Sadie (1980) User Reviews

Satisfied with My Work More or Less

[cantarachristopher-1 · 7/10 · 23 June 2005]

I was the first one hired for this picture--they liked the accent I managed to concoct during the cold reading at my audition and I signed the contract that day.

This was the best-financed project I was ever a part of. I won't say it was my best role as a performer, but if I'd decided to go on in the profession it was a type I would have built a career on--you know, the comic tropical woman.

(In Dork & Sindy aka Playmates, my first picture, I was the wacky Oriental neighbor.)

As for striking a balance between the "hot" and aesthetic factors (you have to start assessing artistic values someplace) Sadie should hold up pretty well. The script--a retelling of Maugham's creaky old classic, Rain aka Sadie Thompson--will seem pretty dated by now, but there were some good production values and a conscientious director and camera-sound man, so it should at least not be an assault on one's delicate senses (only, for some, on their sensibilities).

Cantara Trivia: - This was the only film (so far) in which I never engaged in intercourse. - What I did to the leading man at lunchtime gives a new meaning to the term craft services.

Porn with craftsmanship but absolutely dead

[lor_ · 15 June 2015]

SADIE is director Bob Chinn's followup to his personal favorite film TROPIC OF DESIRE, which was a wonderful nostalgia piece about WW II. Unfortunately SADIE is lifeless, an instructive example of what can go wrong en route to a wrap.

This is the umpteenth version of Maugham's MISS SADIE THOMPSON and unfolds under Chinn's dead serious direction like a play shot for television. The actors are competent, line readings correct, and dramatic arc follows Maugham. However, there is no inspiration - star Chris Cassidy in the title role merely gets through her part (en route to the requisite XXX scenes), never expressing any real emotion.

The problem is simple - as any one who has attended acting classes or rehearsed a play knows, the director attempts to get the most from his actors, not just correct enunciation of lines but rather an understanding of character and text and some life into the performance. Chinn has gotten the bare minimum, understandable in the context of getting a low-budget film completed.

It's not just porn but any indie film that can (and so frequently does) fall prey to this syndrome. I have seen hundreds of unreleased movies that seemed technically well-made, but were lacking even a semblance of life force. SADIE is one of them.

Lead Gary Eberhart is also guilty of a nothing performance, and in character roles (with sex added) Deborah Sullavan and Diane Holt merely prove they weren't ready for the big time. Technical credits are all quite good, but that simply isn't enough.

Excellent early 80's hardcore winner

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 9 October 2014]

1971. Brassy and beautiful prostitute Sade (a delightfully sassy and sultry performance by luscious blonde Chris Cassidy) lives on an island during the Vietnam War. Sadie's life gets turned topsy turvy with the arrival of devout Christian Senator Daniels (a perfectly uptight and robust portrayal by Joseph Darling), who makes it his mission in life to save Sadie's wicked soul.

Director Bob Chinn ably crafts a compelling and claustrophobic chamber piece that's not only rich in groovy early 70's period atmosphere, but also packs an unexpectedly strong dramatic punch thanks to the surprisingly substantial script, well drawn characters, and plenty of snappy dialogue. Moreover, it's acted with zest by a capable cast, with especially stand-out contributions by Jerome Daniels as dashing stud Jack, Gary Eberhart as the easygoing Bear ((Eberhart also composed the right-on funky'n'folksy score), Deborah Sullivan as the repressed Mrs. Daniels, Diana Holt as the sweet and virginal Honore, Elmo Lavino as amiable bartender Doc, and Larry Price as slick hustler Harry. Ken Gibb's sharp cinematography provides a neat polished look. Recommended viewing for both Chinn fans and 80's porn aficionados alike.