Dixie Ray Hollywood Star (1983)

Director:

Anthony Spinelli

Writer:

Dean Rogers (screenplay)

Release Date:

1983 (USA)

Genre:

Adult | Drama | Mystery

Tagline:

There's one thing nice girls don't do...

Plot:

A pornographic film about private investigator Nick Popodopolis and his investigation into the disappearance...

Plot Keywords:

Private Investigator | Investigation | Naked Man | Lesbian Kiss | Murder

Awards:

4 wins

Cast

John Leslie	...	Nick Popodopolis
Juliet Anderson	...	Adrian
Veronica Hart	...	Sherry
Kelly Nichols	...	Leslie
Samantha Fox	...	Lisa (as Sammatha Fox and Sammatua Fox)
Cameron Mitchell	...	The Lieutenant
Lisa De Leeuw	...	Dixie Ray
John F. Goff	...	Partner (as Tom Reece)
Steve Marlow	...	Tony La Marr
Sam Baldwin	...	Little Tough Guy (as Sam Baldoni)
Chuck Dawson	...	Big Tough Guy
Chris Warfield	...	Charles T. Barclay

Also Known As:

It's Called Murder, Baby (USA) (soft porn version)

Runtime:

USA:100 min (X-rated version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:X | Iceland:16 | Finland:K-18 | USA:R

Company:

Coventry Productions

Trivia:

Although Hollywood screen veteran Cameron Mitchell agreed to appear in this movie (his first adult film), his role was strictly non-sex.

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: Actor Steve Marlow's character is listed in the film's credits as "Tony La Marr". A sign in the nightclub scene, however, spells the name "Tony Lamarr".

Movie Connections:

Spoofs The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Did Spinelli bite off more than he could chew?

What an anomaly of a picture. It's Called Murder Baby, or Dixie Ray Hollywood Star, as this film is also known, will never truly fit into either the exploitation or "mainstream Hollywood" genres. This is due mainly to the mere fact that the film (when being viewed in its full, uncut, 2+ hour version) does not have enough sex to be considered a true piece of "pornography" but still contains far too much sex to be considered as a simple "mainstream" motion picture. Therefore, what are we left with? The plot, which is set in 1943, has the feel of a low budget film noir, and it certainly does capture the seamy side of the period, involves all the classic elements of this great genre. A handsome leading man, who may or may not capture the heart of the damsel in distress, the luxurious Hollywood queen being blackmailed over salacious pictures taken of her in the raw, various unexpected twists and turns which leave the viewer in a constant state of bewilderment, and of course, endless parades of beautiful black fords, decked out in full glory. As a true film noir, Dixie is more 1980s than 1940s. The naked flesh and profane language used throughout the film is hardly characteristic of a 1940s classic, but that never really distracts from the surprisingly intriguing plot. Spinelli (even when hiding under his Dean Rogers pseudonym) is not a great screenwriter, but he really does manage to capture a good sense of tension and intrigue throughout the entire over two hour running time. The acting as a whole is no better or worse than most other B movies, but considering the fact that these actors were usually paid for their bodies rather than their acting ability, to see that they do really have fairly decent thespian skills is an extra treat. Also, considering the fact that this film features the acting talents of Hollywood star Cameron Mitchell, in a small role though, the believability of certain scenes is greatly enhanced. Hardcore perennial John Leslie gives an excellent performance, as always, as the leading man, as does the ever talented Veronica (Jane Hamilton) Hart as a cheap call girl. Spinelli has always been one of the more talented directors of hardcore cinema, and he certainly does not disappoint here. He creates a lavish production, full of pleasing visuals, and tight, well thought out shots. It is unfortunate that this film ended up being such a colossal failure during its R Rated release, for it could have launched Spinelli into a whole new world of film-making. From a technical standpoint, Dixie Ray looks just as good as any Hollywood film. The cinematography and production design are both excellent, as is the original musical score. Even the coy use of extras, such as a brief shot of a black maid mopping the hallway of Leslie's building adds an extra degree of realism. Unfortunately this film has never been officially released uncut on video or DVD in the USA so for the time being one will have to make due with either the 101 minute hardcore version (missing 40 minutes of plot) or the 94 minute R Rated edit, missing all the sex footage. In my opinion, see the R Rated version if any.