DEEP THROAT (USA/1972/GERARD DAMIANO)

Opening with a ludicrous porn theme interpretation of Ode to Joy, the legendary Deep Throat begins with Linda Lovelace interrupting a friend mid-cunnilingus to ask for advice on how to achieve an orgasm. Linda has been privately struggling with her sexual problem for a while, and even an impromptu sex party doesn’t seem to help. Eventually, she visits an unorthodox psychiatrist out of desperation, and is taken aback when he suggests that the reason she had failed to attain orgasm is because her clitoris is at the back of her throat. In spite of her apparent despondency regarding the situation, the doctor decides to test his theory by offering up his own penis for her to fellate. Elated by the breakthrough, Linda volunteers as the doctor’s assistant – a “physiotherapist”, specifically – in order to find the man who can best satisfy her needs.

The entire affair is carried out with gleeful light-heartedness. The soundtrack is particularly peculiar, featuring a wistful little ditty whose chorus almost entirely consists of the film’s title, as well as a sexed-up version of I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing. Sound effects too underpin the film’s comical tone, each orgasm necessitating complete exhaustion of the erotic metaphors – bells, fireworks, even a slow-motion rocket. But the film is somewhat tainted by the accusations that Linda’s husband Chuck Traynor, the film’s production manager, was a gruff individual who had forced her into porn. Nonetheless, as a sexual curio, it deserves to be remembered for years to come.