Laura's Toys

Released by: Retro-Seduction Cinema
Released on: 2006
Directors: Joe Sarno
Cast: Rebecca Brooke, Eric Edwards, Katja Von Graff
Year:
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The Movie:
Sexy blonde Laura (Rebecca Brooke, Abigail Leslie is Back in Town) goes to Sweden with her archeologist husband Walter (Eric Edwards, The Private Afternoons of Pamela Mann) and his assistant Anna (Katja Von Graff, in her only credited film role). Laura has no real interest in her husband's work, as she makes obvious while strutting her cleavage around the dig site, and is more interested in sex than anything else. This is upsetting to Walter, who really wants his wife to pay attention to his brilliance, and it causes a bit of a rift in the marriage. Anna really digs Walter's work and Walter, and this turns him on, so he porks her but isn't too careful about it. Laura sees the action up close and decides to get revenge on old Walter for his infidelity by calling on an old friend of hers for some hot lesbo a-go-go action.

Enter into the picture Hanni (Anita Eriksson, Sex in Sweden), Laura's sexy as hell blonde bombshell friend who she used to have steamy sex with back in the day. But that doesn't cut it, and she decides to go after him through his little tramp of an assistant, and works on seducing her. Hanni seduces Walter and Anna with some 3-way action, which should enrage Laura even more about her husband's womanizing. But does it? Or does she accept the free love concept and live happily ever after? The big reveal at the film's end may not surprise you.

Dumb story right? Right. But what sets this apart from the countless other softcore romps with the same plot is the sex itself. Even though the camera doesn't show hardcore penetration, it sure looks like the actors are really having sex. Sex that they're really enjoying. Where Sarno isn't focusing on the gooch shots and gynecological cinematography, he instead focuses on the faces of the women, who look very much like they're having real orgasms, which intensifies the action and turns up the eroticism. The acting is pretty good, forcing hardcore porno actors to use their Thespian talents over their gonad abilities, but give Rebecca Brooke and Katja Von Graff major awards if those orgasms were faked.

Shot on location in Stockholm, Sweden, but you'd never know it since the story takes place on a lake with nothing around but trees that looks like they could be anywhere USA (save for one scene in the city). But the photography is nice, and the filmmakers make good use of the landscape, showcasing its beauty. Sarno takes an average story and fills the screen with some interesting visuals, combining the natural with the au naturel. This film isn't up there with his more well-known stuff, but it does entertain and certainly gives the viewer a healthy dose of erotica while keeping the slime-ridden taints out of the picture. If you're looking for some solid 70s softcore to help you and your honey get into the mood, this is a good candidate for a couple's movie.

Video/Audio/Extras:
The film's transfer to disc from Retro-Seduction Cinema is in an aspect of 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, and given the age and the fact that it's a low-budget movie, things look pretty good. There is certainly dirt and some print damage, but it's pretty minimal and doesn't take away from the watch-ability of the piece. Colors look okay and black levels are decent. The audio is a 2.0 channel Dolby Digital track, but its mono, and it sounds fine. Nothing to get excited about. As with the video, there're some imperfections to be found, but seemingly nothing to do with the authoring of the disc.

There is a nice batch of supplemental material to go through, starting with a commentary by star Eric Edwards, moderated by film historian Michael Bowen. The conversation is interesting and Bowen keeps Edwards talking throughout, and Edwards has lots to share. Really good stuff and well worth the listen. There is an interview with Joe and Peggy Sarno lasting a little over seven minutes and an interview with Eric Edwards at about six minutes, and although short in time they deliver some good stuff, but leave the viewer wanting more. Lastly is a “Trailer Vault” with other titles from the disc label. As an extra bonus, the disc comes with an 8-page booklet with an essay by Michael Bowen, explaining some of the history behind the movie and its distribution. Great stuff and a welcome addition to the release.

The Final Word:
While probably not the first Sarno movie to be mentioned in a Sarno conversation, Laura's Toys is certainly worthy of attention. It's full of beautiful women, erotic (real?) sex, and should hold your attention. The transfer is pretty decent and the extras really add value to the overall release.