Movie Ad of the Week: TO BE A ROSE (1981)

Filmed in the fall of 1973, William A. Levey's TO BE A ROSE - starring sexploitation starlet Sandra Dempsey - got picked up for distribution by Cinemation Industries in 1974, retitled THE PROSTITUTE, and submitted to the MPAA (which gave it an R rating). It was scheduled for a February '75 release that got pushed to June and then vanished from the schedule shortly before Cinemation filed for Chapter 11 in September. Company president Jerry Gross defaulted on loan payments of nearly $1.5 million the following March and two banks foreclosed, selling off Cinemation's library of 54 films at public auction (Sam Sherman's comments about that can be read here). Cannon acquired worldwide rights to the film at the 1981 Mifed Film Market and promoted it with this full-page ad in the October 14, 1981 issue of Variety. We don't know if the 1982 release from Cannon happened, but when Trans World Entertainment issued TO BE A ROSE on videocassette in 1988 the print that was used began with the Cinemation Industries logo and ended with the MPAA R rating tag.

Movie Ad of the Week: The Many Faces of PEOPLETOYS (1974)

The "psycho kids on the rampage" shocker PEOPLETOYS -- which Sean MacGregor began directing but David Sheldon finished -- opened in Hampton, VA on May 10, 1974. The film apparently didn't do much business under this title...

...so distributor Jerry Gross retitled it THE HORRIBLE HOUSE ON THE HILL and tried a new ad campaign modeled after THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT and its effective "It's only a movie, only a movie, only a movie..." tag line. The ad above is from Pittsburgh, PA on November 1st, 1974.

A year later, Gross was playing the film in some territories as 5 O'CLOCK KILLERS. Here it is in Kokomo, IN on October 15th, 1975.

After Gross' company Cinemation Industries went bankrupt in early 1976, Seymour Borde & Associates acquired the movie and rechristened it DEVIL TIMES FIVE, the title it's retained for over 40 years. Above is the ad for its Bakersfield, CA opening on February 11, 1977.

Movie Ads of the Week: The Many Faces of CAMPER JOHN (1973)

Filmed in the summer of 1972 under the titles ONCE UPON A TRIBE and UP YOURS, PILGRIM! by director Sean MacGregor (DEVIL TIMES FIVE, NIGHTMARE COUNTY), the low-budget "Indiansploitation" action pic CAMPER JOHN stars William Smith as Camper John Allen, a Native American falsely accused of raping and murdering a white girl. Smith co-produced the film with his LAREDO co-star, Peter Brown. The cast also includes Gene Evans, Joe Flynn, Barbara Luna, R.G. Armstrong, Henry Brandon, and Arch Johnson. Cinemation Industries acquired the film for a theatrical release in 1973. The ad above is from the Iowa City, IA opening on October 2, 1974.

A month later (November 15, 1974) it played in Tucson, AZ with a different ad campaign as THE SINS OF BETTY SCHAFFER.

When the film opened in Detroit, MI on June 18, 1975, the title had been changed again, to I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. Cinemation president Jerry Gross ripped off this title from a 1959 black-and-white French film that had been released in the U.S. by Audubon Films in 1963 (Audubon had also published a paperback of the Boris Vian source novel, J'irai cracher sur vos tombes). Gross used the title again more famously in 1980 when he re-released Meir Zarchi's notorious rape-revenge flick DAY OF THE WOMAN (1978) as I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE.

In the 1980s, the film played on TV and was released to home video as GENTLE SAVAGE.

Movie Ad of the Week: WHIRLPOOL w/ WAKE UP AND DIE (1970)

This double dose of Euro shock from Jerry Gross' Cinemation Industries hit New York theaters on December 9, 1970. WHIRLPOOL is a Danish production from Spanish director José Ramón Larraz, starring Karl Lanchbury, Vivian Neves and Pia Andersson. The MPAA gave it an X rating.

The co-feature at 14 theaters was Carlo Lizzani's SVEGLIATI E UCCIDI (1966), based on the life of Italian criminal Luciano Lutring, starring Robert Hoffmann (as Lutring) and Gian Maria Volonté. It was originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1967, on a double bill with the spaghetti western KILL OR BE KILLED. Cinemation also released it as I KILL FOR KICKS.

Cinemation Industries: The Filmography (1968-1976)

AFRICA BLOOD AND GUTS (1970) -- Edited version of AFRICA ADDIO, originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1967

ALL THE KIND STRANGERS (1974) -- TV movie originally aired on November 12th, 1974 on ABC


ATTACK OF THE KUNG FU GIRLS (1974) -- U.S. release of TIE WA (1973). Also released as KUNG FU GIRL. A photo of Angela Mao from STING OF THE DRAGON MASTERS was featured prominently in the advertising, even though Mao didn't appear in the film. Rated PG.

BABY DOLL (1970) -- Re-release of 1956 film originally released by Warner Brothers. Rated R in 1969.

BEAT A DEAD HORSE (1975) -- Starring Tony Anthony. Re-released in 1976 by Cee Note as GET MEAN.

THE BLACK GODFATHER (1974) -- Also known as POWER TO SPARE.

THE BLACK SIX (1973) -- Re-released in 1979 by Independent Artists

CAMPER JOHN (1973) -- Also known as ONCE UPON A TRIBE, GENTLE SAVAGE, and UP YOURS, PILGRIM! Re-released as THE SINS OF BETTY SCHAFFER and I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE.

CHALLENGE (1974)

THE CHALLENGE OF GREATNESS (1975) -- Also released as THE CHALLENGE: A TRIBUTE TO MODERN ART. Re-released by New Line Cinema in 1977.

THE CHEERLEADERS (1973) -- Released with a self-applied X rating. Rated R in 1975 and re-released by Vanguard Releasing.

CONFESSIONS OF A DIRTY COP (1973) -- See THE MAD BOMBER

DETECTIVE GERONIMO (1973) -- See THE MAD BOMBER


THE DYNAMITE BROTHERS (1974) -- Re-released as STUD BROWN in 1975. Later re-released by Independent-International Pictures under both titles.

THE FAÇADE -- Starring Max Von Sydow. Released on a double bill with ILLUSIONS. No other information available.

FANNY HILL (1969) -- U.S. release of 1968 film, presented by Jerry Gross & Nicholas M. Demetroules. Released with a self-applied X rating. Rated R in 1973.

THE FEMALE ANIMAL (1970) -- First Cinemation release after Nicholas M. Demetroules departed the company. Released with a self-applied X rating. Rated R in 1978 as TEENAGERS FOR SALE when re-released by Independent-International Pictures.

5 O'CLOCK KILLERS (1975) -- see PEOPLETOYS

FRITZ THE CAT (1972) -- Rated X. Re-released by American International Pictures.

FROM EAR TO EAR (1971) -- U.S. release of LES COUSINES (1970). Rated X in 1971. Also known as THE COFFIN. Re-released as THE FRENCH COUSINS.


GOD'S LITTLE ACRE (1970) -- Re-release of 1958 film originally released by United Artists. Rated GP in 1970.

GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES FOR ADULTS (1970) -- U.S. release of GRIMMS MARCHEN VON LUSTERNEN PARCHEN (1969). Released with a self-applied X rating. Re-released by NMD Film Distributing (Nicholas M. Demetroules) as THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SNOW WHITE in 1977 with a self-applied X. Rated R in 1978.

THE HORRIBLE HOUSE ON THE HILL (1974) -- See PEOPLETOYS

THE HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE (1973) -- U.S. release of EL JOROBADO DE LA MORGUE.

I DRINK YOUR BLOOD (1971) -- Rated X in 1971 and edited for R rating. Re-released by Independent-International Pictures and Monarch Pictures.

I EAT YOUR SKIN (1971) -- Del Tenney's 1964 film VOODOO BLOOD BATH. Rated GP in 1971. Re-released by Independent-International Pictures and Monarch Pictures.

I KILL FOR KICKS (1970) -- Re-release WAKE UP AND DIE. Artwork was later used for THE MAFIA WANTS BLOOD.

I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE -- see CAMPER JOHN


IDAHO TRANSFER (1973) -- Filmed in 1971. Rated R in 1973, edited for PG.

ILLUSIONS -- Starring James Coco and Marcel Marceau. Released on a double bill with THE FAÇADE. No other information available.

INGA (1968) -- U.S. release of JAG - EN OSKULD (1968), presented by Jery Gross & Nicholas M. Demetroules. Released unrated. Rated R in 1973.

JOHNNY GOT HIS GUN (1971) -- Rated R in 1971, edited for GP.

JULIET OF THE SPIRITS (1970) -- Re-release of 1965 film GIULIETTA DEGLI SPIRITI, originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli

KILL OR BE KILLED (1970) -- Re-release of UCCIDI O MUORI, originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1967

THE MAD BOMBER (1973) -- Also released in 1973 as CONFESSIONS OF A DIRTY COP, THE POLICE CONNECTION and DETECTIVE GERONIMO

MADAME BUTTERFLY (1970) -- Re-release of 1954 film originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli

THE MAFIA WANTS BLOOD (1974) -- U.S. release of 1970 film CANNABIS. Artwork used in the ad campaign was originally commissioned for I KILL FOR KICKS.

THE MAGIC BIRD (1972) -- U.S. release of PUTIFERIO VA ALLA GUERRA (1968), also known as THE PERILS OF PROBLEMINA


THE MAN FROM O.R.G.Y. (1970) -- Advertised as THE MAN FROM O.R.G.Y. in THE REAL GONE GIRLS. Also known as THE REAL GONE GIRLS.

MANIACS ON WHEELS (1971) -- U.S. release of FORMULA 1: NELL'INFERNO DEL GRAND PRIX (1970). Rated G in 1971.

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH (1970) -- Re-release of IL MOMENTO DELLA VERITA, originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1965

MONDO CANE (1970) -- Re-release of 1962 film originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1963. Rated R in 1970.

MONDO CANE 2 (1970) -- Re-release of MONDO PAZZO (1963), originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1965. Rated R in 1970.

THE NIGHT GOD SCREAMED (1973) -- Rated GP in 1971. Also known as WHISPERS IN THE DARK.

OH! CALCUTTA! (1972)

PEOPLETOYS (1974) -- Also released by Cinemation as THE HORRIBLE HOUSE ON THE HILL and 5 O'CLOCK KILLERS. Later released by Seymour Borde & Associates as DEVIL TIMES FIVE.

THE POLICE CONNECTION (1973) -- See THE MAD BOMBER

THE PROSTITUTE (1975) -- Also known as TO BE A ROSE. Starring Sandra Dempsey. Directed by William A. Levey.

THE RAGE WITHIN (1970) -- U.S. release of DELITTO AL CIRCOLO DEL TENNIS (1969). Also known as SHE'S A BORN LOSER.

THE REAL GONE GIRLS (1970) -- See THE MAN FROM O.R.G.Y.

RED DESERT (1970) -- Re-release of IL DESERTO ROSSO (1964), originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1965

RUN BEFORE THE WIND (1972)

SAVAGE ABDUCTION (1973) -- Filmed in 1972 as THE BLOODY SLAYING OF SARAH RIDELANDER

THE SCARLET ROOM (1974) -- U.S. release of LE HASARD ET LA VIOLENCE

THE SEDUCERS (1970) -- U.S. release of TOP SENSATION (1969). Also released as SENSATIONS. Rated X in 1970. Re-released by Joseph Brenner Associates. Edited for R rating in 1985.


THE SEDUCTION OF INGA (1972) -- U.S. release of NAGON ATT ALSKA (1971). Released with a self-applied X rating. Also released as THE TEMPTATION OF INGA. Re-released by Independent-International Pictures as INGA AND GRETA. Submitted to the MPAA in 1984 by Spectradyne, Inc.

SHANTY TRAMP (1970) -- Re-release of 1967 film originally released by Trans-International Films. Rated R in 1973 and re-released by Ellman Film Enterprises.

THE SHELTER OF YOUR ARMS (1976) -- Re-release of TURKISH DELIGHT (1974), edited for an R rating.

THE SINS OF BETTY SCHAFFER (1974) -- see CAMPER JOHN

SON OF DRACULA (1974) -- Re-released by Cinemation in 1975 as YOUNG DRACULA

STAVISKY (1974)


STING OF THE DRAGON MASTERS (1974) -- U.S. release of TAI QUAN ZHEN JIU ZHOU (1973). Re-released by World Northal in 1981 as WHEN TAEKWONDO STRIKES

STUD BROWN (1975) -- Re-release of THE DYNAMITE BROTHERS (1974). Later re-released by Independent-International Pictures under both titles.

SWEET BABY CHARLIE (1971) -- Re-release of THE SADIST (1963). Rated R in 1971.

SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAADASSSSS SONG (1971) -- Released with a self-applied X rating. Rated R in 1974 when re-released by New World Pictures.

TEENAGE MOTHER (1971) -- Re-release of 1967 film. Rated GP in 1971.

TEENAGE SEX REPORT (1972) -- U.S. release of MADCHEN BEIM FRAUENARZT (1971). Released with a self-applied X rating. Submitted to the MPAA in 1976 and rated R when re-released by Beacon Releasing Corporation as THE TEENY BOPPERS.

TURKISH DELIGHT (1974) -- U.S. release of TURKS FRUIT (1973). Released with a self-applied X rating. Rated R in 1976 and re-released as THE SHELTER OF YOUR ARMS.

TWO WOMEN IN GOLD (1971) -- U.S. release of DEUX FEMMES EN OR (1970)

UNDER COVER ROGUE (1970) -- Re-release of LE VOCI BIANCHE (1964), originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1965

THE UNHOLY CONVENT (1976) -- U.S. release of STORIA DI UNA MONACA DI CLAUSURA (1973)

A VERY HANDY MAN (1970) -- Re-release of LIOLA (1964), originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1966

WAKE UP AND DIE (1970) -- Re-release of SVEGLIATI E UCCIDI (1966), originally released in the U.S. by Rizzoli in 1967. Also released by Cinemation as I KILL FOR KICKS.

WANG YU'S 7 MAGNIFICENT FIGHTS (1974) -- U.S. release of HAI YUAN CHI HAO (1973)

WHIRLPOOL (1970) -- Rated X

YOUNG DRACULA (1975) -- See SON OF DRACULA


Announced

ABDUCTION (1975) -- Released by Venture Distribution

THE BELOVED (1972) -- Released by Joseph Brenner Associates in 1978 as RESTLESS

BLOOD OF THE VIRGINS (1972) -- U.S. release of Emilio Vieyra's SANGRE DE VÍRGENES (1967)

BUGS (1972)

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGER (1972)

GINGER (1970) -- Released by Joseph Brenner Associates in 1971

A GIRL CALLED JULES (1972) -- U.S. release of LA RAGAZZA DI NOME GIULIO (1970), this was released as JET SET SWINGERS by several other companies beginning in 1973.

PAPERINO (1974) -- U.S. release of NON SI SEVIZIA UN PAPERINO / DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING (1972)

THE TRANSPLANT (1972) -- U.S. release of IL TRAPIANTO (1970)

VANISHING AFRICA (1972) -- Re-release of KWAHERI (1964), which was still playing the exploitation circuit in the early '70s and was submitted to the MPAA in 1974 (Rated R).

The following films were all announced as Cinemation releases in 1973, but were released by International Co-Productions instead:

BECAUSE OF THE CATS (Rated X, edited for R rating)
DEMONS OF THE MIND
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
MADE
OUR MISS FRED
STRAIGHT ON TILL MORNING
'TIS PITY a.k.a. 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE (Rated X, edited for R rating)
UP THE CHASTITY BELT


Compiled by Chris Poggiali

One-Sheet of the Week: ATTACK OF THE KUNG FU GIRLS (1974)

TIE WA (1973)

U.S. release in 1974 as KUNG FU GIRL and ATTACK OF THE KUNG FU GIRLS

Cinemation Industries poster gallery