Shy and reserved filmmaker Paul (a fine and likable performance by Eric Edwards) develops a bizarre obsession with a female mannequin after the woman that he loved dies in an automobile accident. Paul goes to see psychiatrist Dr. Tracy (well played by Reggi Defoe) about his weird hang-up. Meanwhile, Dr. Tracy's smitten secretary Julie (a solid and appealing portrayal by ravishing brunette Leah Marlon) tries to get Paul to come out of his shell. While director Kemal Horulu for the most part handles the offbeat, yet still engrossing and affecting story with admirable taste and seriousness, he nonetheless allows for a few welcome moments of charming whimsical humor. Moreover, Horulu makes nice use of New York City locations while the sex scenes are really hot and vigorous. The tiptop cast of dependable East Coast hardcore stalwarts helps a lot: Mark Stevens participates in a tasty threesome with foxy gals Julia Sorel and Helen Madigan while Jennifer Welles and Darby Lloyd Rains have a couple of sizzling lesbian make-out scenes. Edwards brings a winning sincerity and conviction to his potentially laughable and ridiculous character. Paul's fixation on the mannequin makes for a novel fetish, plus he does a little cross dressing as well. The eclectic score nicely alternates between classical music cues and funky-throbbing get-down groovy tunes. Horulu's sharp cinematography provides an attractive glossy look. This film earns extra points for the beguiling strangeness of its oddball premise alone. Fans of unusual Golden Age adult fare should dig this one.
Review of Virgin and the Lover
