Age of Consent

I belong to the legion of vintage porn fans who decry the switchover (by the mid- 1980s) from shooting Adult movies on film to using cheap video instead. But AGE OF CONSENT by Bob Chinn is a welcome exception to the rule.

This one, despite its video origins, has everything that matters: a direct, engrossing storyline, terrific acting and dialog, hot sex featuring many new faces, and concise content when it comes to number and duration of sex vignettes. There is even a quality original musical score.

Extra bonus is that sex scenes are shot outdoors on location, rather than claustrophobic bedrooms or studio sets. Workable premise has a trio of buddies (Randy West, Steve Drake and Peter North), out camping in the wilderness when they hear of the legend of Willow Creek. At the turn of the previous century (Victorian Era -1900), six virginal schoolgirls wandered off into the woods and were lost. Legend has it that via a time warp they still wander there, seeking to have sex and become women, which will set them free.

That simple myth is the springboard for lots of sex as our heroes encounter the nymphs. With a lyrical soundtrack credited to Leonard Morand (a pseudonym used by Hollywood composer Ronald Stein) and played on organ, synthesizer, harpsichord and other keyboards, plus an attractive theme song, this romance with comedy relief has a timeless quality that bowled me over. Chinn is famous for many early XXX classics including his Johnny Wadd series, but this holds a unique place in his canon.

Steve Drake plays the bookish, comedy relief member of the trio; West is the solid citizen the viewer can readily identify with and North is sort of typecast as the wise-guy - a frat boy always rises to the occasion, complaining and full of himself. The girls include familiar stars Bunny Bleu and Buffy Davis (though latter is nearly flat-chested here like Bunny, both early in their careers before augmentation). Angel West who played the underage LOLITA in a Leon Gucci film is joined by several lovelies at the beginning of lesser careers, like Amanda Jane, Kari Foxx and with top billing: Jennifer Noxt/Jane Trent.

I love Victorian porn, and the girls' frilly period dresses are a treat - they also speak in an archaic way, free of the porn-speak and Valley Girl speech impediments we're accustomed to hearing. One scene is beyond classy: Elizabeth reads the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning to Peter North, prior to their getting down to business. Chinn even provides an interesting minor innovation in that North's famous money shots are done vertically (rather than his usual "long-distance" across a girl's body) creating little fountains that amuse the actresses as much as the viewer.

Morand's ballad sung by "Robin" at the beginning and ending of the film is a fine touch rounding out a memorable video. Oddest touch is the botched copyright listing: year 1985 given erroneously in Roman Numerals as: DCDLXXXV.