Dr. Susan Block

In the Chatroom

15 Comments

  1. Diane Z. Block
    12 · 18 · 23 @ 11:33 pm

    Looking great Cuz

    Reply

  2. Raouf Halaby
    12 · 8 · 23 @ 1:06 am

    Your most recent column not only stands out as a masterful piece of prose, but it also packed comprehensive info./facts on a topic considered taboo by the prudes who populate this country and the 50% trying their best to take us down the fascist downspout of hatred, xenophobia, and neanderthal thinking.

    Further, at a time when carnage continues to unfold in the miserable region called the Near East, your essay was a therapeutic diversion.

    Keep on keeping on.
    Raouf

    Reply

  3. Louis Peraino III
    12 · 5 · 23 @ 3:59 pm

    The Evolution of Deep Throat: Pioneering the Adult Entertainment Landscape
    by Louis Peraino III

    Dr. Block provides a realistic perspective on the film, emphasizing its cultural impact and influence on the personal experiences of moviegoers. However, amidst the vivid narrative of Deep Throat, several untold stories have lingered in the archives, shielded by a seemingly unnecessary attempt to protect certain fame-seeking “filmmakers” and their family’s tenuous claims to stardom. Setting aside stories of Linda Lovelace’s loops with man’s best friend and how her talents were truly discovered at a swinger’s party, the real story of Deep Throat blossoms when looking at the big picture. For those who were involved and saw everything firsthand, it is important to know that Deep Throat is more than just the first mainstream porn; it is the story of how the adult industry has reached the point where it is today.

    Before the explosion of adult entertainment, mature content existed in the hidden corners of VFWs and Knights of Columbus halls. The 1960s saw the rise of 8mm loops, driven by individuals connected through informal networks. This clandestine allure grew alongside rising crime rates and the ostentatious lifestyles of Italian Americans, who were often rumored to have questionable business practices.

    As society began to embrace the sexual revolution, the men who produced and released the film, such as Louis “Butchie” Peraino, utilized methods of distribution typically reserved for Hollywood films. This methodology was applicable because it was considered a “crossover film” attempting to bypass obscenity laws. By creating a vast number of reels and generating consistent marketing buzz, they spread interest far and wide using their distribution network with the help of many theater owners who had a vested interest in filling seats. By the end of the 1970s, it got to the point where even Disney had to come to Butchie when they needed 8mm reels for their mainstream products.

    Unlike traditional films, the value of Deep Throat was in the fact that people would see it multiple times. A regular film would fill the mind with conversation for chatting around the water cooler, but Deep Throat was something people took home to imagine in their heads repeatedly. When the memory started to fade, they would buy another ticket, thus continuing the cycle of profitability.

    This was the beginning of an industry, not just a movie that had encountered a stroke of luck. Other films released by Butchie, such as The Devil in Miss Jones, Debbie Does Dallas, Return of the Dragon, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, demonstrated that it was more than a fluke; it was a replicable process. Even as the adult industry evolved into the comfort and privacy of one’s home, Butchie assisted in that evolution, also continuing the relevance of Deep Throat.

    By the 1980s, Butchie had secured deals with Sony for the mass distribution of VHS players, effectively reducing the footprint of Beta and changing the availability of content yet again. This made Deep Throat available at home for a reasonable price and kept the importance of the film alive for many years to come.

    In the 1990s, Butchie’s influence could be seen in the beginning of pornography on the internet with the release of the Pam and Tommy sex tape. While Deep Throat and celebrity sex tapes could be found in adult movie stores, he pioneered some of the first online payment and shipping methods that made them available at home, thus allowing people to receive content without ever stepping foot in an adult movie store. This was a huge step forward in setting a precedent for the industry, as he and many others were convicted for the interstate shipment of obscene material when he initially released Deep Throat.

    While we may take the convenience and availability of pornography for granted today, the evolution is directly tied to Deep Throat and those who distributed it. While almost anyone would jump at the chance to make an adult film, it’s the meticulous planning, monetization, and innovative processes that transformed Deep Throat into the cornerstone of the adult entertainment industry as we know it today.

    Reply

  4. Bob Gryszka
    12 · 5 · 23 @ 3:20 pm

    Just watched both of these panel discussions….Both were great!!! First of all THANK YOU Susan for setting this all up & doing an amazing job moderating, i have seen Deep Throat many years ago on VHS,,,& being a huge fan of movies (I actually worked in a movie theater for 3years back in the late 70’s,as did many of my family members), I love the special features on DVDS now & these 2 panel discussions were like special features about the film!!! Everyone did a great job, & as always people will get educated & learn more about the film & the times & things that were going on the time ,as well as more interesting insight & thoughts & fun analysis from the gorgeous talented intelligent Dr. Susan!!! Fantastic job by everyone involved….THANK YOU!!!

    Reply

  5. Gideon Grayson
    11 · 25 · 23 @ 2:29 am

    Outstanding look into the history of the film “Deep Throat”!

    Reply

  6. MarsFX
    11 · 24 · 23 @ 8:04 pm

    It’s great to see Dr. Suzy doing what she does best, MCing another LA historical event that honors the pioneers that have come before. I really enjoyed editing all of the colorful pieces captured by Dr. Suzy’s videographers that weekend. Lots of behind the scenes with the guests at two different venues. Another in a long line of great shows!

    Reply

  7. Lynn Frields
    11 · 24 · 23 @ 6:33 pm

    Dr. Suzy does a great job summarizing and analyzing the establishment’s push back on this fun film. Gerard Damiano, the creator of Deep Throat, sure did stick out his neck to make it. He paved the way for the flowering of the adult industry and no matter how hard authorities tried to stop it, the people just wanted more. Great article and amazing videos.

    Reply

  8. bae
    11 · 23 · 23 @ 11:35 pm

    The Deep Throat film tour has provided a unique and thought-provoking experience that opens up a space for meaningful dialogue and reflection.
    The inclusion of talkback panels, moderated with skill and sensitivity by Dr. Susan Block, adds an extra layer of depth to the experience, allowing attendees to engage with the film on a personal and intellectual level.
    As we applaud the 50 years of Deep Throat, we also commend the organizers for recognizing the importance of a comprehensive discussion of the good and the bad. And Dr. Block article not only commemorates a film that pushed boundaries but also challenges us to think critically about the intersections of art, culture, and societal norms.

    Reply

  9. Ruby Aruba
    11 · 23 · 23 @ 11:14 am

    Loving everything about this. As someone who had no clue about the cultural, political, and social impact of Deep Throat, I am so happy to have came across this work. The Sexual Revolution is far from complete, but taking a look at where it started is so important in reevaluating where we are headed as a population in terms of sex positivity. It is crucial that we learn from the film and all that you have laid out for us Dr. Suzy, especially the part about anti-porn feminism. The way that Linda Lovelace was treated by her husband, and then by the public following the film’s release is tragic. I hope that whoever the next face(s) of this movement are, they are finally treated with more respect than judgement.

    Reply

  10. Maximillian Lobkowicz
    11 · 23 · 23 @ 3:35 am

    Thank you, Dr. Suzy, for another wonderful, very sexy, and always insightful look at the history of sexuality, the people, and the art that changes humans every time we are faced with images of our own sexuality.

    I was the publisher of the LA Star when Deep Throat was released. It was the Nixon era, and they were after us sex folks with prosecutions and religious fervor; God was on their side.

    Deep Throat was like thousands of sperm missiles jumping from the screen into their dirty minds. Everything they fantasized about was now there for everyone to see. They seemed exposed, panicked and shamed. Their army of censors was on the march.

    Not much has changed; in fact, it’s worse. For the most part, there are no handcuffs. The Deadly 7 words of broadcast have multiplied to hundreds in books, on radio, television, and the internet.

    There is no appeal; like a leper, you are booted out of your own community that you built in the community that we all share on this hot mother earth. You have been silenced and thrown out on the curb of shame for speaking the secret word.

    Of course, we all love deep throats and thoughts around here. What a Beautiful story, Dr. Suzy. Thank you, I love you MAX

    Reply

  11. DRe Day
    11 · 23 · 23 @ 3:09 am

    Dr. Suzy’s “Deep Throat does LA” is out! I didn’t attend the first night, though everyone looks so glamorous, and the Laemmle theatre aesthetics look lovely. I was at the 910 WeHo night, and what a blast it was. I pulled out my best bar-kept secrets and I pulled off “Best Bartender.” Everyone was in great spirits. Dr. Suzy was a fantastic hostess. Tom was a great host. 910 WeHo was the perfect venue (I thought) for a Deep Throat night. Check out the video and how the dark green background of the bar is totally on point with the color of my hair. I enjoyed the talk about the culture of the 1970’s and what a deep impact it had on its audience, and how it all affects us now. Great night!

    Reply

  12. Persia Rae
    11 · 23 · 23 @ 2:38 am

    It seems like Dr. Suzy is in her element here. The Damianos of DEEP THROAT picked the right person to moderate this Deep content. It’s good to have a sex educator like Dr. Suzy handle all the complexities, intricacies, controversies and so called “obscenities” that Deep Throat involves. Of course, two nights of Deep Throat – wow, that’s more than I can handle – good thing it’s more information than action! Anyway, great article, amazing videos, fun photos and Dr. Suzy doing what she does best, educating people on sex and I feel confident I pass the test.

    Reply

  13. Dalton Jack
    11 · 23 · 23 @ 1:58 am

    Another sapiosexual Dr. Susan Block sensation – this time on a journey down to the tonsils of Deep Throat, wow! I happen to be a fan of the Golden Age of Porn when porn movies were MOVIES. This brings it all back. Brava

    Reply

  14. Rich Biggly
    11 · 23 · 23 @ 1:43 am

    The way Deep Throat challenged societal norms, sparked debate about freedom of speech, and the exploitation of women in the pornography industry shows how powerful art can shift society. It also emphasizes the film’s significance in reflecting the changing attitudes and sexual liberation of the 1970s. It’s crazy to think that the powers that be continue censoring, defunding, and chastising an industry that will not cease to exist. Great investigation. #MakeLoveNotWar

    Reply

  15. Amy Amethyst
    11 · 23 · 23 @ 1:14 am

    Deep Throat is a landmark film of the Sexual Revolution. Thank you for the sweeping and in-depth exploration of an important – and fun – part of the American erotic culture experience in the inimitable Dr. Suzy style.

    Reply

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