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As much as we enjoy talking with veterans from the golden age of adult film, I’m aware that their perspectives are always those of an insider. Their observations, experiences, and even memories are affected by the fact that they were wrapped up in the industry. And an insider isn’t always the most impartial witness.
So we’re always keen to seek out people who ended up in porn by accident, or for a short period of time. People who never intended being part of the business.
We want to hear what their fresh eyes thought of this unusual world.
On this Rialto Report, we hear from one such person – a crew member on Taboo – American Style (1985).
He was working in a theater in Manhattan when he got offered work on the set of the film.
And ‘Taboo – American Style’ was a great place to start. It was one of the last big budget films made in New York. It had an incest theme, was directed by Henri Pachard, and featured Gloria Leonard, Paul Thomas, Taija Rae, Raven, Joey Silvera, and Kelly Nichols. It was eventually divided into four different feature films – each of which were hugely successful.
So what did our crew member think of what he saw? What were his impressions of the people? How strange was this world to him?
And when the film came to an end, did he ever want to go back?
With great thanks to Douglas McMullen.
This podcast is 36 minutes long.
The musical playlist for this episode can be found on Spotify.
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Taboo American Style
Taboo American Style: Part 1 – The Ruthless Beginning:
Taboo American Style: Part 2 – The Story Continues:
Taboo American Style: Part 3 – Nina Says, “I’ll Do It My Way” And Becomes An Actress:
Taboo American Style: Part 4 – The Exciting Conclusion:
Raven
Raven
Taija Rae
Taija Rae
Carol Cross
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Did Gloria Leonard and Tom Byron get along on that set?
That cop story had me laughing out loud. At first I called BS on this podcast. The intro pulled me in fast. But I was quickly feeling like it was just a clip from an audio book. But it was so good I didn’t care.
I have a feeling Tom Byron made the unflattering comments about Gloria’s vajayjay mentioned in the podcast. He’s said that he didn’t like working with older women when he was young (although he’s learned to appreciate them these days). He worked with 80s MILF faves like Gloria, Kay Parker, Honey Wilder, Helga Sven, Colleen Brennan, Pat Manning and Tantala Ray. I’m sure many men would’ve loved to have taken his place!
I remember Gloria had a problem with a comment Byron made about her age? One of the hottest Milf stars from the 80’s was Euro Star Teresa Orlowski, Byron did a great scene with her and she was pushing 50! I wish Gloria had done more work in the mid 80’s, she was great!
As usual, informative and engaging and ultimately very touching.
A perfect antidote to the sad story of Keli Richards last time.
Excellent narration too by the mystery crew member.
The description of Paul Thomas in this podcast is a wondrous thing.
Marvelous!
I couldn’t stop laughing at his description! This entire thing was really well-written though creating a utterly fantastic story. It really makes you wish you could be there and meet the actors too.
Always enjoy the podcasts and this amazing site..but would love to hear from more of the male actors from back in the day. Even some of the lesser-known guys would be interesting to hear from, as well as, the bigger names who are still with us. Keep up the awesome work Rialto Report!
Ashley West’s intro is spot-on……… The observations of an outsider make for a very self-aware and humorous account.
Bravo to the the writer!
Loved it. How about Carol Cross as an interview? She was a radiant and intelligent presence in the films for a short while, and I’d love to hear more about her.
I think i was in that movie… somewhere
According to IMDB you were in part of the movie.
Jose should have been the lead with Chelsea Blake playing his wife! what a couple they make!
Taboo American Style was hands down the best adult feature ever produced. A million dollar budget? It showed. All shot on 35mm film. This was Henri Pachard’s masterpiece. 1985 was the end for the golden age of adult. At least they went out with a bang with this series. Excellent podcast as usual.
This movie would be illegal today, with the incestuous theme, right?
A most excellent narrative. Everything you want a podcast to be, being an auditory experience. You really feel the spirit of the 1980s with the soundtrack and the overall sensibility. Very different form the 70s style of many of the other Rialto Reports.
His description of the set is spot on. My experience as a young crew member was like Caddyshack with 5ks and miles of feeder cable. It was like camp except we were making movies while being woefully underpaid for insane hours and loving every second. I’m sure plenty of it blew hard but overall the exuberance and wonder of youth overtakes with starry eyed memories. Except when it rained. Oh my god when it rained it was hellish. Rain is a four letter word.
Prepping supper on a rainy afternoon, listening to this fascinating podcast on “Alexa.” I’ve done PA work myself and it reminded myself of these great, fun days. Great job.
I always loved Gloria Leonard’s wit and humor. I’ve read that she had her own cable shows and was on the Tomorrow show with Tom Snyder, and Midnight Blue with Al Goldstein (they were terrific in the film, “Dirty Looks”) Does anyone have any of these video’s and be interested in selling any copies of them? Ashley, do you have any industry contacts that may have some of these show tapes? I would pay for these.
One of the few films not reviewed by Dries Vermeulen on IMDB. I did discover, however, he has a new handle and had to check again to make sure there wasn’t a review under said handle. Alas, there was not.
Good angle for the podcast.
Raven was so beautiful in this.
Excellent anecdote from your mystery man. His writing style and delivery fit nicely and met the high standards we’ve come to expect from the Rialto Report, right up there with Ashley’s sensitive rest-of-the-stories and April’s Chandleresque staccato. Much enjoyed.
Wow that story is just how I’ve always dreamed that experience would be like. The podcast sounds fantastic. Your scoring adds so much to the flow of the narrative. I particularly enjoyed this weeks podcast and have listened multiple times. Thanks for sharing these stories with all of us.
What a text!!!!
This Podcast is short and sweet. Like everything you guys do Excellent. I’ve listen to it a few times. Raven being a crush of mine. Really Disappointed she was as the Male Actors Described Dead Lay. Lol
This podcast was simply beautiful. To work in a adult film set in
the 1980s at a young age was incredible . A magical time with a young person in a extraordinary world we all wish we could
work in. Cop story was funny !