Chatterbox may be the strangest comedy I have ever seen. It reminded me of Eating Raoul, the Paul Bartel/Mary Woronov flick of the same era. Penelope(Candice Rialson) works in a beauty parlor as a hairdresser. One night, as she and her boyfriend are getting it on, her vagina speaks to her lover, with insults. He thinks that Penelope is making fun of him and leaves. Her lower half also loves to sing. She visits a psychiatrist to demonstrate her dilemma, and he comes up with the idea to enter show business. Dr. Pearl takes her on the road and she and her partner become stars by singing show tunes. Chatterbox is not graphic, but sort of soft porn with typically bad acting and a very cheap look to the camera work and sets. At seventy two minutes, it never becomes boring; so if you are in the mood for a light farce, and extensive nudity on the part of Ms. Rialson will not offend you, Chatterbox is a short diversion from the troubles of the world.
28 Reviews
An Odd Little Exploitation Flick
gavin69421 January 2014
A young woman who works in a beauty parlor (Candice Rialson) discovers that her vagina can talk, which causes her no end of trouble.
Although American International Pictures may be best known for their low budget horror and Roger Corman films, they were not afraid to make a quick buck here or there from something a bit racier. And this is definitely racy. While not the "soft-core pornography" that some have labeled it, the lead actress is naked for a good portion of the film and the very plot simply cannot be PG.
Unlike vagina dentata, whatever happened to Penelope is hard to explain -- apparently her female parts not only have a voice (and hence vocal chords, a tongue, and whatnot) but also eyes and ears, because Virginia seems to know a whole lot about what is being said and done around her...
Candice Rialson has something of her own interesting history. While she did some real acting, such as in "The Eiger Sanction" (1975) and "Logan's Run" (1976), she ended up getting typecast as a "sex kitten" and ultimately died prematurely at age 54. As an odd consolation, Quentin Tarantino based a character off of her in "Jackie Brown", no doubt in part inspired by "Chatterbox".
Director Tom DeSimone is the ultimate mystery, and no one seems to even know how old he is. He started out in adult films, moved to exploitation, and then rose to horror, making a few memorable flicks (most notably "Hell Night" with Linda Blair). How he was able to transition to legitimate director is beyond me, but well played, good sir.
Although American International Pictures may be best known for their low budget horror and Roger Corman films, they were not afraid to make a quick buck here or there from something a bit racier. And this is definitely racy. While not the "soft-core pornography" that some have labeled it, the lead actress is naked for a good portion of the film and the very plot simply cannot be PG.
Unlike vagina dentata, whatever happened to Penelope is hard to explain -- apparently her female parts not only have a voice (and hence vocal chords, a tongue, and whatnot) but also eyes and ears, because Virginia seems to know a whole lot about what is being said and done around her...
Candice Rialson has something of her own interesting history. While she did some real acting, such as in "The Eiger Sanction" (1975) and "Logan's Run" (1976), she ended up getting typecast as a "sex kitten" and ultimately died prematurely at age 54. As an odd consolation, Quentin Tarantino based a character off of her in "Jackie Brown", no doubt in part inspired by "Chatterbox".
Director Tom DeSimone is the ultimate mystery, and no one seems to even know how old he is. He started out in adult films, moved to exploitation, and then rose to horror, making a few memorable flicks (most notably "Hell Night" with Linda Blair). How he was able to transition to legitimate director is beyond me, but well played, good sir.
Anotomy of hell, creates chaos
PeterMitchell-506-5643647 February 2013
A hot looking hairdresser becomes an overnight sensation, thanks to a certain part of her anatomy, and you know what I'm talking about. Think "Me and Him", except this is the female version. This extra oddity of a film works of course, 'cause of it's premise. Penelope's talking anatomy (I can't use the exact word) earns her successes, like five film deals, but also causes her complications, particularly with her love life as her anatomy gets mistaken for her real voice. There's a funny scene early in the film, a great one liner if I ever heard one, involving the Star Spangled Ballad. She also has trouble at the workplace, with one of her female customers, a lesbian, thanks to Penelope, and you can guess the rest. Chatterbox is a light adult comedy, and if you're expecting nudity or full frontal sex, you'll really be severely disappointed. Something different and smart, with some deliciously funny moments, but really this totals to nothing special.
The greatest talking vagina movie ever made!
jjw826 December 2000
Compared to the lunkheaded, overly graphic sex comedies of today, this film comes off actually as innocent, sexy fun. 70's starlet Candace Rialson is gorgeous (and often naked) and really makes this goofy premise believable. Too bad she left acting after the 70's. For all the goofy sexual situations, including one where Rialson makes love to a guy in a suit of armor, this is nicely paced and has some genuine laughs. Throw in disco dancing, musical numbers and guest appearances by old school crazies Rip Taylor and Professor Irwin Corey and you have a movie that deserves a better reputation than a "World's Worst Film".
Only watch this if you are looking for a bad movie
christopher_scott_camero6 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This was an awful movie. But that's what I expected when I rented it. For me the highlight of the movie was in one scene where the boom mic actually swings down into frame. It's been so long since I've seen it, I can't even remember what the major conflict of the movie was, I do however remember the climactic ending featuring not only our protagonist's vagina singing, but it was also joined in a duet with the major love interest's penis. Again, unless you are doing what i did when i rented it (which was looking for a bad movie to make fun of) then don't waste your time.
Don't rent or buy this movie.
Don't rent or buy this movie.
Who Was That Vagina I Saw You With Last Night?
drivemenutzlong29 March 2020
Candice Rialson's vagina starts talking aloud one morning & it's not long before the world's her oyster! Zaniness and buffoonery abound. Special Guest Rip Torn...watch the first few minutes and you'll see the boom mic no less than two times (the two most jarring moments in the film to be perfectly honest). Candice Rialson is HOT.
The Talking Vagina Movie!
questl-1859214 October 2020
Wow was this not what I expected when I turned this on. A woman who is suddenly possessed by a talking, wise-cracking vagina that makes her famous. It's crazy and crass and weirdly endearing. It would probably even make a decent candidate for a remake if it were to be tackled by an all female team because the men writing this one were a little less woke than I'd have liked.
This is a dumb, clever movie though that's more entertaining than it really should be. I wouldn't really suggest anyone go out of their way to watch it, your life will be fine either way, but if it happens to be available to you then there are certainly worse things to watch.
This is a dumb, clever movie though that's more entertaining than it really should be. I wouldn't really suggest anyone go out of their way to watch it, your life will be fine either way, but if it happens to be available to you then there are certainly worse things to watch.
Good taste is in the eye of the beholder
dolemite-136 June 2009
Chatterbox is a great movie. Candice Rialson's performance is spot on. The musical intermezzo's a hilarious, especially the one where Candice performs before a live audience for the first time. And the happy end (with a twist) is just great.
The overall tone is tongue in cheek. It's obviously they weren't trying to make Citizen Cane here.
For those people who say this is a bad movie, I'm just wondering. Did they really expect an insightful drama about a woman with a singing vagina?
It is what it is: a wonderful piece of cult-trash cinema. And I loved every minute of it...
The overall tone is tongue in cheek. It's obviously they weren't trying to make Citizen Cane here.
For those people who say this is a bad movie, I'm just wondering. Did they really expect an insightful drama about a woman with a singing vagina?
It is what it is: a wonderful piece of cult-trash cinema. And I loved every minute of it...
Oh the 1970's
BandSAboutMovies4 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
You know what Deep Throat was about? Well, Chatterbox is the exact opposite - a woman who discovers that she has not just another voice, but a whole other personality inside her vagina.
Penelope (Candice Rialson, the inspiration for Bridget Fonda's character in Jackie Brown and the star of Pets) is a hairdresser who learns that her vagina can speak after it makes fun of her lover's lack of sexual skill.
Soon after, her lady business gets her in all sorts of trouble, like getting a lesbian client to tackle her at her hairdresser job (her boss is played by Rip Taylor, who is over the top and out of control, but why else would you hire Rip Taylor, you know?).
She then reveals her secret to her therapist, Dr. Pearl (Larry Gelman from TV's The Bob Newhart Show and porn's Alice in Wonderland). Soon, they both learn that she can sing from her hoo-hah and this leads her to become a big star. Oh yeah - her vagina is named Virginia and becomes more loved by her mother and more famous and in demand than its owner.
If you ever wanted to see someone sing showtunes and disco from their secret garden, then this is the film for you. I don't know who you are, but I know they haven't made all that many movies for you.
This is as 1977 as it gets. I mean, it has Professor Irwin Corey, the guy who accepted Thomas Pynchon's National Book Award Fiction Citation for Gravity's Rainbow with a pun-filled speech that confused many and was a frequent talk show guest that went on to panhandle for charity well into his 90's.
Penelope (Candice Rialson, the inspiration for Bridget Fonda's character in Jackie Brown and the star of Pets) is a hairdresser who learns that her vagina can speak after it makes fun of her lover's lack of sexual skill.
Soon after, her lady business gets her in all sorts of trouble, like getting a lesbian client to tackle her at her hairdresser job (her boss is played by Rip Taylor, who is over the top and out of control, but why else would you hire Rip Taylor, you know?).
She then reveals her secret to her therapist, Dr. Pearl (Larry Gelman from TV's The Bob Newhart Show and porn's Alice in Wonderland). Soon, they both learn that she can sing from her hoo-hah and this leads her to become a big star. Oh yeah - her vagina is named Virginia and becomes more loved by her mother and more famous and in demand than its owner.
If you ever wanted to see someone sing showtunes and disco from their secret garden, then this is the film for you. I don't know who you are, but I know they haven't made all that many movies for you.
This is as 1977 as it gets. I mean, it has Professor Irwin Corey, the guy who accepted Thomas Pynchon's National Book Award Fiction Citation for Gravity's Rainbow with a pun-filled speech that confused many and was a frequent talk show guest that went on to panhandle for charity well into his 90's.
"Get Out Your Wang Dang Doodle..."
BugisStreetAnnie29 June 2016
I first saw this movie on cable back in the '80s, but first heard of it when it played at the local drive-in in the '70s.
The one song I could never get out of my head is when Penelope is dressed up like Marilyn Monroe in the famed Seven Year Itch scene with her dress blowing up in the air. The song says something about "Get out your doctor-ordered wang dang doodle." Penelope, of course, is totally embarrassed to be seen and exploited this way but it's a rather classic scene.
Candace Rialson was exceptionally beautiful and it is so sad to hear she died at such a young age. I'm sure this film would not be on the top of her list as one of her favorites, but it does have it's moments.
The one song I could never get out of my head is when Penelope is dressed up like Marilyn Monroe in the famed Seven Year Itch scene with her dress blowing up in the air. The song says something about "Get out your doctor-ordered wang dang doodle." Penelope, of course, is totally embarrassed to be seen and exploited this way but it's a rather classic scene.
Candace Rialson was exceptionally beautiful and it is so sad to hear she died at such a young age. I'm sure this film would not be on the top of her list as one of her favorites, but it does have it's moments.
Chatter box
nancyvalente-534053 April 2021
No movie ever like it. Story is unique and idea hysterical.
benaim8 July 2001
I saw this movie on the big screen when I was a teenager. It was a time when you couldn't go to XXX rated movies... This is not that kind of movie.
The idea is so original, never been done before or since... a woman has a vagina that talks and sings (makes you think of a combination of Joan Rivers and Don Rickles). Because of it's caustic and degrading humor the poor girl can't maintain a decent relationship with any man. When she goes to a Doctor to see if something can be done to shut it up, he decides this is a dream come true and should take it on the road. He becomes her manager. Unfortunately the vagina gets more attention than the girl it's attached to. I'll leave the ending for you to see, all I'll say is that it's a happy one.
Regarding the quality of the film, yes it is a stinker. But when you take such a unique story and stick in a few decent jokes (no worse than Arnolds'), some small cameo appearences and a lot less sex than you'll see in today's movies.) I think that what came out was a hysterical, never to forget, sexual comedy worth taking out a bottle of champagne or a jug of cheap wine and playing when you and yours decide you want a good laugh before going to bed. Just sit back and relax and have a good laugh. Believe me, it could do wonders to add a little extra into a relationship. And then when I think of when Madeline Kahn sings "Sweet Mystery of Life" in "Young Frankenstein", I thought I would lose my lunch I laughed so hard. Give the movie the chance... I guarantee that you have paid much more for lots of movie to see worse.
The idea is so original, never been done before or since... a woman has a vagina that talks and sings (makes you think of a combination of Joan Rivers and Don Rickles). Because of it's caustic and degrading humor the poor girl can't maintain a decent relationship with any man. When she goes to a Doctor to see if something can be done to shut it up, he decides this is a dream come true and should take it on the road. He becomes her manager. Unfortunately the vagina gets more attention than the girl it's attached to. I'll leave the ending for you to see, all I'll say is that it's a happy one.
Regarding the quality of the film, yes it is a stinker. But when you take such a unique story and stick in a few decent jokes (no worse than Arnolds'), some small cameo appearences and a lot less sex than you'll see in today's movies.) I think that what came out was a hysterical, never to forget, sexual comedy worth taking out a bottle of champagne or a jug of cheap wine and playing when you and yours decide you want a good laugh before going to bed. Just sit back and relax and have a good laugh. Believe me, it could do wonders to add a little extra into a relationship. And then when I think of when Madeline Kahn sings "Sweet Mystery of Life" in "Young Frankenstein", I thought I would lose my lunch I laughed so hard. Give the movie the chance... I guarantee that you have paid much more for lots of movie to see worse.
A chattering good time
videorama-759-85939111 July 2017
Before Me And Him, the female anatomy had something to say. Smoking hot Rialson (Hollywood Boulevard) breaks into fame much quicker, becoming an overnight sensation, when her anatomy (vagina) starts talking back to her, and boy! can she sing. Sadly for Penelope (Rialson) this is causing her quite emotional impact and upset, when her boyfriend, who looks much older, leaves her. A horny female customer gets the wrong idea at her place of work too. There are some funny bits, and the C word is used to quite an advantage, here, a one liner, concerning The Star Spangled banner, the memory highlight of the film. You could say, this is just an excuse to belly a pornographic film, but Chatterbox is more than. It's quite an original, but also done in a smart way. There's not much fornicating, but more nudity and hottie Rialson, is truly something in the bare. The choreographed number with Rialson's anatomy and backup, with Rialson, is dressed up in light chicken get up, feathers flying is classic and catchy. Be sure to catch this one, with good performances to boot.
not exactly the room But still crap
www-asafisher30 August 2014
This movie is well CRAP, S£+#, PERVERTED TOUCH TO CINEMA &
a not so bad film, I mean it jokes are good for the time ( not all of them ) and it has a message about sexuality & fame they can happen if you are not thinking right.
Now are protagonist Penny is played OK by the actress who I am sad to hear left cinema 2 years later which I have to say is sad because I think she could have been a good actress if she did better movies. now for Christ sake penny's f%*£ing Vergina now the voice acting is awful as hell I mean this is like a cheap early anime voice over is mean it sounds like a child so WTF. Well there is a 6 part version of the film on YouTube so good luck finding it.
a not so bad film, I mean it jokes are good for the time ( not all of them ) and it has a message about sexuality & fame they can happen if you are not thinking right.
Now are protagonist Penny is played OK by the actress who I am sad to hear left cinema 2 years later which I have to say is sad because I think she could have been a good actress if she did better movies. now for Christ sake penny's f%*£ing Vergina now the voice acting is awful as hell I mean this is like a cheap early anime voice over is mean it sounds like a child so WTF. Well there is a 6 part version of the film on YouTube so good luck finding it.
It was on the shelf titled "Worst Movies Ever Made" at the video store... so I HAD to get it.
mdiagirl15 May 1999
Wow! What a horrible movie! It's so bad, it's funny. If you really want to see something that is -
A) In poor taste
B) Contains REALLY bad acting
C) Makes you want to scream ...then this is your movie! It's not a film you will forget any time soon.
A) In poor taste
B) Contains REALLY bad acting
C) Makes you want to scream ...then this is your movie! It's not a film you will forget any time soon.
Surprisingly mundane
Leofwine_draca20 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
CHATTERBOX! is one of the more notorious exploitation flicks of the 1970s, although it turns out to be quite a tame and mundane offering when it comes down to it. The story is literally about a young blonde woman with a talking vagina. What follows plays out as a usual kind of sex comedy with relationship drama, endless nudity from the leading actress, and small-scale situations. Imagine a typical film with an added-on annoyingly tinny voice making wisecracks and you'll be there; this never quite as weird or outre as the premise would have you believe.
find your voice
lee_eisenberg7 January 2016
Tom DeSimone's "Chatterbox" is the sort of movie that you can only enjoy if you accept low, blatantly ridiculous humor. I do. They probably made it just because it was now acceptable to make a movie about a woman whose main sexual organ develops the ability to talk. They knew exactly what kind of movie they were making. Very likely aimed to appeal mainly to 14-year-old boys, although I get the feeling that the psychiatrist's inclination to use the woman's unusual ability to make money is a swipe at greed.
And the cast is interesting. Candace Rialson starred mainly in these sorts of movies. Another cast member is Sandra Gould, best known as the second Gladys Kravitz on "Bewitched". And of course, there's the always flamboyant Rip Taylor.
Good times.
And the cast is interesting. Candace Rialson starred mainly in these sorts of movies. Another cast member is Sandra Gould, best known as the second Gladys Kravitz on "Bewitched". And of course, there's the always flamboyant Rip Taylor.
Good times.
The best English*-language talking-vag movie ever made
gridoon20249 November 2023
"Chatterbox" (1977) is an one-joke comedy where the joke wears thin literally in the first five minutes. It really should be billed more as a musical than as soft-core erotica. It's also pretty ineptly directed - note the frequent appearances of the boom mike. What does keep you watching is only one thing: Candice Rialson. She is immensely likable and appealing, with an astonishing body: the old saying "face of an angel, body of a demon" applies here. ** out of 4
*on an international level, it probably faces stiff competition from the French "Le Sexe Qui Parle" (1975) (which I have not seen yet).
*on an international level, it probably faces stiff competition from the French "Le Sexe Qui Parle" (1975) (which I have not seen yet).
The supporting character being a psychiatrist should be a tip-off
circle-126 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The post-Freudian subtext is pervasive and intentional. The resolution of the Ego/Id conflict explicated by giving the lead's genitals its own voice is obvious. Equally obvious are elements like the Dating Game's date coming to bed dressed in a suit of armor before ditching the lead with the remark "I saw, I conquered, and I came" while telling his next in line to wait in the hall being a well structured reference to the essential character armored phallic-narcissist. The psychiatric jokes are fast and furious all the way through. And without this film's premise how else could the curiously reflexively self aware movie director within the movie toss a line like "I want people to know this is more than just the first film to star a real cu..." uh, can we use that word on IMDb? I don't know, the acting and production values didn't seem so bad to me. And the humor has more depth than apparently is generally recognized. Perhaps the biggest problem with the film is in its over-reaching. Somehow I'm reminded of the famous Henry L. Mencken quote.
DO YOU SERVE A BOX LUNCH?
nogodnomasters17 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Penny Pittman (Candice Rialson) has a Virginia that not only talks but sings. It doesn't like Penny's boyfriend Ted (Perry Bullington) and tells him very bluntly. Virginia would prefer a basketball team. Penny is exploited and goes on stage and sings. No sense in examining the medical condition.
Yes, it was an interesting concept, and was done in a campy manner so as to hit on all the overly apparent jokes. In many scenes the microphone can be seen, sometimes from the top and other times from the bottom. Cult-trash cinema
The film includes Rip Taylor, Arlene Martel (Spock's Vulcan wife "T'Pring" AMOK TIME), Professor Irwin Corey, Sandra Gould (Gladys Kravitz)
The film has sex and nudity (Candice Rialson).
Yes, it was an interesting concept, and was done in a campy manner so as to hit on all the overly apparent jokes. In many scenes the microphone can be seen, sometimes from the top and other times from the bottom. Cult-trash cinema
The film includes Rip Taylor, Arlene Martel (Spock's Vulcan wife "T'Pring" AMOK TIME), Professor Irwin Corey, Sandra Gould (Gladys Kravitz)
The film has sex and nudity (Candice Rialson).
A total bawdy hoot!
Woodyanders2 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Sweet hairdresser Penny Pittman (a typically charming and radiant performance by lovely blonde 70's drive-in cinema starlet Candice Rialson) discovers that her vagina can talk and sing. Penny's helpful agent/psychiatrist Dr. Pearl (affably essayed by Larry Gelman) turns Penny and her foul-mouthed speaking cervix (who's affectionately named Virginia) into an unlikely reluctant celebrity: Penny and Virginia appear as guests on Professor Irwin Corey's TV show, record a funky hit disco song called "Wang Dang Doodle," have sex with a whole high school basketball team, pop up on a game show, and star in a musical porno feature surrounded by dancing and singing men dressed up in chicken costumes (this latter particular jaw-dropping sequence rates as the definite gut-busting surreal highlight of the entire picture). Director Tom DeSimone, working from a cheerfully crass and silly script by Mark Rosin and Norman Yonemoto, milks a lot of infectiously naughty laughs out of the one-joke premise, maintains a zippy pace throughout, and keeps the raunchiness at bay by effectively creating a surprisingly zany and good-natured tone. Besides the talking vagina gimmick, we also get hilariously bawdy jokes about predatory lesbians, preening homosexuals, and, of course, sex. The ravishing Rialson just barely manages to retain her dignity in the rather thankless lead role and bares her lovely body as often as possible. The supporting cast is likewise up to par: Perry Bullington as Penny's clumsy nice guy lover Ted, Jane Kean as Penny's proud, supportive mother Eleanor Pittman, Rip Taylor as Penny's effeminate gay boss Mr. Jo, Cynthia Hoppenfeld as Penny's loyal best gal pal Linda Ann, Michael Taylor as hunky romantic stud Dick, and Robert Lipton as pretentious hardcore film director Jon David. Tak Fujimoto's polished cinematography gives the movie a nice slick look. Moreover, the boom mike dips into the top of the frame at alarmingly frequent intervals. A choice wacky chunk of vintage 70's lowbrow humor.
Righteous Rialson
Weirdling_Wolf23 January 2014
Considering that 'Chatterbox' has such a lurid central premise it came as a grand surprise to find that this amusing film deals with its gynecological conceit so chastely and with such effective humour. I can imagine that John Water's would find much to amuse among all the cod(piece) Busby Berkely song N' dance shibazz, but the grease palmed contingent are unlikely to find much stimuli amongst all the, quite frankly, Carry On, carrying's on. Once our perky protagonist discovers that her previously dormant vagina now strives for decidedly vocal autonomy the film becomes an amusing parody of that most Hollywood cliché; the tabloid expose of a wide-eyed ingénue's initial exposure to the ingratiating hoopla that comes with swiftly found celebrity. Much of the comedy of 'Chatterbox' is bawdy with an over reliance of genital metaphor; but it has to be said that everyone's favorite 70's nymphet, Candice Rialson has never been quite so adorable as the flaxen-haired vixen with the permanently sarcastic diva nu-nu. These Rabelaisian goings on remind me of vintage, Russ Meyer; due to the earthy badinage and overtly rigorous and broad comedic performances, especially from the none-more-gay, Rip Taylor. For me 'Chatterbox'is a genuine find, as for once the individual behind the lens hasn't merely exaggerated the lowest common denominator to appease the furtive, nimble-wristed patrons of some Times Square scuzz palace; and much like the previously mentioned, Meyer, Tom De Simone opts for a more skillful, idiosyncratic take on all this low brow ribaldry. It is nice to have one's cynical preconceptions so wondrously confounded; and De Simone is to be congratulated for constructing such a frothy, amiable entertainment. 'Chatterbox' is entirely deserving of resurrection and one can only hope that a pristine print appears at some juncture; since, Candice Rialson's delightful, chattering box deserves a far grander diorama from which we can admire her singular endowments. Special mention must be made of Neil Sedaka's zippy, and damnably funky soundtrack; definitely one for a re-release!
"Does Howdy Doody have wooden balls?"
Hey_Sweden2 November 2014
Ever lovely Candice Rialson, one of the queens of drive-in movies in the 1970s, stars here as Penelope Pittman, a hairdresser in a beauty salon. Out of the blue one night, while she is with her boyfriend Ted (Perry Bullington), her vagina just starts talking up a storm. This vagina is a horny, saucy character who also has quite the singing voice. When Penelope goes to a psychiatrist, Dr. Pearl (Larry Gelman), and shows him flat out what her problem is, he realizes that he can make her/them a star and becomes an agent. Penelope & Virginia perform on several TV programs, but Penelope is suffering a great deal of embarrassment.
Scripted by Mark Rosin & Norman Yonemoto, based on a story by director Tom DeSimone, "Chatterbox!" may be a pretty crude affair, but it's undeniably quite charming and funny. The truth of the matter is, it's really pretty harmless, and doesn't really qualify as adult fare. The songs, such as "Wang Dang Doodle", are insidiously upbeat and catchy. The performances are energetic and engaging. Gelman is fine as the shrink turned agent. Jane Kean plays the mother who changes her tune when she realizes the profit to be made from her daughters' "talent". Rip Taylor, Professor Irwin Corey, and Sandra Gould add to the fun with their guest star appearances. But the show really rests on the capable shoulders of Rialson, who's winning as the reluctant starlet. The laughs may not always be there, but they occur frequently enough.
DeSimone does know how to send his viewers away with an amused smile, with a resolution that is perfectly fitting for the situation.
Look for DeSimones' actor brother Bob as a cabbie.
Eight out of 10.
Scripted by Mark Rosin & Norman Yonemoto, based on a story by director Tom DeSimone, "Chatterbox!" may be a pretty crude affair, but it's undeniably quite charming and funny. The truth of the matter is, it's really pretty harmless, and doesn't really qualify as adult fare. The songs, such as "Wang Dang Doodle", are insidiously upbeat and catchy. The performances are energetic and engaging. Gelman is fine as the shrink turned agent. Jane Kean plays the mother who changes her tune when she realizes the profit to be made from her daughters' "talent". Rip Taylor, Professor Irwin Corey, and Sandra Gould add to the fun with their guest star appearances. But the show really rests on the capable shoulders of Rialson, who's winning as the reluctant starlet. The laughs may not always be there, but they occur frequently enough.
DeSimone does know how to send his viewers away with an amused smile, with a resolution that is perfectly fitting for the situation.
Look for DeSimones' actor brother Bob as a cabbie.
Eight out of 10.
Awful movie, with a certain charm
tomgillespie200213 May 2011
The 1970's marked a change in sexual liberation. What was, and still is called a sexual revolution. This was marked by the rise of hard-core pornography within mainstream culture. A situation (fad if you like) that was short in popularity. It's most famous, and popular 'poster' for this was the 'high concept' premise of 1972's Deep Throat. This film (that was released in seemingly austere cinemas) had the story of a woman who's clitoris was found at the back of her throat. This was a concept brought forward into popular culture simply by the film's star, Linda Lovelace's, ability to take the shaft of a penis deep into her throat. This is now of course a staple of the porn film (now into extremes of gagging from this concept – ad nauseum). This film bred a stream of hard porn films that felt the need for some kind of story. This was later diminished by video, which subsequently killed 'cinematic' pornography. (Probably a good thing really. There is only so much narrative you can create around a f**k movie.)
So, within this concept of a new liberalism within the parameters of sexuality within cinema, there was clearly room for this high concept sexual obscurity within the non-pornographic comedy film. This is where our film, Chatterbox enters. Made in 1977 towards the end of this 'deviant' progression through sexual mores; it's not hard-core porn. It's not even soft-core porn. It is simply a concept film, placed within the ideas of the hard/soft porn fashion of the time. It is a late comer really with this idea, as the porn industry would soon be broken down, and marginalised to be entirely filmed on video. OK, so there really is no reason for hard core porn to have story, as we all realise in the world we live in today with its compilations of cum shots et al. But, I digress.
Chatterbox really has no connection to the porn industry as it was then, and certainly not as it is now. I simply open with this idea due to the fact that it does possess the qualities that Deep Throat set out to show. That is, a concept around sexuality that not only visualises something new, but also participates in a knowing joke. Deep Throats concept was/is essentially a form of comedy (something you are highly unlikely to see in pornography outside of the 1970's). Not necessarily a bad thing. They should be separated. Well, anyway, the film I'm supposed to be talking about is so far removed from porn. It is simply a comedy with t**s and ass!! So I digress yet again. Well, I don't, because I haven't even started on the film.
Chatterbox tells the story of Penelope Pittman (Candice Rialson), who has an issue with her vagina. The problem is, it is able to talk, with a completely separate mind and outlook of itself. In the opening scene, we see Penelope in sexual congress with her boyfriend Ted (Perry Bullington). Her wise-cracking (no pun intended) vagina begins a torrent of abuse that forces Ted to leave believing that Penelope is responsible for such hurtful diatribes. This would mark the end of the relationship, something Penelope is concerned about. Her concern is realised when she goes to see Dr Pearl, who confirms (and is shown clearly) that her vagina can talk. This sparks dollar signs in the eyes of the psychologist, who pursues a career for the seemingly shy Penelope (or specifically her talking/singing vagina – later to be named Virginia).
Well, the story is obvious. The film itself is low-low budget. It shows. But I think it adds to its charm. Yes, it does have charm. The acting is atrocious. We even see the boom-mic in several shots (a 'mistake' that is often used these days to parody – or even pay homage – to bad filmmaking in the past; just look at the brilliant Garth Merenghi's Dark Place as just one example).
Virginia becomes an over-night singing sensation in the film. Much to the chagrin of Penelope, who is clearly looking for Mr. Right in the world, whilst Virginia is only really after a good hard f**k. It may well be a juxtaposition of the female revolution that prevailed in the '70's. In that women had to mix the reality of promiscuity with the more promising aspect of longevity. The film is a certain piece of fun, that can be read in many ways.
I believe this is a thoroughly awful film. But it really has a charm to it that would make me recommend it to someone I know may appreciate its flaws. Whilst it is a very silly 'comedy', it also encapsulates a time of innocence. Yes sexuality was out-to-bear, but there was a complete innocence surrounding that. We are currently in a state of sexual ambiguity, simply because variety has been so degraded (and I do believe that film has played a part in this), and we find society focusing on tiny elements of sexuality (case in point – this is one example – the obsession with feet). I believe this has become a facet of sexuality due to photography and cinemas ability to frame aspects of the body, focusing on 'parts' of the body, and not representing the whole.
I'm really not sure if I've represented this film at all! But in a strange way I really enjoyed its innocent charm. An innocence that we should all enjoy in hindsight of the sexual downer that subsequently happened a decade later with the onset of aids! Yes, that's how you end a fluffy review!!
www.the-wrath-of-blog.blogspot.com
So, within this concept of a new liberalism within the parameters of sexuality within cinema, there was clearly room for this high concept sexual obscurity within the non-pornographic comedy film. This is where our film, Chatterbox enters. Made in 1977 towards the end of this 'deviant' progression through sexual mores; it's not hard-core porn. It's not even soft-core porn. It is simply a concept film, placed within the ideas of the hard/soft porn fashion of the time. It is a late comer really with this idea, as the porn industry would soon be broken down, and marginalised to be entirely filmed on video. OK, so there really is no reason for hard core porn to have story, as we all realise in the world we live in today with its compilations of cum shots et al. But, I digress.
Chatterbox really has no connection to the porn industry as it was then, and certainly not as it is now. I simply open with this idea due to the fact that it does possess the qualities that Deep Throat set out to show. That is, a concept around sexuality that not only visualises something new, but also participates in a knowing joke. Deep Throats concept was/is essentially a form of comedy (something you are highly unlikely to see in pornography outside of the 1970's). Not necessarily a bad thing. They should be separated. Well, anyway, the film I'm supposed to be talking about is so far removed from porn. It is simply a comedy with t**s and ass!! So I digress yet again. Well, I don't, because I haven't even started on the film.
Chatterbox tells the story of Penelope Pittman (Candice Rialson), who has an issue with her vagina. The problem is, it is able to talk, with a completely separate mind and outlook of itself. In the opening scene, we see Penelope in sexual congress with her boyfriend Ted (Perry Bullington). Her wise-cracking (no pun intended) vagina begins a torrent of abuse that forces Ted to leave believing that Penelope is responsible for such hurtful diatribes. This would mark the end of the relationship, something Penelope is concerned about. Her concern is realised when she goes to see Dr Pearl, who confirms (and is shown clearly) that her vagina can talk. This sparks dollar signs in the eyes of the psychologist, who pursues a career for the seemingly shy Penelope (or specifically her talking/singing vagina – later to be named Virginia).
Well, the story is obvious. The film itself is low-low budget. It shows. But I think it adds to its charm. Yes, it does have charm. The acting is atrocious. We even see the boom-mic in several shots (a 'mistake' that is often used these days to parody – or even pay homage – to bad filmmaking in the past; just look at the brilliant Garth Merenghi's Dark Place as just one example).
Virginia becomes an over-night singing sensation in the film. Much to the chagrin of Penelope, who is clearly looking for Mr. Right in the world, whilst Virginia is only really after a good hard f**k. It may well be a juxtaposition of the female revolution that prevailed in the '70's. In that women had to mix the reality of promiscuity with the more promising aspect of longevity. The film is a certain piece of fun, that can be read in many ways.
I believe this is a thoroughly awful film. But it really has a charm to it that would make me recommend it to someone I know may appreciate its flaws. Whilst it is a very silly 'comedy', it also encapsulates a time of innocence. Yes sexuality was out-to-bear, but there was a complete innocence surrounding that. We are currently in a state of sexual ambiguity, simply because variety has been so degraded (and I do believe that film has played a part in this), and we find society focusing on tiny elements of sexuality (case in point – this is one example – the obsession with feet). I believe this has become a facet of sexuality due to photography and cinemas ability to frame aspects of the body, focusing on 'parts' of the body, and not representing the whole.
I'm really not sure if I've represented this film at all! But in a strange way I really enjoyed its innocent charm. An innocence that we should all enjoy in hindsight of the sexual downer that subsequently happened a decade later with the onset of aids! Yes, that's how you end a fluffy review!!
www.the-wrath-of-blog.blogspot.com
weird stuff
grendel-255 June 1999
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