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George McDonald was an adult film star at a time when there were no adult film stars.
He started in the era of short, silent 8mm films and saw first hand the progression to full-length pornographic features within a couple of years.
This was an era of shame and secrecy when no one used their real name – except for George. And for a time his name was everywhere – he once counted nine theaters showing his films in San Francisco at the same time.
He was in the industry so early that one of his last films was the Mitchell Brothers‘ Behind The Green Door – often cited as one of the first adult films.
So what kind of person ends up being the original porn star?
Maybe not the kind of person you’d think. George McDonald was an all-American boy, high school athlete, good-looking, good grades, good future. He signed up to the Air Force when the Vietnam war was going on. And he had political aspirations too. He was sure he’d be mayor one day.
But along the way he ended up working in porn films, headlining a live sex show in Hawaii where he competed with John Holmes, and living the life no one had ever really lived before.
And then he retired from the industry, and opted for the quiet life. Which in George’s case meant joining filmmaker Alex de Renzy on a drug-smuggling round the world boat trip.
Another time. Another life. Another Rialto Report.
This episode running time is 97 minutes.
The musical playlist for this episode can be found on Spotify.
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George McDonald
News article about the Marysville ship, that George and Alex de Renzy sailed in
Despite the police search, nothing was found – this time…
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Genius. Stellar story-telling and a compelling slice of history. Really, really good price of work.
Congratulations all around.
This is one of the best so far. George is a natural storyteller and his life is a wild ride through the early years.
I’m curious: Did Geore ever work with directed Terry Sullivan!
Great Report!
I rehearsed for a film, maybe named Candy Stripers??? (Rehearsals were all the rage around 71, Cozy Cool was one, Terry’s film another), but I bailed before filming started to go to Hawaii to do the Sex Stage Show. I wasn’t that into the part. Terry wanted me to play a UROLIGIST, and you can guess where that was headed.
My dearest and best friend for over 40 years.
Geezus Dude, am I gonna have to get a restraining order! What next, you start showing up unannounced at my door. I don’t even know you. 40 years? Sheeshhh, get a life Dude!
This life story is truly fantastic. George is a naturally intelligent and witty story teller. His humanity is so impressive.
For all of these reasons, it just must be published in book form and filmed as a documentary.
It is too good to not be appreciated by the masses.
Unparalleled stuff!
No one does it better than THE RIALTO REPORT.
porn was better when it was illegal.
I agree. Its great to be an outlaw when you are young.
George McDonald!
Wow – never thought I’d see an interview with the early star of SF films! Really great to hear his memories and what a great character as well.
I’d love to know his memories of Emily Smith who he worked with often and is another great performer from the early days. In fact is she still around for an interview.
Thanks to the Rialto for creating this new form of research – oral history therapy conversations… Each episode is destined to be a classic.
The DeRenzy stories are hilarious. I agree with a previous comment that this should be made into a film. Boogie Nights has got nothing on this!!!!
The Rialto Report. What your ears are invented for.
Excellent story- it’s nice to see that George left the industry with no regrets and he’s managed to stay healthy and happy all these years while so many of those porn pioneers of the 70s have passed on due to various excesses. And he’s been married to the same woman for all these years!
Does anyone know why Alex Derenzy insisted that the girls who starred in his films in the mid 80’s had suntans?
Stacy Donavan, Melissa Melendez, Sherie St Clair, Candie Evans etc. Did Alex just think the girls looked better on film when they were tan? Many of these porn stars, especially Melissa Melendez were almost pale during their careers but all tan in Derenzy’s films
Los Angeles girls came up here (SF), or he went down to LA and shot them. No girl in SF has a tan unless she just got off plane.
George, What a great story teller you are! Thank you for telling it.
Great interview! Was always interested in hearing George’s story since I read about him in “Bottom Feeders”, the Mitchell Brothers’ biography. This might be a weird question but do you know what happened to Yank Levine, who you appeared with in “Green Door”? That guy always fascinated me for some reason.
Great interview. Would have been nice to hear George’s memories of Debra Allan and The Schoolgirl.
Beyond being handsome and well-spoken, I love it how George insisted on never shooting violent scenes, that showed a woman being victimized. He just got a new fan.:)
Great podcast, what a wonderful interview.
Found this podcast somilair to ric savage’s in that both were very listenable because of their wide and varied lives,and seemed happy to talk as interviewees. GM far more cool however(sorry RS) in appearence(ben from blue velvet has nothing on this guy) and movie type(very early adult film period.)Thanks again to the rialto r.