Comming of Angels, A (A Coming of Angels) Review

Initial Thoughts
With a cast including Annette Havin, Abigail Clayton, Jamie Gillis, Leslie Bovee, Susan McBain, John Leslie, Amber Hunt, and Eric Edwards, who could go wrong?

The Film/Review
A perfect example of how boxes can be deceiving. I had always heard that this film was another hardcore spoof of a pop TV show (in this case Charlie's Angels), but upon viewing this 1977 film by Joel Scott (WHO?) I found out that they are almost nothing alike.
This is a very dark and brooding film set somewhere in upstate New York during the winter. The very atmosphere of the film perfectly complements the cold and desolate climate in which it was shot.
Jamie Gillis runs a white slave ring in his lonely, snow covered, ranch house. When three women (who they are or where they came from is never quite revealed) attempt to break up the ring, they upset Gillis' little fantasy world, but also make him realize his own weaknesses.
Although my synopsis might make this film sound less than compelling, it's the fact that there is not a heavily involved story which actually makes this picture a success. The entire film is based upon the strong performances and rather nihilistic ambiance which, even during more pleasant scenes, still gives it as a whole, a darker feel.
The cinematography and lighting must both be complimented as being highly responsible for giving this film its feel. Also, Scott Mansfield's excellent score which features two original songs as well as various other pieces of effective background music (one piece can also be heard in Armand Weston's Expose Me Lovely, made a year before), certainly heighten the mood of every scene in which they are used.
Director Scott and composer Mansfield had previously worked together on the 1974 film Sometimes Sweet Susan, the first all SAG hardcore film, and their collective talents elevate this piece to near excellent status. The philosophically minded script provides the very talented cast with generous opportunities to strut their acting abilities.
Amber Hunt is particularly good, as is Leslie Bovee, who provides one of the best performances of her career.
My only fault with this film is that Gillis' character seems rather underdeveloped. Although this is somewhat effective for it forces the audience to ponder the motivations for his acts without the help of a direct explanation of them, a bit more characterization could have been the element which could have put this film at masterpiece status, but even so, it is still very, very well worth the time of any classic hardcore aficionado.

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Sex, etc.
Despite the surprisingly large amount of sex in this film, it actually never detracts from the mood as a whole. In fact, a few sex scenes actually add to the ambiance. All are well shot and scored. One sequence is wonderfully edited to the music played over it. One of only a few hardcore films in which the sex isn't boring.

The Extras
None.

Cuts Warning
I hadn't seen this film before I bought the DVD, but the running time of 84:17 seems complete. I had read that the film ran 87 minutes, but I see no evidence of cuts.

The DVD (A & V, etc.)
The presentation on DVD isn't the best, but it also isn't the worst. This film was shot in an aspect ratio of 1.66:1 which is evident by the framing. However, the film is presented open matte. The problem though, is that the zoom on the telecine is too close and cuts off the edges, making the film look cropped on a TV with overscan. The colors are also a bit washed out, but I've definitely seen a lot worse. The source print is quite nice, with only a few blemishes here and there.

Overall
A tried and true film which really does, despite its few faults, earn the title of classic.