Barbara Broadcast is an American adult erotic film released in 1977. The film was directed by Radley Metzger (as "Henry Paris")[1][2] and filmed in several elaborate locations in New York City, including the Olympia ballroom and restaurant in the Royal Manhattan Hotel.[3][4]
Barbara Broadcast | |
---|---|
Directed by | Radley Metzger (as "Henry Paris") |
Written by | Radley Metzger (as "Jake Barnes") |
Produced by | Ava Leighton |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Chico Carter Larry Revene (uncredited) |
Edited by | Gene Perry |
Music by | various (uncredited) |
Distributed by | Audubon Films (USA) VCA Pictures (USA) Distribpix (USA) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 82 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Barbara Broadcast, a world-famous liberated woman and best-selling author, is interviewed by a journalist about her successful career in an elegant Manhattan hotel restaurant, where gourmet food and erotic activities are on the menu:[5][6] a surrealistic "Buñuelian" atmosphere, according to one film reviewer.[7] Afterwards, other Manhattan moments in New York City are featured, including a corporate office encounter and a casual meeting in a busy night club.[5][6]
According to an X-Critic film reviewer, Barbara Broadcast is "... a playful, funny and beautifully made film for grownups, a celebration of carnality and earthly delights shot with an artist’s eye for composition and set to an excellent [music] score ...".[9] Barbara Broadcast, according to another reviewer, "... is a fun, witty, and charming film ...".[10] Another reviewer notes, " ... [the film has] plenty of electric atmosphere and [music] ... This is porno chic! ..."[11] Paracinema film critic Heather Drain writes, "Metzger’s work is known for its eye candy and this film is no exception, with every frame looking like a perfectly composed piece of art ... Barbara Broadcast may not be heavy on plot, but is an exquisitely crafted film from one of the best American directors to have emerged [since the 1970s] ... Radley Metzger is truly one of a kind."[4]
Barbara Broadcast was released during the Golden Age of Porn (inaugurated by the 1969 release of Andy Warhol's Blue Movie) in the United States, at a time of "porno chic",[12][13] in which adult erotic films were just beginning to be widely released, publicly discussed by celebrities (like Johnny Carson and Bob Hope)[14] and taken seriously by film critics (like Roger Ebert).[15][16]
According to one film reviewer, Radley Metzger's films, including those made during the Golden Age of Porn (1969–1984), are noted for their "lavish design, witty screenplays, and a penchant for the unusual camera angle".[17] Another reviewer noted that his films were "highly artistic — and often cerebral ... and often featured gorgeous cinematography".[18] Film and audio works by Metzger have been added to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.[19][20][21][22]
On July 4, 2013, DistribPix released a restoration of the film, with the cooperation of the director.[7] The result had a limited exhibition in theaters, but the main outcome of the project was the first official DVD and Blu-ray versions.[5] A listing of the music on the film soundtrack was released earlier.[23][24]
No. | Title | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Azure Blue[23][24]" | Simon Benson | 3:50 |
2. | "Before Summer Ends" | Keith Mansfield | 3:51 |
3. | "Big Haul" | Brian Bennett | 2:52 |
4. | "Dossier" | Brian Bennett | 2:42 |
5. | "Flying High" | Stefano Torossi | 3:36 |
6. | "Getaway" | Alan Hawkshaw | 2:37 |
7. | "Glittering Mud" | Steve Gray | 3:54 |
8. | "Merry Go Round" | Alan Hawkshaw | 2:05 |
No. | Title | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|
9. | "Reflections Misty Morning" | Brian Bennett | 3:40 |
10. | "Tales from Vienna Woods" | Johann Strauss II | 10:54 |
11. | "The Big One" | Alan Tew | 4:05 |
12. | "The Blue Danube Waltz" | Johann Strauss II | 10:33 |
13. | "The Double Take" | Steve Gray | 3:47 |
14. | "Wallop" | Brian Bennett | 3:25 |
15. | "White Elephant Walk" | Alan Tew | 1:30 |
16. | "You've Got What It Takes" | Madeline Bell | 3:39 |