LOS ANGELES—Deep Throat is commemorating its 50th anniversary with a West Coast tour launched by the late director Gerard Damiano’s adult children, Christar and Gerard Damiano, Jr., starting at the end of May 2023. The talkbacks after the two Los Angeles screenings on June 2 and 3 will be moderated by sexologist and author Dr. Susan Block, a.k.a. Dr. Suzy.
“The Zeitgeist of 1972, Deep Throat brought adult films into the mainstream and kickstarted the Sexual Revolution,” states DamianoFilms.com. “Its success was unprecedented, breaking box office records in its very first week of exhibition. Lauded as one of the first hardcore films to feature a plot, character development, and production values, it pushed the limits of what could be shown on screen and made an international celebrity of its star, Linda Lovelace.”
The talkbacks will focus on the history, cultural impact, and various controversies surrounding the film, to help contextualize Deep Throat for younger generations as well as those who remember when it was first released in the 1970s.
“I first saw Deep Throat on a date in a big New Haven Theater, circa 1977,” recalled Dr. Block who appeared on E! True Hollywood Story’s “Linda Lovelace” episode in 2000 and broadcast shows live from “The Deep Throat Sex Scandal” (the play) and “Harry Reems Tribute” in 2013. “Honestly, I was shocked. I had never seen such large and well-lit genitalia! But soon enough, I relaxed and enjoyed it. By then, Deep Throat had become a household name, having gone beyond the box office to impact freedom of speech and obscenity laws, as well as help bring about the resignation of disgraced U.S. President Richard M. Nixon (who, incidentally, tried to shut down the film). Whether they loved it or hated it, even if they never saw it, everybody knew—and still knows—'Deep Throat.’
“Later, I learned about the controversies raised by parts of the Feminist Left in addition to the Religious Right, as well as Linda Lovelace herself,” Block continued. “Whatever the facts of the matter, we want to reopen a dialogue about the film, including Lovelace’s complex story, as well as changing attitudes towards sexuality in our society, and Deep Throat’s impact on American cinematic and cultural history. No doubt, Deep Throat entertained, aroused, disturbed and outraged the world—and it still does. So, I’m looking forward to seeing the movie as its director intended, and I’m also excited to discuss the issues surrounding this seminal (in every sense of the word) film with the Damianos and members of the LA community.”
Screenings followed by talkbacks moderated by Dr. Block will be held on the following days and at the following locations:
• Friday, June 2: Laemmle Royal in West Los Angeles
• Saturday, June 3: 910 WeHo in West Hollywood
• Frida Cinema in Santa Ana screening cancelled due to community pressure
For information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Block, email [email protected] or call (626) 461-5950. For more information about Deep Throat or to arrange an interview with Gerard Damiano, Jr., email [email protected] or call (718) 614-4109.
