Nude in Dracula’s Castle

2009

Secret Key Motion Pictures

Web: http://secretkeymotionpictures.com

This two-DVD set shows some of the many hundreds of “loops” or “peeps” that first appeared during World War 2 and became more popular in the 1950s and 1960s. They were shown in amusement arcade “Peepshow” machines and were generally a five minute loop of a girl showing herself off in the nude. Some had a semblance of a plot but there isn’t much you can do in five minutes. In any case, their purpose was titillation, not drama.

They were shot on 8mm film, later 16mm, usually black and white, and often of dubious quality. There was no sound, although for this DVD musical tracks have been added. Acting ability was not a prerequisite for the young ladies. All that was required of them was a decent body and the ability and willingness to show it off. Very few went past exhibitionism, and even “beaver” shots were not particularly common until the late 1960s. Many of the early loops never went below the waist. Partly this was a response to local municipal laws of the time. The more tolerant Los Angeles seems to have been the main point of manufacture and distribution, especially in the later days when outside shots became more popular.

Since they were designed to take large amounts of small change from bored youths and servicemen, they wore out quickly. The early loops were usually untitled so building up a catalogue of them is difficult. They are significant in the history of erotica. Before this home film equipment was expensive and “stag movies” were hard to get. These short films led to a wider availability of erotica and a greater acceptance of it. They prepared the way for the home videotape explosion of the 1970s.

It is possible to date some of them roughly from clothing and shoe styles of the actresses. Earlier loops feature slightly more mature women, often carrying a bit of excess weight. The action content was mostly rolling around on the bed, sometimes accompanied by a short striptease. In later loops the women were younger and in better shape and the camera moved a little lower. There was a little more emphasis on scenery and movement around the room. Outside shots such as around the pool or at the beach became more common. Many of the models actually looked as if they were enjoying themselves. Finally full frontal became acceptable.

The final ones verged on pornographic, with “split beaver” shots, masturbation up and fondling, shaving of pubic hair and a generally wider range of shots exploring the whole female form. It is, however, nice to see women who aren’t silicone-enhanced. Finally that strangely American form of porno idiocy, wearing stiletto-heeled shoes in bed during the action, began to appear. Who knows how many brave cameramen suffered terrible injuries from these as they moved in for that really closeup shot?

The title film, Nude In Dracula’s Castle, is probably the best earlier example on the DVDs. It is named (unusual), the girl is particularly attractive and at least has some acting ability, it is shot in different rooms (rare for the time), and includes other actors (also rare) and moving camera shots (almost unheard of).

Most of the loops show their age with scratches, fading and general wear and tear. The early colour film has faded badly as well. Let’s not forget the actresses, either. It is interesting to look at them and realize that they are probably grannies by now. In spite of this the DVDs show a little appreciated but important part of film erotica. When all is said and done these short loops paved the way for greater tolerance in film.

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This review will appear in Volume 2 No.5 (2009) of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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