To some extent, "Io, Emmanuelle" can be considered a film of historical significance, if only because it marks the first screen appearance of the infamous Emmanuelle character later immortalized by the likes of Sylvia Kristel, Krista Allen and also Laura Gemser in the offshoot, single "M" Emanuelle series. Here, the free-spirited beauty is played by Italian Euro-Goddess, Erika Blanc, best known as the succulent succubus in Jean Brismée's "La Plus Longue Nuit du Diable" (aka "The Devil's Nightmare"). However, apart from its title, this film shares little in common with the erotic exploits of the Kristel/Allen series, nor does it much resemble the all out exploitation efforts starring Laura Gemser (and most often directed by Joe D'Amato). Instead, this is basically an artsy, Euro treatment with very little story or character development and seems mainly an excuse to have Blanc cavort about in various states of dress and undress. Surprising since it was directed by Cesare Canevari, who would later helm the Nazi-exploitation classic, "Gestapo's Last Orgy." Interesting as a curiosity, but that's about it. For Emmanuelle collectors and Erica Blanc fetishists only.
