The Rock And Roller Film, also known as a stag film or loop in the US, was a staple of British underground culture from the 1960s to the 1980s. These short, often amateurly produced hardcore films offer a unique glimpse into the hidden desires and subcultures of postwar Britain. This article delves into the fascinating history of these films, exploring their production, distribution, and eventual decline.
Behind the Scenes of Rock and Roller Films: Production and Distribution
Rock and roller films were often made on shoestring budgets by non-professionals, using amateur equipment and makeshift studios. Their illegal nature meant production was shrouded in secrecy. “Porn is the archive’s dirty secret,” explains Oliver Carter, author of Under the Counter, a book chronicling this forgotten film history. Institutions like the British Film Institute don’t hold these films, making research challenging. Carter’s work, however, has unearthed over a thousand titles, revealing a rich and complex cinematic landscape.
The distribution of rock and roller films was as clandestine as their production. Producers employed various tactics to avoid detection, including adding innocuous footage to the beginning and end of films to fool processing labs. Some even resorted to smuggling films in lorries carrying bacon or dropping them in the ocean for retrieval by boats, reminiscent of a scene from Miami Vice.
The Underground World of Rock and Roller Film Consumption
Rock and roller films weren’t confined to seedy sex shops. Screenings took place in diverse locations, from pubs and working men’s clubs to car factories after hours. Even the Scotland Yard Obscene Publication Squad reportedly enjoyed Friday night viewings. A traveling film show in the Cotswolds even led to the arrest and trial of its organizers, highlighting the societal tensions surrounding these films.
The Watford Blue Movie Trial: A Turning Point
The 1974 Watford Blue Movie Trial marked a significant moment in the history of rock and roller films. The trial, which stemmed from a police raid on a commune that doubled as a film studio, was the longest obscenity trial in British history at the time. The trial’s dramatic events, including a solicitor’s clerk threatening to release laughing gas in the courtroom and defendants marrying each other, captured public attention and further fueled the debate surrounding pornography.
The Decline of the Rock and Roller Film Era
The decriminalization of hardcore pornography in 2000, coupled with the rise of digital technology and the internet, effectively ended the era of the rock and roller film. The shift from celluloid to digital and from clandestine screenings to readily available online content transformed the pornography industry. Today, female “pornpreneurs” often hold more power than male producers, marking a dramatic shift from the earlier era.
Nostalgia for a Bygone Era
Despite the changes, some figures from the rock and roller film era express nostalgia for the past. Ben Dover, a prominent performer and producer, reportedly preferred the time when hardcore was illegal, claiming there was “more money to be made back then.” This sentiment reflects a longing for a time when the industry was smaller, more rebellious, and perhaps more profitable for those willing to take the risks. The rock and roller film, though a relic of the past, remains a fascinating cultural artifact, offering insights into a bygone era of British social and sexual history.
