgan, who is not even mentioned in the on-screen credits, stands out from the pack.

To correct several misconceptions from a less-than-astute earlier IMDb reviewer, the BTS short subject on the DVD shows a "Digital Betacam" camera was used to shoot the feature -it was definitely not shot on film, but does have a cinematic look via cameraman Rick Grossman. Crew member also indicates the location is Lanzarote, part of Spain's lovely Canary Islands.

Largely told in pantomime, story concerns Simony Diamond arriving at the title hacienda, where she is treated nicely, but finds herself somewhat shocked at the uninhibited non-stop sexuality going on there. Of course she eventually joins in, but director Steven Angelo wisely teases us with her prudishness for many a reel before the inevitable occurs.

Marquee star is clearly U.S. import Eva Angelina, always a treat in European productions, which gave her more respect than her lengthy schedule of domestic gonzo assignments. Biggest role actually goes to blonde Dora Venter, cast as a dominant and dominating the screen.,

The big-dicked Euro studs, including future Harmony regulars Tony De Sergio and Marco Banderas, are augmented by early Brit Porn stalwart Lee Henshaw (of many a Cathy Barry video) who oddly is credited as "James" for no good reason. The many stimulating sex scenes build to a spectacular dinner table orgy in which Poppy shows up as the main course, humped and fondled by all present. Unlike so many crummy group-sex scenes, this one is executed with style and focus, rather than just a mess of bodies writhing around.

Special mention should be made of Libuellue, an Oriental actress resembling Laura Gemser (that sure ain't bad!) who is game for a gang-bang and varied d.p.'s. IMDb lists her under her alternate moniker of Priva, and she made numerous gonzo appearances for the Private label.