I just recently stumbled across the Vinegar Syndrome re-release of this movie and it is worth watching despite the rather boring scenes and confusing plot. For starters, the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous! And I truly appreciated all the exterior location shots, the sets, and high production values. They are by far the best thing about this movie.
The plot? Who cares. Honestly, to me this film was most enjoyable just watching John Holmes wander around downtown San Francisco as it was in 1976. It's amazing how much things have changed (or not)! Like, watch Johnny go the corner of Larkin and McAllister to pick up a newspaper. Then watch him go into the Public Library (now the Asian Art Museum). Afterward, watch him wander down the 400 Block of O'Farrell past all sorts of seedy escort services and porn shops, long since gone. Watch him cruise around in his awesome 1975 Caprice convertible land yacht. Watch him follow Desiree West up to her Nob Hill Condominium high-rise (1170 Sacramento Street). Then watch him visit the home of the sinister Black Widow (2104 Broadway). Finally, watch him mope around the marina after the case is solved.
As Johnny Wadd, Holmes struts around, acts tough, slaps chicks, shoots bad guys, delivers his lines impatiently, and mutters needless obscenities under his breath at the end of each conversation. Sharon Thorpe as the Black Widow wildly overacts (intentionally), screeching loud enough to burst eardrums. Desiree West was beautiful and by far the best actor in this movie. Awesome view from her condo! Annette Haven looked good, too. Luckily by then she did away with her ridiculously thin and arched "David Ferrie" eyebrows that she sported in her earlier roles. Leslie Bovee looked great in a bikini. I was never a John Leslie fan, though -- his reptilian eyes always creep me out.
Anyway, "Tapestry of Passion" is most enjoyable viewed as a travelogue or time-capsule, as well as seeing the cast in their prime. I'd give it a 5.
