Inserts (1975)

A young, once-great Hollywood film director refuses to accept changing times during the early 1930s, and confines himself to his decaying mansion to make silent porn flicks.

Director:

John Byrum

Writer:

John Byrum

Stars:

Richard Dreyfuss, Jessica Harper, Bob Hoskins

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Richard Dreyfuss	...	Boy Wonder
Jessica Harper	...	Cathy Cake
Bob Hoskins	...	Big Mac
Veronica Cartwright	...	Harlene
Stephen Davies	...	Rex, the Wonder Dog

Storyline

A once-great silent film director, unable to make the transition to the new talkies, lives as a near-hermit in his Hollywood home, making cheap, silent sex films, and suffering in the knowledge of his sexual impotence, and apathetic about the plans to demolish his home to make way for a highway. His producer and his producer's girlfriend come by to see how he is doing (and to supply heroin to the actress as her payment). The girlfriend stays to watch them filming, and is deeply impressed by his methods. When the actress goes to the bathroom, and dies there of an overdose, the girlfriend takes her place in the film. Then the producer returns.

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Plot Keywords:

1930s | sex | gold digger | girl wearing panties | love interest | 

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Taglines:

Now they make pornos. But they're brilliant pornos.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated NC-17 for explicit sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Richard Dreyfuss has more than once claimed "Inserts" to be his favorite of his own work.

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Goofs

Sitting at piano, Boy Wonder plays song Moonglow, written in 1934. The movie takes place at least three or four years earlier (characters repeatedly talk about a then-unknown actor named Clark Gable, already a big star by time song was written).

NOTE: "Moonglow" is not explicitly referenced as such, and is virtually identical to 1929's "Sweeter Than Sweet", so this may not be a goof.

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Quotes

Cathy Cake: You think you're treating me rough, but I don't care. I'll do anything you say, things that would've made me sick to think about just before I met you.
Boy Wonder: Would've made you sick to think about lying back down there, please?
Cathy Cake: You want me to take my skirt off?
Boy Wonder: Sure.
Cathy Cake: I hope you humiliate me. I hope you make me do dirty, disgusting, horrible things. Violent, savage things. Oh, would you hang this up for me, please?

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Crazy Credits

The end credits are shown in black-and-white, against a backdrop of a silk cloth. It is also grainier and scratched in spots compared to the rest of the film. It is very reminiscent of the credits of vintage 30's melodramas.

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Alternate Versions

Although the print submitted was the longer version the original UK cinema release was cut by the BBFC to edit the pre-credits sequence and some footage from the sex scene between Harlene and Rex. The 1987 Warner video was uncut.

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Connections

Referenced in 42nd Street Forever, Volume 5: The Alamo Drafthouse Edition (2009)

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Soundtracks

Moonglow
Written by Will Hudson, Edgar De Lange and Irving Mills
Played by Joe Venuti and his orchestra
recording courtesy of RCA records

User Reviews

That was quite unique ! I like it!

I think many reviewers have lost the point here. This is no excuse for porn, you guys. If you want porn, go get porn. And if you are put off by a film that entirely takes place in an apartment, stay away. But I think that this film is not one you get to see every day. Its special 'plot' and context could only create a unique film. So, its rare... where do we find it? I saw it on MGM, late at night...

This is a pretty sophisticated film on making porn. Dreyfuss is excellent as the alcoholic director. All in all, you are likely to love it if you like smart, dialog based films, and of course if you're not offended by some nudity and decadence. But what did you expect? This guys is making porn films in his apartment!

Provocative , a bit offensive , surprisingly shockin, yes, but unique and original as well. Note: this is no expoitation flick, even though some might view enjoy it as such...

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 February 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

Inserts

Filming Locations:

Lee International Studios, Shepperton, Surrey, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Film and General Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min 99 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1