Maraschino Cherry Review

Reviewed by fu_q  on  9/6/2016

**Note – This review is based upon the web version of the film available for streaming at gamelink.com. As such, any bonuses haven’t been given a rating, and there could be some discrepancies between this version and other releases.**

Review:
"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. As such, it's chockfull of action, it features an exemplary cast, and there are ~15 sex scenes in a total of ~90 minutes. On the downside, however, it's chockfull of action, it features an exemplary cast, and there are ~15 sex scenes in a total of ~90 minutes. Allow me to explain. Many of the sequences are very quick and aren't allowed the time necessary to properly develop. A good many of them--particularly at the beginning--are oral sex upon oral sex...and done in a matter of seconds. While this does establish the inconsequential, free-love feel that the director is likely going for--and it is hot in that respect--it also doesn't help in the jerk-off department. Things simply bounce around too much, and a constant flow is never fully established. That said, however, this production also does have a lot going for it. It creates a fun, sexy, and carefree atmosphere that presents the sex in a lighthearted manner from the onset. The cast is as star-studded as can be--C.J. Laing, Lesllie Bovee, Annette Haven, Gloria Leonard, Suzanne McBain, Constance Money, etc.--and they all do what they do best...which is enjoy themselves and fuck. The plot is simple, though real, revolving around a city-based brothel run by Gloria Leonard that whimsically, and almost mechanically, caters to her clients' every need. She's visited by her podunk sister, Jenny Baxter, who's both interested in picking up the trade and who's also a natural at it...as she quickly and clearly demonstrates. The storyline is fun, clever, and easy to watch from start to finish...no doubt about it. In that respect, and others, this flick is a distinct winner. So...in all...call it a "mixed bag", if you will. Some will enjoy it, and some simply won't.

Highlights-wise, the opening sequence involving Wade Nichols and Gloria Leonard is hotter than hell. Gloria walks in on Wade as he's masturbating, wearing only a trench coat. She then proceeds to lose the coat and blow him. This scene is later recreated with two guys and her onscreen sister, Jenny Baxter, and not only involves sucking but also fucking...including anal. This one, too, is scorching. Additionally, Suzanne McBain sucks off...and then fucks...Michael Gaunt upon a toilet, Eric Edwards pounds out Lesllie Bovee on a shag-covered sofa--popping on her splayed-open pussy and then reinserting, and Gloria Leonard eats out Annette Haven at a piano bar--which then transitions into a boy/girl sequence between Annette and Alan Marlow (oral and vaginal ; pop on her bush). Finally, C.J. Laing--the bordello's resident masochist who seems to live in the basement--steals the show as she's forced by Annette and Gloria to hold two glasses of scotch in her hands as her face hovers above a hot plate from a kneeling position. If she spills any of the scotch, the threat is to burn her on the plate, even as the ladies lick her butthole and stick dildos up her ass. The anticipation and danger of it all certainly augments the erotic tension in this sequence. Of course, there are multiple other scenes of varying quality, as well, but these are the best.

In all--and as noted--"Maraschino Cherry" is a mixed bag. In some ways, it tries too hard to be "porno chic" and, at least on some items, it fails as a porno. In other ways, it's hot as can be and offers up a strong sampling of Golden Age stars, along with a unique plot delivery mechanism. Whether it will appeal to any given individual's tastes or not truly depends on said individual. For me, I'm glad that I purchased it, and I stand by this review.