Review of Tinto Brasses, All Ladies Do It
There is something about Tinto Brass films that separates them from the run of the mill soft-core movies. Ever since he directed Bob Guccione’s Caligula in 1979, Brass films seems to push the envelope of acceptability, both visually and storywise. One only has to view the cover, showing leading lady’s voluptuous posterior to realize that All Ladies do it is such a movie.
In addition, Brass films have more realistic sets and cinematography than many American soft-core movies. Many scenes are shot outdoors and most of the indoor sets are real.
The Plot
Brass films seem to have a recurring theme. At least this and two other Brass movies I have seen (Cheeky and The Key) have much the same theme – that women can and should have affairs on their husband or boyfriend. The theory is that jealousy makes the man more attentive, more sexually creative and he ultimately desires his partner more than if he can count on her fidelity. In other words Brass is proposing one half of an open marriage. One has to surmise since this premise appears in three (that I’ve seen) Brass movies that Brass subscribes to this supposition.
The Story
Diana, (Claudia Koll), is happily married to Paolo, (Paolo Lanza) but feels that something is missing in her life. She works in a lingerie store, who’s owner is a leach and gropes her at every occasion. She resists his advances but her co-worker Antonnietta, (Isabella Deiana) occasionally accommodates the boss.
Diana is a beautiful woman who constantly garners male attention. From riding the bus to eating in restaurants, she is bombarded with amorous offers.
Then one night, her sister Nadia, (Ornella Marcucci), hosts a reading by an erotic poetress from Venice, where she meets a man, Alphonse (Franco Branciaroli) who excites her. Realizing her husband is glancing at her, she leaves Alphonse and goes to the restroom. Alphonse, follows her and is in the process of seducing a willing Diana, but is interrupted when her husband knocks and calls her name.
Not one to hide her sexuality, Diana tends to tell Paolo about her sexual encounters and he thinks she is making them up as a sexual game to excite him, which they do. Diana tells him that Alphonse had her dress above her rear end and was ready to take her, until he called for her, and he is sure it is a fabrication. Still, He becomes aroused and they make love.
Later when Diana has a torrid affair with the Alphonse, Paolo eventually finds out that it and everything else she told him really happened and rejects Diana. But Diana will not back down because even though she is having sex with others she still loves her husband and doesn’t think she is doing anything wrong.
Main Cast
Claudia Koll …. Diana
Paolo Lanza …. Paolo
Ornella Marcucci …. Nadia
Isabella Deiana …. Antonietta
Renzo Rinaldi …. Sig. Silvio
Franco Branciaroli …. Alphonse
Director
Tinto Brass
Report Card
Story – B+
Acting – B+
Directing – B+
Cinematography – A
Cast – A-
Erotic factor – A+
Entertainment factor – A
Conclusion
I enjoyed Claudia Koll, the leading lady in All Ladies Do It. Though in possession of a darling shape, she seemed to be more streamlined than the meaty leading ladies of Brass’ older films.
Despite the pretentious title, All Ladies Do It is a lighthearted sometimes humorous movie. An example is the lingerie store where Diana works also employs an obviously gay salesman who likes to try on the lingerie.
As usual in a Tinto Brass film there are several shots of male and female genitalia. As in other Brass movies, I believe the shots used faux male genitals.
The version I have reviewed is the special edition, unrated version, in Italian with English subtitles. Apparently there are other, highly edited versions in which viewers were seriously disappointed.
Silly Things 