The Opening of Misty Beethoven is an American hardcore pornography film released in 1976. Produced with a relatively high budget and filmed on elaborate locations in Italy and New York City with a musical score, it owes much to its fastidious director Radley Metzger (directing this film as Henry Paris).
Premise
In a pornographic take-off of Pygmalion, the film is about a sexologist who tries transforming a prostitute into a goddess of passion. While he tries to prepare her to seduce a homosexual artist, it is he for whom she develops feelings.
In this film, Henry Higgins is replaced by Dr. Seymour Love, the sexologist, played by Jamie Gillis. Eliza Doolittle becomes Dolores 'Misty' Beethoven, who is played by Constance Money, and Colonel Pickering becomes Geraldine Rich, played by Jacqueline Beudant. During the film, Beethoven achieves 'elevation' better than Love and Rich had hoped but then cuts them off, as in George Bernard Shaw's play. However, this film then follows the common divergence from Shaw's plot when she returns to Love at the end.
Ending
In a variance of the usual ending, in this version of the story, Misty returns in a much different capacity. In the ending, Misty takes over for Dr. Love, and is running the "school". Dr. Love is present, but in a very subservient position. It is clearly Misty that is in charge by this time.
Critique
In an era in which pornography was just beginning to be widely released, most movies of that time were expected to have at least minimal plots. Misty's plot was more elaborate than most; it was based directly on George Bernard Shaw's play, Pygmalion, as well as the Broadway and Hollywood success My Fair Lady. The film is also satirical, with many added comic touches and dialog designed for laughs.
The Opening of Misty Beethoven has the distinction of being the first widely-released porn movie to feature female-on-male pegging.
Awards
Awards of the Adult Film Association of America:
- Best Actor (Jamie Gillis)
- Best Director (Henry Paris, aka Radley Metzger)
- Best Film
AVN Award:
Remake
In 2004, Misty Beethoven: The Musical, a musical remake, was released. It featured Sunset Thomas, Randy Spears, Julie Meadows, Asia Carrera, Chloe, Dave Cummings, Mike Horner, Evan Stone, and Tyce Bune. It was directed by Veronica Hart. The film won the 2004 XRCO Award for 'Best Comedy or Parody', and the 2005 AVN Award for 'Best Sex Comedy'.[1][3]
References
External links
