Sinful Cinema Series
The Sinful Cinema Series looks at the world of exploitation, horror, cult, fringe and psychotronic film in a way that few film books have ever done. Each book focuses on a different film and features criticism, interviews and fascinating facts. It is for film lovers only, and is available in select bookstores and online.
Sinful Cinema Series: The Abductors-Nubile young cheerleaders! Sex slavers! Nudity! Bondage! Guns! Kidnapping! Torture! Sexual assault! Disney!
Plus: Anti-abortion terrorism, prostitutes, an infamous porn star, and an exclusive interview with Jeramie Rain (The Last House on the Left)!
This is a critical look at the 1972 grindhouse movie The Abductors, which helped set the standard for the strong female “secret agent” film while at the same time being described as “sexist” and “anti-PC.” Prepare yourself for a sleazy descent into the world of sexploitation, real-life terrorism and, yes, Disney. You may think you know the film, but you’ll never view it the same way again after reading this.
In 1973 the world was introduced to a film that was quite unlike any vampire movie before or since. While it acknowledged the legend of the bloodsucker and teased at the occult, it also wanted very little to do with either, making for a cinematic experience as confusing as it was captivating. Adding to its allure was a star who was the main suspect in a bizarre murder case that had ties to psychics and the JFK assassination, and a co-star who went on to produce some of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed and beloved films. This is … Crypt of the Living Dead!
Inspired by Bad Boys and The Monster Squad, the hilarious and offensive Destruction Kings caused the director to have panic attacks, divided audiences, and starred a man in an ape mask and a white guy in a Don King wig. And let’s not forget John Stamos and Bill Cosby! This examination of the film also includes exclusive interviews with director/star/writer Chris Seaver, Ariauna Albright, and several others. Prepare to be amazed …
It was to be the motion picture that captured the public’s attention much the same way the Emmanuelle film had done, and it would do so by being written and directed by the author of the Emmanuelle novel. What moviegoers received, however, was a film directed by a French diplomat “sex maniac” who hid his identity from the world as he preached his sexual philosophy. This is the story of Laure, an erotic cinematic adventure of distinct and taboo pleasures, deceit, and an initial leading lady (Linda Lovelace) who refused to do nude scenes.
A film noir saddled with an unfortunate title. A leading lady who died mysteriously before the movie began shooting. A director who would earn the wrath of the House of Unamerican Activities. The Turkish Delight and the Other Woman. This is the story behind The Amazing Mr. X, a cinematic mystery that toyed with audience expectations and made lighting a character all its own. Prepare yourself as the worlds of horror and noir collide in a tale straight out of 1940s Hollywood.
A film star related to a world-famous crooner. A female lead with a mysterious life. An actor who would later kill himself in the most grisly of ways. A future soap star who would be arrested for tax evasion and later lose his fortune after becoming obsessed with a collectible toy. A screenwriter and director who would both later influence one of cinema’s most hailed directors. All of these people came together to make a strange heist/monster movie that could only come from the minds of the Corman brothers. Plus, exclusive interviews with filmmakers Darrell Draeger and Gary Wray!
It was to be the Dario Argento’s most violent film, but it left many fans confused and mainstream critics disgusted. Was it a giallo? A revenge film? A slasher flick? Or was it something deeper than most could imagine? This is an in-depth look at the Italian director’s most misunderstood work, The Stendhal Syndrome, a movie that defies expectations in almost every way. Film journalist Doug Brunell dives deep into this symbolic tale of terror and brings veteran author and film commentator Troy Howarth along for the trip. Prepare yourself for a journey unlike anything you have ever imagined.