HER NAME WAS LISA (1979) Part 1

Previously seen on this channel in a one-off video that was my very first ever uploaded to YouTube, I decided to spend a little more time focusing on this, the first adult feature from the late Roger Watkins. Prior to making this film, Watkins had watched his feature length debut THE CUCKOO CLOCKS OF HELL crash and burn, only to resurface without his blessings as LAST HOUSE ON DEAD END STREET, then a script for Roberta Findlay's MYSTIQUE received no credit. Let's just say that his experiences in the film world were thus far nothing to be happy about. HER NAME WAS LISA is the work of an artist struggling to make his way in an industry that promised lots of cash but threatened to consume his humanity. You only receive slight hints here of his existential scripts that would figure into a triumvirate of brilliance (MIDNIGHT HEAT, CORRUPTION, AMERICAN BABYLON), but if you can get past the horrendously photographed sex scenes and maneuver around some of the rather amateurish performances, you may just be moved by this one.

Samantha Fox stars as Lisa, a prostitute in a cathouse who's seen it all. She is introduced in her coffin, and the viewer is allowed to meet three people who figured into her life on the way to her early grave. First is Paul (Rick Iverson), a handsome photographer who attempts to save her from a life of debauchery by making her his exclusive model. However, he loses her to millionaire client Mr. Sweet, whose promise of wealth to his favorite model ensures that her relationship with struggling artist Paul is over.

It's pretty clear that Watkins sees a lot of himself in Paul: an artist stuck in the sex industry who wears his heart on his sleeve, only to have it broken so easily. One has to wonder, as the film progresses, if Watkins drew upon one or two real-life Lisa's for the character. Or does he see himself in her as well?

Note: This series of clips from HER NAME WAS LISA is taken from a very rare VHS release of the cable version. I chose to source that over the Alpha Blue disc because the image is so much clearer.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Roger
• Watkins
• Samantha
• Fox
• Rick
• Iverson
• nude
• model
• classic
• adult
• porn
• sex
• ploitation

[RitchieBrinckmore]

Kraftwerk FTW!

[TheForgottenFlesh]

Roger was a true visionary. Despite his disapointment in Last House On Dead End Street, the film is still a favourite of mine, a true inspiration. Watkins himself is also an influence on me, his story is a tragic one, but his advice and feelings towards not only the film industry, but life itself is trully inspiring, thought provoking and will always remain an idol of mine, not only as a filmmaker, writter, artist, but as a human in general.

[acontam2]

Wonderful film

[jamesbrownintown]

20 bucks! Is that all, wow, times were cheap back then

[kamz73]

mmmm

[dconflict]

AWESOME FLICK!!!!!!  Tho Paul can't act worth beans tho

[shelly10538]

Is this edited?

[ChopstickBrando]

@kptn6 But it works, doesn't it? Perfect 70s mood.

[slobomotion]

This movie did have its appreciaters at the time. I was there in the thick of things, so to speak.

[slobomotion]

I believe I still have quite a few VHS tapes of this type of stuff. Will trade or whatever. France.

[TheElephant79]

Great !