Synapse Films presents FANTASM COMES AGAIN

A former distributor who introduced Australian moviegoers to the sublime (PRAVDA) as well as the ridiculous (THE CORPSE GRINDERS), producer Antony I. Ginnane later became one of the most important figures in the Aussie film industry partly due to the enormous success of his freshman effort, FANTASM, the first Australian softcore sexploitation movie. The smutty, low-budget moneymaker was such a big hit worldwide that Ginnane wasted no time putting together a follow-up. Tentatively titled FANTASM 99, FANTASM 2 and MY FIRST TIME, the sequel followed the original’s basic formula: 10 comic sex tales filmed in Los Angeles, starring American adult film stars, with linking scenes shot in Melbourne. The final result, FANTASM COMES AGAIN, begins in the editorial offices of an Australian newspaper, where retiring “Dear Collette” columnist Harry (Clive Hearne) is schooling his successor, the lovely young Libby (Angela Menzies-Wills), in the art of writing a sex advice column. In what adds up to roughly 20% of the film’s running time, the two writers read and answer 10 letters. The other 80% of FANTASM COMES AGAIN is comprised of 10 short, smutty films with “made in U.S.A.” clearly stamped on each.














To read the rest of Chris Poggiali's liner notes, buy FANTASM on DVD from Synapse Films!

Synapse Films presents FANTASM

If you want a professional job done, hire a professional. That’s the old adage, and it explains why FANTASM – the first Australian softcore exploitation movie – ended up with a cast of American adult film personalities. The exception is Australian thespian John Bluthal, who appears (uncredited) as the film’s comical host, Professor Notafreud. Bluthal’s connecting scenes were shot in Australia, but the other 80% of FANTASM is comprised of ten short films with “made in U.S.A.” clearly stamped on each. These stories supposedly depict the case histories of noted sexologist Notafreud’s ten most titillating subjects, and FANTASM is his attempt “to undertake the exploration of the innermost mechanisms of the female mind” – or to just show lots of nudity and softcore sex. A brilliant strategy, and apparently others share my opinion; nearly thirty years later, this funny, filthy little catalogue of kinks from Down Under is not only still around, it’s actually getting the DVD treatment – which could leave a whole new generation of viewers pondering the million dollar Butch & Sundance question about the filmmakers involved: “Who are these guys?”




To read the rest of Chris Poggiali's liner notes, buy FANTASM on DVD from Synapse Films!