Jezebel/Kino

Girl on a Motorcycle-
Director: Jack Cardiff
Writers: André Pieyre de Mandiargues (novel), Ronald Duncan (screenplay)
Stars: Marianne Faithfull, Alain Delon and Roger Mutton
(From imdb.com)

What they say: Ditching her husband, bored newlywed Rebecca (Marianne Faithfull) hops on her motorcycle and races through Alsace to reconnect with her ex-lover Daniel (Alain Delon) in this uncensored version of the film. A string of flashbacks tells the story of the events that led her to abandon marriage just after her wedding. Jack Cardiff directs this psychedelic cult classic, Europe’s answer to Easy Rider.

What I say: When Kino acquired the Redemption label, they also got Jezebel which handles erotic films instead of horror movies. In this first release from the line we have a wild, psychedelic 60’s hipster film similar to the work of Radley Metzger. The film, like the Redemption films, are not restored but are remastered in HiDef.

The film is about newlywed Rebecca who ditches her husband, slaps on a tight black leather suit and jumps on her motorcycle to find her former lover, Daniel. The film is pretty light on story but the visuals sure are pretty. The camera work is amazing and this is one good looking film. Just don’t ge looking for any depth and you will be fine.

The remastered film looks gorgeous! Everything from fine detail to the colors to the crystal clarity of image is fabulous. There is some minor print damage and a few specks but I doubt this film will ever look better. The sound is fine and clear.

Film: 7/10
Blu-Ray: 8/10

Primitive London-
Director: Arnold L. Miller
Writer: Arnold L. Miller (screenplay)
Stars: David Gell, Bobby Chandler and Terry Dene

London in the Raw-
Director: Arnold L. Miller
Writer: Arnold L. Miller
Stars: David Gell
(From imdb.com)

What they say: PRIMITIVE LONDON: A sensational mondo movie that scratches at the underbelly of sixties London, in all its lurid glory. Delving deep into the shocking degradation of the lives of mods, rockers, pinball-machine addicts, strippers, prostitutes and more strippers. ‘Primitive London’ portrays a decadent age in Britain as it moved on from the post-war depression of the 1950s. LONDON IN THE RAW: Director Arnold L. Miller sensibly honed in on sleazy bars, strip clubs, beatniks and cocktail lounges and stayed there, rarely venturing outside of the London’s SOHO mean side-streets. He nevertheless manages to capture a side of London life rarely seen and now lost. From strippers to gamblers, to bizarre women in tights working out in an even weirder gym, ‘London in the Raw’ has it all and is an often startling glimpse into life and attitudes of ‘swinging London’ of the1960s.

What I say: Here have two “mondo” documentaries focusing on the swinging lifestyle of 60’s London. While quite tame for a Mondo (I’m used to stuff like Mondo Cane and Goodbye Uncle Tom) these two films are interesting looks at the swinging good times to be had in London, the two films look at everything from plastic surgery to wild parties to the beatniks to pretty much everything.

The films are compelling but they do feel quite dated, as the shocks are pretty much non-existent now a days. Like I said, there is stuff to like, but I don’t ever see myself revising these films.

This is a DVD release only so the picture quality isn’t as stunning as Girl on a Motorcycle. But it does look quite good and this release does the films right.

Films: 6/10
DVD: 8/10