"The Girls in the Band," directed by Andrea Scott and starring John Holmes, is a playful yet problematic romp through the world of 1970s pornography and its intersection with mainstream media. With a loose narrative structure and a focus on raunchy humor, this erotic comedy strives for satirical commentary but only occasionally strikes a chord.
The film follows Bryce Allen (Keith Erickson), a man-on-the-street reporter covering New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City. Allen's assistant is played by none other than adult film legend John Holmes, adding a layer of meta-humor to the proceedings. The story, however, takes a back seat to the explicit antics and the parade of colorful characters.
The cast is rounded out by a host of recognizable adult film stars of the era, including Spring Finley, Ken Scudder, Valerie Franklin, and the frizzy-haired Toni Scott. They bring their unique brand of talent to the screen, with special mention going to Abigail Clayton, who steals the show during a raunchy orgy scene.
The film's title is a playful nod to the popular homosexual-themed play and subsequent film, "The Boys in the Band," highlighting the adult film industry's penchant for parody and satire. However, "The Girls in the Band" never quite reaches the heights of its inspirational source material.
While the film has its moments of comedic brilliance, the overall execution feels sloppy and disjointed. The satire is often lost in a sea of freewheeling sexuality, and the influence of indie director Robert Downey Sr. Is evident but not effectively harnessed. The result is a film that feels more like a pastiche of scenes than a cohesive whole.
That being said, "The Girls in the Band" has a certain charm that is hard to deny. The performances are hammed up to the max, with Erickson leading the charge as the bumbling reporter. The film also captures a bygone era of adult entertainment, providing a time capsule of an industry that has since evolved (and in some ways, devolved).
In conclusion, "The Girls in the Band" is a fun but forgettable entry into the world of 1970s erotic cinema. While it has moments of hilarity and a certain cultural significance, the overall sloppiness of its execution and the lack of a coherent narrative structure bring it down.
