Femmes de Sade

Alex de Renzy's "Femmes de Sade" is rightly regarded as one of the most notorious adult films of the 1970s. This film fits comfortably in the category of 'they don't make 'em line they used to', well, because if any adult film company attempted a shot-for-shot remake they'd be facing federal obscenity charges in the land of the free. In short, you're not allowed to make adult films that blend explicit sex with violence, among other things. Go ask Rob Black & Lizzie Borden about their jail time served for creating the 2002 video "Forced Entry". Personally, I consider "Femmes de Sade" one of the best exploitation/adult films of the '70s. The print used here looks good compared to other adult films released on DVD in the past - in one infamous scene involving a coke bottle, you can actually see blood on the sheets during the aftermath, and it is not as heavily cut as the print released by Alpha Blue Archives (the only good thing about that release was that it retained the original movie poster artwork for the cover instead of the truly bad Historic Erotica artwork.) But...it is missing about 17 seconds during the sex party at the end. I know, doesn't sound like much, but the clipped scene involves a Dalmatian Dog, and does add to the sordid proceedings. The edit is not noticeable and you wouldn't know it was missing unless you knew it was there. I still give props to Historic Erotica for releasing the print that they did. Alex de Renzy's "Femmes de Sade", shot in San Francisco in 1976. A true classic.

I can't review the movie as a whole. I've not seen past the first 34 minutes because that is when the movies halted/froze/locked up. I ordered one copy, found it would not pay past that point, got a replacement from Amazon.com, then found that copy also would not play past the same point. I have received a refund from Amazon. Don't risk your money on this item.

This film is not available on Amazon - UK. Luckily whilst checking out Amazon - USA I saw this and did not hesitate to buy. A true classic from a time past. Anyone into 70's porn then this is a must - buy it you won't regret it. Be warned some of the scenes may not be for people with a weak stomach (I refer to the final scene). This film now has a pride of place in my collection in England.

Very disappointed with this. I don't know if any of the film was cut or not, It probably was, but for to have so much hype it was to say the least very poor indeed. Don't rush to buy it!

In the interests of clearing up an apparent discrepancy within the Amazon listing for this DVD I ordered a copy of the version currently being sold on Amazon (from the folks at Historic Erotica) - to see for myself what it contained. The 'discrepancy' in question existed between the 'known' run time (82 min.) and cast of Alex de Renzy's "Femmes de Sade" and the play- time (only 60 min.) and cast given (actors not featured in de Renzy's cast) in the Amazon description for the film. Having now watched it, and compared it to 2 other 'versions' of the same film that I own, I can state definitively that the Historic Erotica version being sold IS the full (82 min.), 'almost' uncut (see 'comments' below!), totally XXX version of de Renzy's bent masterwork. The 'confusion' would appear to be the result of Amazon getting info mixed up - a syndrome I have, unfortunately, encountered more than once w/ Amazon DVD listings. All that said... from a 'technical' point of view the DVD provides a good sharp fullscreen image - there are no 'extras'.... and, interestingly, no 'credits' (on any of the copies I have). The packaging is a little deceptive on this re-release of Alex de Renzy's mid 70's porn production "Femmes de Sade" - this is NOT a 'period piece' as the box art might lead one to believe. Like many of de Renzy's flix this was shot in and around San Francisco and features many familiar scenes from the North Beach tenderloin district. The simple plot line focuses on a big nasty guy (Rocky DeSade) who is just getting out of prison (along with a younger in-mate 'buddy') - they are picked up at the gate of the prison by the young guy's cute GF and they all head off for some freedom and fun, but Rocky's grim personality immediately rears it's ugly head and he beats up his 'friend' and rapes the girl before disappearing into 'the city'. The plot then zeros in on a group of 'free-loving' folks who are essentially hookers and porn shop owners and there are several 'fantasy' sex scenes played out - one is a pretty titillating little 'medical' fantasy, and in another a pizza delivery girl takes on a gang of oily, sweaty workers in a boiler room scenario, while a third 'fantasy' scene features an Asian theme. Rocky finds his way to North Beach and has (really!) violent encounters with a couple of prostitutes - forcing a bottle up one - and leaving them bruised and ticked off. As the word spreads on the street about this giant mean guy the local 'sex worker' crowd decide to teach him a lesson and he is invited to an S&M 'Ball" where Rocky gets his cum-uppance from all those he defiled, and then some! This WAS a pretty rough movie for its' day and some of the scenes still pack a punch. The cast includes several well known 70's vintage porn actors & actresses and, devotees of the genre, may be able to spy additional famous XXX faces in the 'crowd' during the lengthy 'grand finale' at the S&M orgy. Shot on film, this movie has a gritty dark edge to it and provides a fair amount of 'kink' for those that enjoy such. While this is not an overt BDSM flik, de Renzy invokes the 'spirit' of the Marquis deSade and offers up some shocking erotic tableux that certainly have helped to propel the film to cult status among fans of weird 70's porn. Not for the easily offended! - BUT, if you 'enjoy being offended' - then this one is a 'keeper'!

Its different

My absolute favorite of all time! I am a fan of Mimi Morgan, and the doctor's office scene is the best. What a great body. You can see her little six-pack abs when she sits up on the table for the deep probing, and that was rare on a girl in the 70s. Sexy!

this is a must have for any fan of 70's. period. it is probably one of the more entertaining, erotic, and sickest films i've seen come from the 70's. this film captures the essence and attitudes of san francisco around that time. great film. i wish i could rate it higher.