PORNOGRAPHY WIKI - User contributions [en]

Hugh Heffner

2026-03-20T02:50:09Z

Pornography Wiki:

{{Infobox person
| name = Hugh Hefner
| image = Hugh Hefner 1970.jpg
| caption = Hefner in 1970
| birth_name = Hugh Marston Hefner
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1926|4|9}}
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], Illinois, U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2017|9|27|1926|4|9}}
| death_place = [[Los Angeles]], California, U.S.
| occupation = Magazine publisher, businessman
| years_active = 1953–2017
| spouse = {{unbulleted list|Mildred Williams (m. 1949; div. 1959)|Kimberley Conrad (m. 1989; div. 2010)|Crystal Harris (m. 2012)}}
| children = 4
}}

'''Hugh Marston Hefner''' (April 9, 1926 – September 27, 2017) was an American magazine publisher and lifestyle icon. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of ''[[Playboy]]'' magazine, a publication that played a significant role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s.

== Early life ==
Hefner was born in [[Chicago]], Illinois, the eldest of two sons born to Grace Caroline and Glenn Lucius Hefner. He attended Sayre Elementary School and Steinmetz High School. During [[World War II]], he served as an infantry clerk for the [[United States Army]] from 1944 to 1946.

Following his service, he graduated from the [[University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign]] in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

== Career ==
=== Playboy Magazine ===
In 1953, Hefner raised $8,000 from 45 investors—including $1,000 from his mother—to launch ''Playboy''. The first issue, published in December 1953, featured nude photographs of [[Marilyn Monroe]] and sold over 50,000 copies.

=== Expansion and Media ===
By the 1970s, the Playboy empire had expanded to include:
* '''Playboy Clubs:''' A chain of nightclubs featuring "Playboy Bunnies."
* '''Television:''' Hefner hosted ''Playboy's Penthouse'' (1959–1960) and ''Playboy After Dark'' (1969–1970).
* '''The Mansion:''' The [[Playboy Mansion]] in Los Angeles became a symbol of his lavish lifestyle.

== Legacy ==
Hefner was a polarizing figure. Supporters viewed him as a champion of free speech and civil rights, noting that ''Playboy'' published interviews with figures like [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] and [[Malcolm X]]. Critics argued that his work objectified women.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
[[Category:American publishers]]

Hugh Heffner

2026-03-20T02:49:30Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "## Hugh Hefner **Hugh Marston Hefner** (April 9, 1926 – September 27, 2017) was an American magazine publisher and lifestyle icon. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of *Playboy* magazine, a publication that played a significant role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s. Hefner built a multi-million dollar enterprise that included casinos, nightclubs, and television networks, all centered around the "Playboy" brand and its distinctive rabbit logo. ----- ### Ear..."

## Hugh Hefner

**Hugh Marston Hefner** (April 9, 1926 – September 27, 2017) was an American magazine publisher and lifestyle icon. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of *Playboy* magazine, a publication that played a significant role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s. Hefner built a multi-million dollar enterprise that included casinos, nightclubs, and television networks, all centered around the "Playboy" brand and its distinctive rabbit logo.

-----

### Early Life and Education

Hefner was born in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of two sons born to Grace Caroline and Glenn Lucius Hefner. He attended Sayre Elementary School and Steinmetz High School. During World War II, he served as an infantry clerk for the United States Army from 1944 to 1946.

Following his service, he graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a double minor in creative writing and art.

### Career

#### Playboy Magazine

In 1953, after being denied a $5 raise at *Esquire*, Hefner left to start his own publication. He raised $8,000 from 45 investors—including $1,000 from his mother—to launch *Playboy*. The first issue, published in December 1953, featured nude photographs of Marilyn Monroe from a 1949 calendar shoot and sold over 50,000 copies.

#### Expansion and Media

By the 1970s, the Playboy empire had expanded significantly:

* **Playboy Clubs:** A chain of nightclubs featuring "Playboy Bunnies."
* **Television:** Hefner hosted *Playboy's Penthouse* (1959–1960) and *Playboy After Dark* (1969–1970).
* **The Mansion:** The Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles became a symbol of his lavish lifestyle and a hub for Hollywood social life.

-----

### Infobox: Person

{{Infobox person
| name = Hugh Hefner
| image = Hugh Hefner (cropped).jpg
| caption = Hefner in 1970
| birth\_name = Hugh Marston Hefner
| birth\_date = {{Birth date|1926|04|09}}
| birth\_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
| death\_date = {{Death date and age|2017|09|27|1926|04|09}}
| death\_place = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| occupation = Magazine publisher, businessman
| years\_active = 1953–2017
| spouse = {{unbulleted list|Mildred Williams (m. 1949; div. 1959)|Kimberley Conrad (m. 1989; div. 2010)|Crystal Harris (m. 2012)}}
| children = 4, including [[Christie Hefner]] and [[Cooper Hefner]]
}}

-----

### Legacy

Hefner was a polarizing figure. Supporters viewed him as a champion of free speech and civil rights, noting that *Playboy* published interviews with figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. Critics, however, argued that his work objectified women and contributed to the commodification of sexuality.

He is buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, in the crypt next to Marilyn Monroe.

### References

\<references /\>

[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
[[Category:American publishers]]
[[Category:American military personnel of World War II]]

-----

Would you like me to generate the Wikitext for a specific section, such as a detailed timeline of the Playboy Enterprises expansion?

XRCO Awards (X-Rated Critics Organization)

2026-03-19T13:35:59Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox award | name = XRCO Awards | image = | caption = The XRCO trophy is a symbol of critical achievement. | current_holder = | presenter = X-Rated Critics Organization | host_country = United States | first_awarded = 1985 | website = {{URL|http://www.xrco.com}} }} == Overview == The '''XRCO Awards''' are presented annually by the '''X-Rated Critics Organization''' (XRCO) to honor excellence in the adult..."

{{Infobox award
| name = XRCO Awards
| image =
| caption = The XRCO trophy is a symbol of critical achievement.
| current_holder =
| presenter = X-Rated Critics Organization
| host_country = United States
| first_awarded = 1985
| website = {{URL|http://www.xrco.com}}
}}

== Overview ==
The '''XRCO Awards''' are presented annually by the '''X-Rated Critics Organization''' (XRCO) to honor excellence in the [[adult film]] industry. Founded in 1984, the organization consists of writers, editors, and historians who cover the industry for various trade and mainstream publications.

The XRCO Awards are distinguished by their focus on cinematic quality, acting ability, and historical significance, rather than commercial success or popularity.

== History ==
The XRCO was formed in Los Angeles in 1984 by a group of critics who felt that existing industry awards were too focused on the business side of the "Video Revolution" and were neglecting the artistic standards established during the [[Golden Age of Porn]].

The first awards ceremony was held on February 14, 1985, in Hollywood. Since then, the XRCO has become one of the most respected institutions in the industry, known for its rigorous voting process and its "Hall of Fame," which is considered the highest honor a performer or director can receive.

== The XRCO Hall of Fame ==
The most prestigious aspect of the XRCO is its **Hall of Fame**. Unlike other industry halls of fame, the XRCO maintains strict requirements for induction:
* '''Performers:''' Must have been active in the industry for at least 10 years.
* '''Directors:''' Must have a body of work spanning at least a decade that has significantly influenced the genre.
* '''Legacy:''' Inductees are chosen based on their lasting impact on the culture and history of adult cinema.

Notable inductees include [[Marilyn Chambers]], [[Gerard Damiano]], [[Georgina Spelvin]], and modern icons like [[Riley Reid]] and [[Angela White]].

== Award Categories ==
The XRCO presents awards in several specialized categories, including:
* '''Best Film:''' Awarded to the feature with the highest production and narrative standards.
* '''Best Actress / Best Actor:''' Focused specifically on performance and acting range.
* '''Best Director:''' Recognizing technical and creative leadership.
* '''Unsung Siren / Unsung Swordsman:''' A unique category honoring performers who are highly respected by critics but may not have achieved massive mainstream fame.
* '''Heartthrob:''' Awarded to the most popular performer of the year as voted by the critics.

== Comparison with AVN Awards ==
While the [[AVN Awards]] are larger and more commercially oriented, the XRCO Awards are often preferred by "purists" and film historians.
* '''Voter Base:''' AVN voters include studio executives and retailers; XRCO voters are exclusively journalists and critics.
* '''Tone:''' XRCO ceremonies are generally smaller, more intimate "industry-only" events compared to the massive public spectacle of the AVN Vegas weekend.

== See Also ==
* [[AVN Awards]]
* [[XBIZ Awards]]
* [[Golden Age of Porn]]
* [[Gerard Damiano]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Awards established in 1985]]
[[Category:Adult film awards]]
[[Category:Film critics associations]]

Adult film

2026-03-18T12:53:40Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox genre | name = Adult Film | alternate_names = X-rated film, Hardcore film, Pornographic film, Erotica | origins = Early 20th century (Stag films) | era_peak = Golden Age of Porn (1969–1984) | technology = 35mm film, VHS, Digital Video, Virtual Reality | related_topics = Censorship, First Amendment, Cinema of the United States }} == Definition == An '''adult film''' is a motion picture that contains explicit..."

{{Infobox genre
| name = Adult Film
| alternate_names = X-rated film, Hardcore film, Pornographic film, Erotica
| origins = Early 20th century (Stag films)
| era_peak = [[Golden Age of Porn]] (1969–1984)
| technology = 35mm film, [[VHS]], Digital Video, [[Virtual Reality]]
| related_topics = [[Censorship]], [[First Amendment]], [[Cinema of the United States]]
}}

== Definition ==
An '''adult film''' is a motion picture that contains explicit sexual content intended to cause sexual arousal. While the term "erotica" often refers to suggestive or artistic depictions of sexuality, "adult film" generally implies the inclusion of unsimulated sexual acts. In the United States, these films were historically categorized under the [[X-rated]] or [[NC-17]] ratings.

== History ==
=== The Underground Era (1900–1968) ===
For much of the early 20th century, adult films existed as "stag films"—short, silent, black-and-white 16mm reels shown in private men's clubs or "smokers." These films were strictly illegal and carried no credits or production information.

=== The Golden Age and "Porno Chic" (1969–1984) ===
Following the sexual revolution and key legal victories, the industry moved into mainstream theaters. This era, known as the '''[[Golden Age of Porn]]''', saw films like ''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]'' and ''[[Behind the Green Door]]'' become box-office sensations.
* '''Key Figure:''' [[Gerard Damiano]] (Director)
* '''Key Star:''' [[Marilyn Chambers]]

=== The Video Revolution (1980s–1990s) ===
The introduction of the [[VHS]] and Betamax formats shifted the industry from theaters to the home. This led to a massive increase in production volume but a decrease in technical quality as 35mm film was replaced by cheaper magnetic tape. This era also saw the rise of the [[Meese Commission]], which led to increased federal oversight.

=== The Digital and Internet Era (2000s–Present) ===
The rise of high-speed internet and tube sites transformed the industry into a primarily digital medium.
* '''Independent Platforms:''' Modern stars like [[Riley Reid]] and [[Lana Rhoades]] moved away from traditional studios to manage their own brands through subscription-based platforms.
* '''Technical Innovation:''' The industry has historically been an early adopter of new tech, including e-commerce payment systems, streaming video codecs, and [[Virtual Reality]] (VR).

== Legal Status and Regulation ==
The legal status of adult films varies globally.
* '''United States:''' Production is generally protected as "expressive speech" under the [[First Amendment]], provided it does not violate the "Miller Test" for obscenity.
* '''United Kingdom:''' Regulated by the [[BBFC]], with strict requirements for an "R18" certificate.
* '''Industry Self-Regulation:''' Organizations like the '''Free Speech Coalition''' (FSC) manage health and safety protocols (such as the PASS testing system) for performers.

== Awards and Recognition ==
The industry maintains a professional awards circuit to recognize acting, directing, and technical achievement:
* '''[[AVN Awards]]:''' The most prominent awards ceremony, often held in Las Vegas.
* '''XBIZ Awards:''' Focuses on the intersection of technology and adult media.
* '''XRCO Awards:''' A critics-based awards organization focusing on industry history and legends.

== See Also ==
* [[Golden Age of Porn]]
* [[X-rated]]
* [[List of adult film performers]]
* [[Censorship in the United States]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Film genres]]
[[Category:Adult industry]]
[[Category:Mass media]]
[[Category:Sociology of sexuality]]

Riley Reid

2026-03-18T12:52:35Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox person | name = Riley Reid | image = | caption = Reid at the AVN Awards | birth_name = Ashley Matthews | birth_date = {{Birth date|1991|7|9}} | occupation = Actress, director, social media personality | years_active = 2010–present | known_for = Record-breaking AVN Award wins, mainstream social media presence | website = {{URL|https://rileyreid.com}} }} == Overview == '''Riley Reid'''..."

{{Infobox person
| name = Riley Reid
| image =
| caption = Reid at the AVN Awards
| birth_name = Ashley Matthews
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1991|7|9}}
| occupation = Actress, director, social media personality
| years_active = 2010–present
| known_for = Record-breaking [[AVN Award]] wins, mainstream social media presence
| website = {{URL|https://rileyreid.com}}
}}

== Overview ==
'''Riley Reid''' (born '''Ashley Matthews'''; July 9, 1991) is an American [[adult film]] actress and director. She is widely considered one of the most successful and influential performers of the 2010s and 2020s.

Known for her "girl-next-door" aesthetic and prolific output, Reid has won nearly every major industry award, including a record-tying three consecutive '''AVN Female Performer of the Year''' awards (2014, 2015, 2016).

== Career ==
=== Early Start (2010–2012) ===
Reid entered the industry in 2010 at the age of 19. Her career trajectory was notably steep; within two years, she had moved from small independent productions to headlining for major studios like [[Brazzers]], [[Digital Playground]], and [[Vixen]].

=== Industry Dominance (2013–2020) ===
During the mid-2010s, Reid became the "face" of the modern industry. Her popularity was driven by her technical versatility and her early adoption of high-definition digital media.
* '''Awards:''' In addition to her "Performer of the Year" wins, she has won over 30 [[AVN Awards]] and [[XBIZ Awards]] for acting, scenes, and fan favorites.
* '''Directing:''' In 2019, she began directing her own content, often focusing on stylized, high-production-value aesthetics.

=== Mainstream Presence ===
Unlike performers of the [[Golden Age of Porn]], Reid utilized the internet to build a mainstream "lifestyle brand."
* '''Social Media:''' She maintains millions of followers on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, often sharing content related to fitness, travel, and her personal life.
* '''YouTube:''' She hosts a successful YouTube channel where she posts non-explicit vlogs, interviews, and "behind-the-scenes" content, further humanizing her brand for a general audience.
* '''Podcasting:''' She has appeared on major mainstream podcasts, including ''The Joe Rogan Experience'', where she discussed the economics and evolution of the modern adult industry.

== Personal Life ==
In 2021, Reid married Italian parkour athlete and social media personality '''Pasha Petkuns'''. The couple welcomed their first child in 2022. Her transition into "mom-vlogging" and sharing her journey through pregnancy significantly shifted her public image toward that of a mainstream influencer.

== Legal and Business Ventures ==
Reid was an early adopter of independent creator platforms. She successfully transitioned much of her business away from traditional studios to her own subscription-based site, a move that many industry analysts cite as the blueprint for the modern "independent performer" model.

== See Also ==
* [[AVN Awards]]
* [[Lana Rhoades]]
* [[Angela White]]
* [[Digital Media]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:1991 births]]
[[Category:American adult film actresses]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Miami, Florida]]
[[Category:AVN Hall of Fame inductees]]

Golden Age of Porn (film)

2026-03-18T03:04:02Z

Pornography Wiki: Pornography Wiki moved page Golden Age of Porn to Golden Age of Porn (film) without leaving a redirect

{{Infobox movie
| name = The Golden Age of Porn
| image =
| caption = A retrospective of the "Porno Chic" era.
| director = [[Gerard Damiano]], [[The Mitchell Brothers]], [[Radley Metzger]]
| producer = Various
| writer = Various
| starring = [[Marilyn Chambers]] [[Linda Lovelace]] [[Georgina Spelvin]]
| released = 1969–1984 (Era)
| country = United States
| language = English
}}

== Overview ==
The '''Golden Age of Porn''' refers to a specific movement in American cinema history where sexually explicit content was integrated into high-production-value feature films. Unlike modern digital adult content, these "movies" were shot on 35mm film, featured professional scripts, and were intended for theatrical release in mainstream cinemas.

The era was inaugurated by films like [[Andy Warhol]]'s ''Blue Movie'' (1969) and reached its cultural apex with the 1972 release of ''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]''.

== Defining Characteristics ==
Films of this "movie" era were distinguished by:
* '''Narrative Structure:''' Unlike "loops" or "stag films," these had actual plots, character development, and dialogue.
* '''Technical Quality:''' Many directors used professional cinematography and original musical scores, often in the funk or jazz genres.
* '''Mainstream Crossover:''' These films were reviewed by major outlets like ''The New York Times'' and ''Variety''.

== Seminal Films ==
Within this "movie" category, the following are considered the essential works:
* '''''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]''''' (1972) – The first massive box-office success.
* '''''[[Behind the Green Door]]''''' (1972) – Known for its artistic merit and the starring role of [[Marilyn Chambers]].
* '''''[[The Devil in Miss Jones]]''''' (1973) – An existential drama often compared to the play ''No Exit''.
* '''''[[The Opening of Misty Beethoven]]''''' (1976) – A high-budget "Pygmalion" retelling.

== Depictions in Modern Media ==
Since the era ended in 1984, several mainstream movies have been made to document or dramatize it:
* '''''[[Boogie Nights]]''''' (1997): A fictionalized account of the era's rise and fall.
* '''''[[Rated X]]''''' (2000): A biopic about the [[Mitchell Brothers]].
* '''''[[Inside Deep Throat]]''''' (2005): A documentary narrated by Dennis Hopper exploring the impact of the 1972 film.
* '''''[[Lovelace]]''''' (2013): A biographical drama starring Amanda Seyfried.

== See Also ==
* [[X-rated]]
* [[Porno Chic]]
* [[Marilyn Chambers]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Film history]]
[[Category:Adult industry]]
[[Category:1970s in film]]

Porno Chic

2026-03-18T03:00:34Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox film_movement | name = Porno Chic | image = | caption = A 1970s theater marquee during the era. | origins = New York City, 1972 | key_films = Deep Throat, Behind the Green Door, The Devil in Miss Jones | key_figures = Gerard Damiano, Marilyn Chambers, Linda Lovelace, Ralph Blumenthal | related_topics = Golden Age of Porn, Sexual Revolution, X-rated }} == Overvi..."

{{Infobox film_movement
| name = Porno Chic
| image =
| caption = A 1970s theater marquee during the era.
| origins = [[New York City]], 1972
| key_films = [[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]], [[Behind the Green Door]], [[The Devil in Miss Jones]]
| key_figures = [[Gerard Damiano]], [[Marilyn Chambers]], [[Linda Lovelace]], Ralph Blumenthal
| related_topics = [[Golden Age of Porn]], [[Sexual Revolution]], [[X-rated]]
}}

== Overview ==
'''Porno Chic''' was a brief but highly influential period in American [[cinema history]] (roughly 1972–1975) during which hardcore [[adult film|adult films]] achieved mainstream social acceptability. The term describes a trend where middle-class couples, celebrities, and intellectual critics attended X-rated screenings in upscale theaters as a form of "fashionable" entertainment.

The movement was inaugurated by the massive commercial success of ''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]'' and is considered the peak of the '''[[Golden Age of Porn]]'''.

== Etymology ==
The phrase was first used by journalist '''Ralph Blumenthal''' in a January 1973 article for ''The New York Times Magazine'' titled "Porno Chic: Hard-Core Grows Fashionable." Blumenthal noted that explicit films had moved from the "raincoat brigade" in seedy back-alleys to high-profile theaters in Manhattan, where they were being discussed at cocktail parties by the cultural elite.

== Defining Characteristics ==
Unlike the "stag films" that preceded it, the Porno Chic movement was defined by several key factors:
* '''Theatrical Experience:''' Films were shown in clean, well-lit, "legitimate" cinemas rather than adult bookstores.
* '''Crossover Celebrity:''' Mainstream stars like [[Jack Nicholson]], [[Warren Beatty]], and [[Truman Capote]] publicly admitted to seeing these films.
* '''Production Value:''' Directors like [[Gerard Damiano]] used 35mm film, synchronized sound,

Gerard Damiano

2026-03-18T02:59:48Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox person | name = Gerard Damiano | image = | caption = Damiano in 2005 during the filming of ''Inside Deep Throat''. | birth_name = Gerardo Rocco Damiano | birth_date = {{Birth date|1928|8|4}} | death_date = {{Death date and age|2008|10|25|1928|8|4}} | occupation = Film director, screenwriter, producer, editor | years_active = 1969–1994 | known_for = ''Deep Throat'', ''..."

{{Infobox person
| name = Gerard Damiano
| image =
| caption = Damiano in 2005 during the filming of ''Inside Deep Throat''.
| birth_name = Gerardo Rocco Damiano
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1928|8|4}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2008|10|25|1928|8|4}}
| occupation = Film director, screenwriter, producer, editor
| years_active = 1969–1994
| known_for = ''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]'', ''[[The Devil in Miss Jones]]''
}}

== Overview ==
'''Gerard Damiano''' (born '''Gerardo Rocco Damiano'''; August 4, 1928 – October 25, 2008) was an American film director who is credited with launching the "[[Golden Age of Porn]]". He wrote and directed the two most famous films of the 1970s "[[Porno Chic]]" era: ''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]'' (1972) and ''[[The Devil in Miss Jones]]'' (1973).

Damiano was known for bringing a sophisticated, "auteur" sensibility to adult cinema, often utilizing complex narratives, professional lighting, and psychological themes that were previously absent from the genre.

== Early Life and Career ==
Born in the Bronx to an Italian-American family, Damiano served in the U.S. Navy before working as an X-ray technician and later as a hairdresser in New York City. He often claimed that the sexual gossip he overheard in his salon convinced him there was a massive, untapped market for adult films that would appeal to couples and mainstream audiences.

He entered the film industry as a crew member on low-budget horror and "sexploitation" films in the late 1960s, often working under pseudonyms such as '''Jerry Gerard''' or '''Albert Gork'''.

== The "Auteur" of Adult Cinema ==
Damiano's work is distinguished by his refusal to treat adult films as mere "loops."

* '''Deep Throat (1972):''' Shot on a budget of $22,500, the film became a worldwide phenomenon. Damiano’s focus on comedy and high production values helped the film achieve massive crossover success.
* '''The Devil in Miss Jones (1973):''' This film proved Damiano was more than a "one-hit wonder." Inspired by existentialist philosophy, it was the 7th highest-grossing film of

Meese Commission

2026-03-18T02:59:08Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox committee | name = Attorney General's Commission on Pornography | image = | caption = The "Meese Report" was published in July 1986. | alternate_names = The Meese Commission | dates = 1985–1986 | chair = Henry Hudson | appointed_by = Ronald Reagan | overseen_by = Edwin Meese (Attorney General) | size = 1,960 pages (Final Report) }} == Overview == The '''Meese Commission'..."

{{Infobox committee
| name = Attorney General's Commission on Pornography
| image =
| caption = The "Meese Report" was published in July 1986.
| alternate_names = The Meese Commission
| dates = 1985–1986
| chair = [[Henry Hudson]]
| appointed_by = [[Ronald Reagan]]
| overseen_by = [[Edwin Meese]] (Attorney General)
| size = 1,960 pages (Final Report)
}}

== Overview ==
The '''Meese Commission''' was a federal commission charged with investigating the nature, extent, and impact of pornography on American society. Named after Attorney General '''[[Edwin Meese]]''', the commission was a direct response to the "[[Porno Chic]]" movement of the 1970s and the rise of the home video market.

Unlike the 1970 [[President's Commission on Obscenity and Pornography]] (which recommended decriminalization), the Meese Commission concluded that pornography was linked to sexual violence and recommended a massive law enforcement crackdown.

== Formation and Goals ==
By 1985, social conservatives and certain wings of the feminist movement (led by [[Andrea Dworkin]] and [[Catharine MacKinnon]]) had become increasingly concerned about the mainstreaming of explicit material. The commission was established with a $500,000 budget to:
* Determine the link between pornography and anti-social behavior.
* Analyze the involvement of organized crime in the industry.
* Recommend new federal and local legislation to contain the spread of obscenity.

== Key Findings ==
The commission divided pornography into four categories, assigning different levels of "harm" to each:
# '''Sexually Violent Material:''' The commission found a "causal relationship" between exposure to violent pornography and increased aggression toward women.
# '''Non-violent but Degrading Material:''' Found to contribute to the "subjugation" of women and the distortion of sexual reality.
# '''Non-violent/Non-degrading Material:''' Largely considered "victimless," though still viewed as a moral concern.
# '''Child Pornography:''' Unanimously condemned as a criminal enterprise involving the physical abuse of minors.

== Notable Testimony ==
=== Linda Lovelace ===
Perhaps the most famous moment of the hearings was the testimony of '''[[Linda Lovelace]]''' (Linda Boreman). She told the commission:
<blockquote>"Virtually every time someone watches that movie [''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]''], they're watching me being raped."</blockquote>
Her testimony provided the moral weight the commission needed to frame the adult industry as an industry of coercion rather than "sexual liberation."

== Impact on the Industry ==
The commission's 92 recommendations led to immediate and long-term changes:
* '''Retail Pressure:''' The commission sent letters to major convenience store chains (like 7-Eleven) warning them they might be listed as "pornography distributors." This led to the widespread removal of magazines like ''Playboy'' and ''Penthouse'' from mainstream retail shelves.
* '''Task Forces:''' The creation of the **National Obscenity Enforcement Unit** (now the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the DOJ), which began "multiple-district prosecutions" to bankrupt adult film distributors through legal costs.
* '''RICO Statutes:''' The commission recommended using anti-racketeering laws to seize the assets of adult film companies.

== Criticism ==
The "Meese Report" was heavily criticized by civil libertarians and scientists:
* '''Bad Science:''' Critics argued the commission ignored existing

Linda Lovelace

2026-03-18T02:58:27Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox person | name = Linda Lovelace | image = | caption = Lovelace at the height of her fame, c. 1973 | birth_name = Linda Susan Boreman | birth_date = {{Birth date|1949|1|10}} | death_date = {{Death date and age|2002|4|22|1949|1|10}} | occupation = Actress, Author, Activist | years_active = 1969–1975 (Film) | known_for = ''Deep Throat'', ''Ordeal'' }} ==..."

{{Infobox person
| name = Linda Lovelace
| image =
| caption = Lovelace at the height of her fame, c. 1973
| birth_name = Linda Susan Boreman
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1949|1|10}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2002|4|22|1949|1|10}}
| occupation = Actress, Author, Activist
| years_active = 1969–1975 (Film)
| known_for = ''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]'', ''[[Ordeal (book)|Ordeal]]''
}}

== Overview ==
'''Linda Lovelace''' (born '''Linda Susan Boreman'''; January 10, 1949 – April 22, 2002) was an American [[adult film]] actress who became a worldwide cultural icon following the 1972 release of ''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]''.

Later in life, she became a prominent critic of the adult industry and a spokesperson for the anti-pornography movement. Her 1980 autobiography, ''[[Ordeal (book)|Ordeal]]'', detailed allegations of extreme abuse and coercion during the production of her most famous film, fundamentally changing the public and legal discourse surrounding the industry.

== Early Life and Deep Throat ==
Born in the Bronx, New York, Boreman moved to Florida where she met Chuck Traynor, who would become her husband and manager.

In 1972, under the pseudonym Linda Lovelace, she starred in ''[[Deep Throat (film)|Deep Throat]]''. The film’s unprecedented success turned her into a mainstream celebrity; she was photographed by Annie Leibovitz for ''Rolling Stone'' and became a frequent guest on the national talk show circuit.

== The Turning Point: "Ordeal" ==
In 1980, after divorcing Traynor and retiring from the industry, Lovelace published her memoir, '''''Ordeal'''''. In the book, she made several shocking claims:
* She asserted that she was held captive and forced into performing in ''Deep Throat'' under threat of physical violence.
* She stated that Traynor used a handgun to coerce her and that her "smile" on screen was actually a mask of terror.
* She famously told the press: "When you see that movie, you are watching me being raped."

== Activism and Feminism ==
Following the publication of her book, Lovelace became a hero to the anti-pornography feminist movement of the 1980s.
* She worked closely with activists '''Gloria Steinem''', '''Andrea Dworkin''', and '''Catharine MacKinnon'''.
* In 1986, she testified before the '''Meese Commission''' (the Attorney General's Commission on Pornography), providing a first-hand account of the dangers she believed were inherent in the industry.

== Later Life and Death ==
Lovelace eventually remarried, moved to Long Island, and lived a private life as a mother and medical assistant. She underwent a liver transplant in the 1980s and struggled with health issues for several years.

She died on April 22, 2002, in Denver, Colorado, following a car accident.

== Media Depictions ==
* '''[[Inside Deep Throat]] (2005):''' A documentary exploring the legacy of her film and her subsequent activism.
* '''[[Lovelace]] (2013):''' A biographical drama starring '''Amanda Seyfried''' as Linda and '''Peter Sarsgaard''' as Chuck Traynor.

== See Also ==
* [[Deep Throat (film)]]
* [[Golden Age of Porn]]
* [[Meese Commission]]
* [[Gloria Steinem]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:2002 deaths]]
[[Category:American adult film actresses]]
[[Category:American anti-pornography activists]]
[[Category:American memoirists]]

Deep Throat (film)

2026-03-18T02:57:50Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox movie | name = Deep Throat | image = | caption = Original theatrical poster | director = Gerard Damiano | producer = Louis Peraino | writer = Gerard Damiano | starring = Linda Lovelace Harry Reems | music = | cinematography = | editing = | released = {{Start date|1972|06|12}} | runtime = 61 minutes | country = United States | language = English | b..."

{{Infobox movie
| name = Deep Throat
| image =
| caption = Original theatrical poster
| director = [[Gerard Damiano]]
| producer = Louis Peraino
| writer = Gerard Damiano
| starring = [[Linda Lovelace]] [[Harry Reems]]
| music =
| cinematography =
| editing =
| released = {{Start date|1972|06|12}}
| runtime = 61 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $22,500
| gross = $30 million - $600 million (disputed)
}}

== Overview ==
'''Deep Throat''' is a 1972 American [[adult film]] that became one of the most significant cultural phenomena of the 1970s. Written and directed by [[Gerard Damiano]], it is credited with launching the "[[Golden Age of Porn]]" (or "Porno Chic"), a period where adult cinema achieved mainstream theatrical success and critical attention.

The film is famous for its absurdist plot involving a woman (Lovelace) who discovers her clitoris is located in her throat, leading her to seek medical advice from a doctor (Reems).

== Historical Significance ==
=== Mainstream Success ===
Unlike previous "underground" adult films, ''Deep Throat'' was attended by mainstream celebrities, politicians, and couples. It was famously reviewed by the ''New York Times'' and mentioned in major talk shows, making it a "must-see" cultural event in New York City and Los Angeles during the early 1970s.

=== Profitability ===
The film is often cited as one of the most profitable independent films of all time. While the exact box office numbers are heavily disputed due to the involvement of organized crime in its distribution, estimates range from $30 million to as high as $600 million over several decades.

== Legal Battles ==
The film was at the center of several landmark legal cases regarding the [[First Amendment]] and obscenity laws in the United States.
* '''New York Trial (1973):''' A judge ruled the film "obscene," leading to its temporary ban in New York City.
* '''Harry Reems Prosecution:''' In a highly controversial move, co-star [[Harry Reems]] was prosecuted by the federal government for "conspiracy to transport obscene material across state lines." This led to a major defense campaign by mainstream Hollywood figures like Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.

== Controversies ==
In her 1980 autobiography ''Ordeal'', lead actress [[Linda Lovelace]] (born Linda Boreman) claimed that she had been coerced and physically abused by her then-husband, Chuck Traynor, into performing in the film. These revelations shifted the public perception of the film and fueled significant debate within the feminist movement regarding the adult industry.

== Legacy and "Deep Throat" Pseudonym ==
The film's title became so ingrained in the American lexicon that it was used as the pseudonym for the secret informant (later revealed to be Mark Felt) who provided information to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during the '''[[Watergate scandal]]'''.

== See Also ==
* [[Behind the Green Door]]
* [[The Devil in Miss Jones]]
* [[Porno Chic]]
* [[Gerard Damiano]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:1972 films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Gerard Damiano]]
[[Category:Censorship in the United States]]

The Devil in Miss Jones

2026-03-18T02:57:22Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox movie | name = The Devil in Miss Jones | image = | caption = Original 1973 theatrical poster | director = Gerard Damiano | producer = Gerard Damiano | writer = Gerard Damiano | starring = Georgina Spelvin Harry Reems | music = Alden Shuman | cinematography = João Fernandes | editing = Gerard Damiano | released = {{Start date|1973|03|28}} | runtime = 68 minutes |..."

{{Infobox movie
| name = The Devil in Miss Jones
| image =
| caption = Original 1973 theatrical poster
| director = [[Gerard Damiano]]
| producer = Gerard Damiano
| writer = Gerard Damiano
| starring = [[Georgina Spelvin]] [[Harry Reems]]
| music = Alden Shuman
| cinematography = João Fernandes
| editing = Gerard Damiano
| released = {{Start date|1973|03|28}}
| runtime = 68 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $25,000
| gross = $15 million (U.S. theatrical)
}}

== Overview ==
'''The Devil in Miss Jones''' is a 1973 American [[adult film]] written and directed by [[Gerard Damiano]]. Released during the height of the "[[Golden Age of Porn]]" (or "[[Porno Chic]]"), it is widely regarded as one of the most artistically significant films in the genre.

Unlike many contemporary adult features, the film utilizes a sophisticated narrative structure inspired by Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist play ''No Exit''. It is famously known for its somber tone, high production values, and the debut performance of [[Georgina Spelvin]].

== Plot ==
The story follows Justine Jones (Spelvin), a lonely woman who dies by suicide. Because she has lived a life devoid of passion or sin, she finds herself in a bureaucratic version of Limbo. She meets a cosmic entity named Abaca (John Clemens) and begs for a "reprieve" to return to Earth and experience the lust she missed during her life, in order to "earn" her place in Hell.

She is mentored by "The Teacher" ([[Harry Reems]]) in a series of sexual encounters. However, the film ends on a dark, ironic note: once Justine has become a "sex addict," her time expires. She is sent to her personal Hell—a small room with an indifferent, impotent man who ignores her, leaving her in a state of eternal, unfulfilled desire.

== Critical Reception ==
The film was a massive critical and commercial success, outperforming many mainstream Hollywood films in 1973.
* '''Roger Ebert:''' Gave the film a 3-out-of-4 star rating, calling it the "best" of its genre and praising Spelvin as possibly the only real actress in the field.
* '''Variety:''' Stated that with this film, the "hard-core porno feature approaches an art form."
* '''Mainstream Success:''' It was the seventh highest-grossing film of 1973, ranking alongside mainstream hits like ''Paper Moon'' and ''Live and Let Die''.

== Production Notes ==
* '''Georgina Spelvin:''' She was originally hired as the production's caterer. Damiano cast her after hearing her read lines while assisting with auditions.
* '''Location:''' Much of the film was shot in a converted apple-packing plant in Pennsylvania.
* '''Soundtrack:''' The film features an original score by Alden Shuman, moving away from the generic library music used in most adult films of the time.

== Legacy ==
* '''Awards:''' One of the first films inducted into the [[XRCO Hall of Fame]].
* '''Sequels:''' The film spawned numerous sequels and remakes, most notably a big-budget 2005 remake starring [[Jenna Jameson]] and [[Savanna Samson]].
* '''Public Domain:''' Due to a failure to renew the copyright under older U.S. laws, the original 1973 film is currently in the public domain.

== See Also ==
* [[Deep Throat (film)]]
* [[Behind the Green Door]]
* [[Georgina Spelvin]]
* [[Gerard Damiano]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:1973 films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Gerard Damiano]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:Existentialist films]]

Golden Age of Porn (film)

2026-03-18T02:56:44Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox movie | name = The Golden Age of Porn | image = | caption = A retrospective of the "Porno Chic" era. | director = Gerard Damiano, The Mitchell Brothers, Radley Metzger | producer = Various | writer = Various | starring = Marilyn Chambers Linda Lovelace Georgina Spelvin | released = 1969–1984 (Era) | country = United States | language = English }} == Over..."

Marilyn Chambers

2026-03-18T02:54:24Z

Pornography Wiki: Created page with "{{Infobox person | name = Marilyn Chambers | image = | caption = Chambers in the mid-1970s | birth_name = Marilyn Ann Briggs | birth_date = {{Birth date|1952|4|22}} | death_date = {{Death date and age|2009|4|12|1952|4|22}} | occupation = Actress, model, singer, politician | years_active = 1970–2009 | known_for = ''Behind the Green Door'', Ivory Snow "girl next door" image }} == Overview == '''Mari..."

{{Infobox person
| name = Marilyn Chambers
| image =
| caption = Chambers in the mid-1970s
| birth_name = Marilyn Ann Briggs
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1952|4|22}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2009|4|12|1952|4|22}}
| occupation = Actress, model, singer, politician
| years_active = 1970–2009
| known_for = ''[[Behind the Green Door]]'', Ivory Snow "girl next door" image
}}

== Overview ==
'''Marilyn Chambers''' (born '''Marilyn Ann Briggs'''; April 22, 1952 – April 12, 2009) was an American adult film actress, model, and mainstream film star. She is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the history of adult cinema, specifically for her role in the "[[Golden Age of Porn]]".

Chambers achieved international notoriety when it was revealed that the star of the explicit film ''[[Behind the Green Door]]'' was the same model appearing on boxes of '''Ivory Snow''' laundry detergent as a "pure" mother holding a baby.

== Early Career and the "Ivory Snow" Scandal ==
Before entering the adult industry, Chambers was a successful mainstream model. In 1970, she was cast as the face of [[Procter & Gamble]]'s "Ivory Snow" detergent. The advertisement featured her dressed in white, holding a young child, under the slogan "99 and 44/100% Pure."

When her debut adult film, ''[[Behind the Green Door]]'', was released in 1972, the contrast between her "pure" corporate image and the film's content created a massive media scandal. Procter & Gamble immediately pulled the product from shelves, which inadvertently provided millions of dollars in free publicity for the film.

== Adult Film Career ==
=== Behind the Green Door (1972) ===
Chambers was paid a record-breaking $25,000 for her role in the film directed by the [[Mitchell Brothers]]. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Chambers was praised for her athletic presence and "girl-next-door" charisma, which helped the film appeal to mainstream suburban audiences.

=== Later Works ===
Chambers remained a major star for decades, appearing in high