"Maraschino Cherry" is an interesting release from 1978, Radley Metzger, and Video-X-Pix that, once again, appears that I'm going to be the only one who really likes it. That's not to say that it isn't without its flaws, of course. Indeed, this film--to a large degree--comes off as "trying too hard" to replicate the type of nonchalant, sexual action/attitude that pervades films like "Barbara Broadcast" and so on. Still, in many ways, it's enjoyable and sexy...enough so that I found it a worthy purchase.

Don't be fooled by the fact that this was directed by Radley Metzger, who directed such acknowledged classics as The Opening of Misty Beethoven. This film just doesn't come close to the level of Misty Beethoven, or Metzger's other efforts. The DVD was transfered from an extremely distressed print of the movie. This thing is simply terrible to look at, and there is little eroticism, despite the presence of the superstars of the era, including Leslie Bovee, Gloria Leonard, Constance Money, and Annette Haven. For example, Constance Money's scene consists only of a short handjob. About the only thing that saves this film from being a complete waste is the nasty, kinky S&M scene with C.J. Lang.

NOTE: This is not your typical review. Others have done an excellent job reviewing the content, scenes, performances, etc. of this porn classic. This "review" concerns itself with how the DVD's contents compare with the complete, uncut original release version of the film or an early (before prior self-censorship) VHS version. The Ratings given refer either to the "original" version of the film (Performers, Plot, Sex, etc.) or to the DVD version (Extras, Value, etc.) and are relatively arbitrary. The important info is that which follows. MARASCHINO CHERRY DVD IS THE PITS! Radley Metzgers last hardcore effort under his Henry Paris nom-de-film is finally available on DVD from Video-X-Pix. Well, they saved the worst for last and by that, I dont mean from a content standpoint! While Maraschino Cherry is generally regarded as the weakest of that group of films, even Metzgers weakest efforts far outstrip those of most of his porn peers and successors, IM (and many others) HO.

Maraschino Cherry is the final hardcore film directed by Radley Metzger (under his Henry Paris pseudonym) and, as such, is likely to be of considerable interest to porn and cult movie fans alike. However, those expecting something akin to The Opening Of Misty Beethoven are going to be disappointed. Maraschino Cherry, perhaps predictably given its place in the Metzger/Paris filmography, is actually little more than a vignette movie (or, as it would probably have been described at the time, a loop carrier). The movie revolves around Gloria Leonard, mistress of a New York brothel, discussing her business activities with her wide-eyed sister. Around this simple structure sit a variety of erotic encounters ranging from the strictly vanilla to some decidedly edgy dungeon sequences that bring to mind the Women In Prison movies of the period. Like Barbara Broadcast, its predecessor in the Metzger cannon, Maraschino Cherry never really amounts to much despite a few standout moments.