Scandinavian erotica
Related: European erotica - erotica - Bodil Jensen - Kärlekens språk - Scandinavia - Scandinavian pornography - Private Magazine
Love, Swedish Style (USA, 1972) - Maurice Smith
Note that this magazine dubs itself a film review magazine.
Introduction
Scandinavia is important in the history of Western 20th century erotica and pornography, not so much for its production, but because it set a legal precedent as the first region to legalize written and pictorial erotica.An obscenity trial of an unexpurgated edition of Fanny Hill in Denmark in 1964 led to the conclusion that pornography was not harmful to adult readers. Pornography was subsequently decriminalized, first in Denmark, the rest of Scandinavia following suit.
This decision influenced obscenity and pornography laws in the United States, because some of the Danish findings (most prominently the work of Dr.Berl Kutchinsky) were republished in the first Presidential Report on Obscenity and Pornogarphy, the so-called Lockhart report.
A second result of the decriminalization was that a number of pornographic and erotic publishers such as Private Magazine set up business in Scandinavia.
Later, Caballero Control Corporation (CCC) appropriated the name "Swedish Erotica" and recorded a string of 8mm hardcore loops. Cabellero also used the name "Swedish Erotica" for their pornmagazine, which they subtitled a film review magazine. [Oct 2005]
The Danish experiment
In 1969 Denmark lifted all restrictions on pornography, and sex crimes declined. For example, between 1965 and 1982 sex crimes against children went from 30 per 100,000 to about 5 per 100,000. Similar evidence was found for rape rates.There can be no doubt that the illusion of success which has created an aura around the 'Danish Experiment' has had a profound effect upon the thinking and attitudes, not only of commentators and individuals, but on governments across the free world. I myself found - to my amazement and dismay - during a visit to the Home Office in 1975, that all considerations of pornography and its possible effects upon society had stopped short in 1969 following the publication of Dr Berl Kutchinsky's trivial, now outdated, research into the effect of the repeal of many of the obscenity laws in Denmark. Mary Whitehouse, Whatever happened to sex? , 1977?
The Danish Situation
by Dr Berl Kutchinsky, 1970
Before the mid-1960s, there was nothing particular about Denmark in relation to pornography. Denmark had absolutely no history as a pornography producing or consuming nation. Danish laws against pornography were very similar to those of other European countries. Both in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries books and pieces of art were prosecuted and convicted in Denmark as in other countries, which by later standards would seem perfectly innocent. In as late as 1959 an imported English version of the famous pornographic classic, Cleland's Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, was convicted.
During the 1960s, however, public attitudes began to change, and in 1964 an unexpurgated Danish translation of the Memoirs, under the title of Fanny Hill, was published for the first time, prosecuted and acquitted first by the High Court and, in 1965, by the Supreme Court. Since Fanny Hill, if anything, pornographic in the true sense of his word, that is, extremely explicit and graphic in its erotic descriptions, this meant that the penal law banning pornographic literature had become obsolete. The Minister of Justice asked the Permanent Criminal Law Committee to investigate the issue, and this Committee, after consulting criminologists, psychologists, educators and psychiatrists presented a report in 1966 which recommended decriminalisation of pornographic writings. The point made by the Criminal Law Committee was that public attitudes towards moral legislation had changed so that it was no longer reasonable for the state to interfere with what people should be allowed to publish or read, as long as no clear harm was done. As far as harm is concerned, it was generally agreed by the experts that all available evidence pointed in the direction of pornography not being directly harmful to individuals. Particularly influential was the statement of the Medico-Legal Council, a distinguished body of leading physicians, which concluded:
On the basis of general psychiatric and child psychiatric experience it cannot be assumed that the sexual orientation, the psychological development or attitudes toward sexual life and sexual-ethical norms in adults or in children can be influenced in a harmful direction through . . . pornographic literature, pictures or films. Whether these media may have a beneficial influence on a group of inhibited and sexually shy neurotic personalities is doubtful, but can hardly be totally excluded. What has been said here, holds true no matter whether the pornographic publications, pictures, etc. describe normal or perverse sexual relations (Penal Law Committee 1966, p. 80).
The Penal Law Committee's proposal was adopted by the Danish Parliament in 1967 by 159 votes to thirteen. During the debate in Parliament on this amendment, there was a widespread inclination to extend the repeal to also include obscene pictures, objects, and performances, 'if experiences with the present amendment turned out to be as favourable as expected'. The expected result was mainly a waning of interest in such material when such an interest was no longer spurred by the illegality. By 1969, politicians had become convinced that a favourable effect had in fact occurred, and without once again asking the Penal Law Committee's advice, the decriminalisation of pictorial pornography was adopted in Parliament by 125 votes to twenty-five.
Section 234 of the Danish Criminal Code (1969), reads whoever 'sells indecent pictures or objects to a person under 16 years of age' is to be punished by a fine. Section 235 (1980) has a special provision concerning the reproduction and sale of child pornography, that is, sexually explicit photographs of persons who appear to be under 15 years (the taking of such pictures was always a criminal offence). This means that, in Denmark, any kind of pornography, except child pornography, can be produced and sold, or shown in cinemas, to persons who are 16 years or older. It does not mean that there can be pornography everywhere; thus, police regulations forbid the public display of pornography, for instance in porn shop windows, or to send or hand out pornography to someone who has not asked for it.
As to legalisation of pornography, Sweden followed suit in 1970, and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in 1973. West Germany, however, kept certain provisions regarding violent pornography and recently Sweden also introduced such restrictions. Today, Denmark seems to be the only country which does not have any legal restraints on sadomasochistic pornography. This does not mean that it is not available elsewhere. The situation today seems to be that wherever hard-core pornography is easily available, sadomasochistic material is available also. --Dr Berl Kutchinsky for the 1970 Lockhart Commission
First International Exhibition of Erotic Art [...]
The Kronhausens' First International Exhibition of Erotic Art took place in public museums in the cities of Lund, Sweden, and Aarhus, Denmark, in 1968.The 2nd International Exhibition of Erotic Art [...]
The 2nd international exhibition of erotic art : [Liljevalchs konsthall, Stockholm, April 2 - May 18, 1969Swedish erotica
In the early 70's Caballero was a small start-up company, specializing in filming and distributing hardcore adult "stag" movies. It was an unenlightened era, with uncontrolled censorship permanently closing most adult businesses. Caballero, however, persevered, grew, and prospered. But it really became an overnight sensation when they decided to produce a new 8mm film series called "SWEDISH EROTICA". This new series showcased the most exciting and salacious stars of that time.
John Holmes, Seka, Aunt Peg, Desiree Cousteau, Serena, and countless others performed their most erotic scenes for these early subtitled home movies. But with the advent of video and the personal VCR, Caballero's success was meteoric. Hundreds of scenes were shot and released to a grateful world of aroused viewers and serious collectors. --http://www.toyboxxx.com/products/216674.htm [Dec 2005]
John Holmes
Despite his desire for anonymity, Holmes' penis was large enough that distribution houses for 8mm loops could not resist using Holmes' anatomical anomaly as a marketing gimmick. So, while the ad copy for his first few dozen loops rarely named him, those that did usually gave him a name that was nowhere near what his real first name was. In fact, one early "Swedish Erotica" brochure from 1973 has five Holmes loops listed, each of which has a different name referring to Holmes even though it is obvious from his facial features and the size of his penis that "Fred", "Dave", "Rudy", "Big Dick" and "Stan" are all the same person. --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Holmes_%28actor%29 [Dec 2005]
Swedish Erotica collection, 1960s-70s at the Kinsey institute
1700 8mm and super 8 short commercially produced films for the home collector; from such distributors as Swedish Erotica, Danish Films International, Burning Films, Diamond Collection and more. --http://www.indiana.edu/~kinsey/library/film-contents.html [Dec 2005]
Films distributed by Caballero Control Corporation (CCC)
1. Swedish Erotica 77 (1995) ... Distributor
2. Swedish Erotica 83 (1995) (V) ... Distributor
3. Amazing Tails 4 (1990) ... Distributor (1990) (worldwide) (all media)
4. Kiss My Grits (1990) ... Distributor (1990) (worldwide) (video)
5. The Love Nest (1990) ... Distributor (1990) (USA) (VHS)
6. Swedish Erotica Featurettes 2 (1989) ... Distributor (1989) (worldwide) (video)
7. X Dreams (1989) ... Distributor
8. The Nicole Stanton Story (1988) (V) ... Distributor (1988) (USA) (theatrical)
9. Seka (1988) (V) ... Distributor
10. Traci, I Love You (1987) (V) ... Distributor
11. The Adultress (1987) ... Distributor
12. The Bitches of Westwood (1987) ... Distributor
13. Careful, He May Be Watching (1987) ... Distributor (1987) (USA) (theatrical)
14. Passionate Heiress (1987) ... Distributor
15. Swedish Erotica 84 (1987) ... Distributor
16. Swedish Erotica 85 (1987) ... Distributor
17. Beverly Hills Cox (1986) ... Distributor (1986) (USA) (theatrical)
18. Swedish Erotica 71 (1986) ... Distributor
19. Swedish Erotica 72 (1986) ... Distributor
20. Swedish Erotica 73 (1986) ... Distributor
21. Swedish Erotica 74 (1986) ... Distributor
22. Swedish Erotica 75 (1986) ... Distributor
23. Swedish Erotica 76 (1986) ... Distributor
24. Swedish Erotica 78 (1986) ... Distributor
25. Swedish Erotica 79 (1986) ... Distributor
26. Swedish Erotica 80 (1986) ... Distributor
27. Swedish Erotica 81 (1986) ... Distributor
28. Swedish Erotica 82 (1986) ... Distributor
29. Suzie Superstar II (1985) ... Distributor
30. The Backdoor Club (1985) ... Distributor (1985) (USA) (VHS)
31. A Coming of Angels, the Sequel (1985) ... Distributor
32. Getting Personal (1985) (V) ... Distributor (1985) (USA) (theatrical)
33. Letters of Love (1985) ... Distributor
34. Ribald Tales of Canterbury (1985) ... Distributor
35. Showdown (1985) ... Distributor
36. Some Kind of Woman (1985) ... Distributor
37. Swedish Erotica 56 (1985) ... Distributor
38. Swedish Erotica 57 (1985) ... Distributor
39. Swedish Erotica 58 (1985) ... Distributor
40. Swedish Erotica 59 (1985) ... Distributor
41. Swedish Erotica 60 (1985) ... Distributor
42. Swedish Erotica 61 (1985) ... Distributor
43. Swedish Erotica 62 (1985) ... Distributor (1985) (USA) (theatrical)
44. Swedish Erotica 63 (1985) ... Distributor
45. Swedish Erotica 64 (1985) ... Distributor
46. Swedish Erotica 65 (1985) ... Distributor
47. Swedish Erotica 66 (1985) ... Distributor
48. Swedish Erotica 67 (1985) ... Distributor
49. Swedish Erotica 68 (1985) ... Distributor
50. Swedish Erotica 69 (1985) ... Distributor
51. Swedish Erotica 70 (1985) ... Distributor
52. With Love, Annette (1985) ... Distributor
53. Working Girls (1985) ... Distributor (video)
54. Suze's Centerfolds 9 (1984) ... Distributor
55. Suze's Centerfolds 8 (1984) ... Distributor
56. Collection 5 (1984) (V) ... Distributor
57. Girls That Love Girls (1984) ... Distributor (USA) (video)
58. L'Amour (1984) ... Distributor (1984) (USA) (theatrical)
59. Stiff Competition (1984) ... Distributor
60. Swedish Erotica 54 (1984) ... Distributor
61. Swedish Erotica 55 (1984) ... Distributor
62. Up Up and Away (1984) ... Distributor (USA)
63. Suze's Centerfolds 7 (1983) ... Distributor
64. Between Lovers (1983) ... Distributor (1983) (USA) (theatrical)
65. Glitter (1983) ... Distributor (1983) (USA) (theatrical)
66. Golden Girls 12 (1983) (V) ... Distributor
67. It's Called Murder, Baby (1983) ... Distributor (1984) (USA) (VHS)
68. Lady Lust (1983) ... Distributor
69. Let's Talk Sex (1983) ... Distributor
70. Moments of Love (1983) ... Distributor
71. Nasty Nurses (1983) ... Distributor
72. Private Teacher (1983) ... Distributor (1983) (USA) (theatrical)
73. Sorority Sweethearts (1983) ... Distributor (1983) (USA) (theatrical)
74. Swedish Erotica 45 (1983) ... Distributor
75. Swedish Erotica 46 (1983) ... Distributor
76. Swedish Erotica 47 (1983) ... Distributor
77. Swedish Erotica 48 (1983) ... Distributor (1983) (USA) (theatrical)
78. Swedish Erotica 49 (1983) ... Distributor
79. Swedish Erotica 50 (1983) ... Distributor
80. Swedish Erotica 51 (1983) ... Distributor
81. Swedish Erotica 52 (1983) ... Distributor
82. Swedish Erotica 53 (1983) ... Distributor (1983) (USA) (theatrical)
83. Virginia (1983) ... Distributor (1983) (USA) (theatrical)
84. Suze's Centerfolds 5 (1982) ... Distributor
85. Inspirations (1982) ... Distributor (1982) (USA) (theatrical)
86. Mandy's Executive Sweet (1982) ... Distributor
87. The Playgirl (1982) ... Distributor
88. Satisfactions (1982) ... Distributor
89. Society Affairs (1982) ... Distributor (1982) (USA) (theatrical)
90. Swedish Erotica 42 (1982) ... Distributor (1982) (USA) (theatrical)
91. Swedish Erotica 43 (1982) ... Distributor
92. Swedish Erotica 44 (1982) ... Distributor
93. Aunt Peg Goes Hollywood (1981) ... Distributor (USA) (video)
94. Suze's Centerfolds 6 (1981) ... Distributor
95. 8 to 4 (1981) ... Distributor (1981) (USA) (theatrical)
96. American Desire (1981) ... Distributor (1981) (USA) (theatrical)
97. Erotic Interlude (1981) ... Distributor
98. Extreme Close Up (1981) ... Distributor
99. Extremes (1981) ... Distributor
100. French Finishing School (1981) ... Distributor
101. Honeysuckle Rose (1981) ... Distributor
102. Lips (1981) ... Distributor
103. Love Dreams (1981) ... Distributor
104. Nightdreams (1981) ... Distributor
105. Pandora's Mirror (1981) ... Distributor (1981) (USA) (theatrical)
106. Seka's Fantasies (1981) ... Distributor
107. Skintight (1981) ... Distributor (1981) (USA) (theatrical)
108. Suze's Centerfolds 3 (1981) ... Distributor
109. Suze's Centerfolds 4 (1981) ... Distributor
110. Swedish Erotica 13 (1981) ... Distributor
111. Swedish Erotica 14 (1981) ... Distributor
112. Swedish Erotica 15 (1981) ... Distributor
113. Swedish Erotica 16 (1981) ... Distributor
114. Swedish Erotica 17 (1981) ... Distributor
115. Swedish Erotica 18 (1981) ... Distributor
116. Swedish Erotica 19 (1981) ... Distributor
117. Swedish Erotica 20 (1981) ... Distributor
118. Swedish Erotica 21 (1981) ... Distributor
119. Swedish Erotica 2 (1981) ... Distributor
120. Swedish Erotica 22 (1981) ... Distributor
121. Swedish Erotica 23 (1981) ... Distributor
122. Swedish Erotica 24 (1981) ... Distributor
123. Swedish Erotica 25 (1981) ... Distributor
124. Swedish Erotica 26 (1981) ... Distributor
125. Swedish Erotica 27 (1981) ... Distributor
126. Swedish Erotica 28 (1981) ... Distributor
127. Swedish Erotica 29 (1981) ... Distributor
128. Swedish Erotica 30 (1981) ... Distributor
129. Swedish Erotica 31 (1981) ... Distributor
130. Swedish Erotica 3 (1981) ... Distributor
131. Swedish Erotica 32 (1981) ... Distributor
132. Swedish Erotica 33 (1981) ... Distributor
133. Swedish Erotica 34 (1981) ... Distributor
134. Swedish Erotica 35 (1981) ... Distributor
135. Swedish Erotica 36 (1981) ... Distributor
136. Swedish Erotica 37 (1981) ... Distributor
137. Swedish Erotica 38 (1981) ... Distributor
138. Swedish Erotica 39 (1981) ... Distributor (1981) (USA) (theatrical)
139. Swedish Erotica 40 (1981) ... Distributor
140. Swedish Erotica 41 (1981) ... Distributor
141. Swedish Erotica 4 (1981) ... Distributor
142. Swedish Erotica 5 (1981) ... Distributor
143. Swedish Erotica 6 (1981) ... Distributor
144. Swedish Erotica 7 (1981) ... Distributor
145. Swedish Erotica 8 (1981) ... Distributor
146. Swedish Erotica 9 (1981) ... Distributor
147. Touch Me in the Morning (1981) ... Distributor
148. Trashi (1981) ... Distributor
149. Wicked Sensations (1981) ... Distributor
150. Working for Love (1981) ... Distributor (USA)
151. Coed Fever (1980) ... Distributor
152. Rockin' with Seka, or Seka's Cruise (1980) ... Distributor
153. Afternoon Delights (1980) ... Distributor (video)
154. Ball Game (1980) ... Distributor
155. Born Erect (1980) ... Distributor
156. California Girls (1980) ... Distributor
157. Danish Erotica 1 (1980) ... Distributor
158. Danish Erotica 2 (1980) ... Distributor
159. Dream Lover (1980) ... Distributor
160. Dream Lovers (1980) ... Distributor
161. The Filthy Rich (1980) ... Distributor
162. Flash (1980) ... Distributor
163. Goodbye My Love (1980) ... Distributor
164. Kiss and Tell (1980) ... Distributor
165. Ladies Night (1980) ... Distributor
166. Suze's Centerfolds 1 (1980) ... Distributor
167. Suze's Centerfolds 2 (1980) ... Distributor
168. Urban Cowgirls (1980) ... Distributor
169. Bangkok Connection (1979) ... Distributor
170. Laura's Desires (1979) ... Distributor
171. Mystique (1979) ... Distributor
172. One Way at a Time (1979) ... Distributor
173. Sissy's Hot Summer (1979) ... Distributor
174. Sweet Savage (1979) ... Distributor
175. Women in Love (1979) ... Distributor (video)
176. Beichte der Josefine Mutzenbacher, Die (1978) ... Distributor
177. Sex Roulette (1978) ... Distributor
178. The China Cat (1978) ... Distributor
179. The Girls of Mr. X (1978) ... Distributor
180. Happy Holiday (1978) ... Distributor
181. Desires Within Young Girls (1977) ... Distributor (1977) (USA) (theatrical)
182. Parties fines (1977) ... Distributor
183. Hot Sisters (1975) ... Distributor --http://www.imdb.com/company/co0108296/ [Dec 2005]
Ed Wood
Ed also filmed several of the early Swedish Erotica loops for Caballero. Loops include Massage Parlour, Girl Friday and The Jailer. Ed also wrote and directed a series of hardcore 20 minutes loops called Sex Education Correspondence School, released in 1975. --http://www.groupsrv.com/movies/viewtopic.php?t=681 [Dec 2005]
See also: Ed Wood - 8mm - porn film
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