Deep Throat, the 1972 crossover pornographic film about a woman whose clitoris is located where her tonsils should be, was a sensation. It boasted sterling production values, a coherent plot, tip-top picture quality and scads of filthy bongo. It also made a fortune, ushered in an era of ‘porno chic’, was discussed in polite society and counted such groovy hipsters as Jack Nicholson, Frank Sinatra, Barbara Walters and US Vice President Spiro Agnew among its champions. Sadly for British sex-questers, the UK censors turned up to the party like an irate neighbour and banned the film from Her Majesty’s cinemas.
As was the case for much of those bleak, blasted ’70s, Brits would have to simply make do and mend. Swingers, priapic teens and members of the dirty mac brigade…