Miles' Rating:

Starring: In the late '70s, Sven Conrad tried to elevate porn beyond the grindhouse by adding a touch of class and an artistic bent to his work. "Body Magic" is one of his better efforts, and definitely worth seeing to appreciate how seriously some directors took adult entertainment. Beyond Joey Silvera and a quick Billy Dee, you won't find many familiar faces here. Rick Ardonne is a fashion photographer who finds himself addicted to the sexual lure of his models but his most smitten by the one who won't give in, his aide Kathleen Kristal.

Though the budget was small, Conrad makes the most of it with quick edits, stylish camera work, and sex scenes that grow increasingly heated.

This is one of the few films that works by slowly unleashing its erotic pulses. The film has a clear beat and leads to a crescendo. The sex starts out simple, then breaks open with several stylish orgies.

While watching Kathleen work out in a dance studio, Ardonne pictures the troop scantily clad and engaged in sex acts, with Kristal as the central seductress. It's so sexy, so erotic, it could have been inspired by Bob Fosse.

The climax between the two would-be lovers lacks the punch you might expect.

A 9. Just keep in mind it is old and may not please the gonzo lovers among us.

Posted By Miles, www.excaliburfilms.com | 10/12/06 1:58 PM