Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

     Although the title implies that this is a sequel to Valley of the Dolls, it really isn't. A sequel was in fact written for "Valley" by its original writer Jaqueline Susann but was rejected. I guess it wasn't tawdry enough.  Legendary breast mogul and 60's movie producer/director Russ Meyer got his hands on the opportunity to direct a sequel-esque film that had many of the same elements of the original. So the movie was made, but not without a disclaimer at the beginning stating that this is definitely NOT a sequel to "Valley of the Dolls" and is a completely separate film entirely. 

      It has basically all the same elements as the original... sex, drugs, and all the downfalls that come with various sorts of fame. Three young women (and a wimpy manager that's the lead singer's boyfriend) in an all-girl band called "The Kelly Experience" set out for New York and all the seedy elements therein. They soon gain fame when they are introduced to "Z-man" Barzell, a more than eccentric record producer that constantly talks like Shakespeare. Soon Z-man replaces their former manager and renames the band "The Carrie Nations". The former manager/boyfriend is left in the dust and attempts suicide on national television while the band is appearing on a talk show. 

      This movie is without a doubt, the Queen of Camp. Freaks, Kooks, Swingers, Fruits, and every other 60's cliche in the book. More colorful than an LSD trip, with an ending that is nothing short of bizarre. "This my happening and it freaks me out!!!

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