Society Affairs has been a long-awaited movie for adult film lovers for several reasons.  First, it marks the return of Harry Reems, the superstar actor who hasn’t made an X-rated film for over seven years.  Also, it’s a film made by the Harold Lime-Robert McCallum team that gave us such classics as The Ecstasy Girls and Amanda By Night.  It’s been rumored they spent a pretty penny on this project.  And, this was originally thought to be Veronica Hart’s last adult feature (we’ve since learned otherwise.) Unfortunately, Society Affairs is a mild disappointment

Society Affairs is Harry’s show all the way: the opening titles not only give him top billing, but trumpet the film as “Harry Reems in his Society Affairs.”  He is cast as a con-man named Rick who’s looking for a quick buck.  Along with his old pal Alexis (Veronica Hart), he stumbles upon the perfect scam: he will take the place of a wealthy socialite (Howard Austin) whose about to be married to another socialite, Lillian (Kelly Nichols). Rick and Alexis plan to drug the wimpy Howard for a couple of days, then take off with his wedding gifts – valued at half a million bucks! Alexis manages to wangle an invite to the groom’s mansion, where she can set up the switcheroo.  However, it just so happens there’s a bevy of beautiful guests, relative and servants staying at the palatial mansion for the festivities.  Harry, now playing Howard, happens to stumble into many sexual situations during his brief impersonation.

Most elements are top-notch for an adult film: the settings are interesting, the screenplay amusing and the acting is spirited.  So what’s missing from this ambitious production?

Sex, that’s what!  Oh, Society Affairs has its share of sex scenes.  But on my checklist, an adult film must have either hot, graphic sex or a fair dose of eroticism. Unfortunately, Society Affairs has neither.  In fact, the best sex scenes involve the females only; Veronica Hart, Tiffany Clark, Kelly Nichols and Tara Aire are all sexy and seductive.  Sure, Harry works hard, but he’s really more at home with sex-comedy, not sexual performance.  In recent years, this major leading man role would have been given to the likes of John Leslie, Paul Thomas or Ron Jeremy.  All are decent actors who seem to get hot and heavily into the sex, unless Harry here.

It’s great to see Harry Reems back in the saddle again, but Society Affairs although classy, is a bit of a let-down.  Sorry Harry and Harold, better luck next time.