SCHOOLGIRL REPORT

Historically significant as one of the first sexual 'reality' expose, following hot on the tail of the then in-vogue 'documentary' style Mondo Films, SchoolGirl Report is a notable curiosity that tries to class up its exploitative squalor by claiming to be a report on the taboo sexual behaviour of its youth. Continuing where Italian mondo films left off, this German produced exploitation goody celebrated the very sexual excess that it pretended to condemn. Depicting the supposedly shocking, salacious "reality" of girls daring to get it on for pleasure (and before marriage, gasp!), this first entry in what would become a long running series of sequels combined the mock-shock warnings of the Mondo craze with soft-core German sex cinema. Released by Impulse Pictures in an impressive DVD debut, this vintage example of racy entertainment comes your way with a surprisingly clean transfer.

Schoolgirl Report: What Parents Don't Think Is Possible features sexual attitudes and actions that no longer shock but manage to titillate and entertain in a nostalgic, organic manner. In its time the picture supposedly created quite a stir -- most probably offending the older generation and Christian priests/ministers, worried that people might have premarital sex and rob them of their payment for conducting unnecessary church ceremonies! While pretending to be directed at serious minded social scientists and concerned parents, the film was clearly marketed for the horny youth, celebrating the very animalistic passions that define humanity (despite the feverish protests of the hypocritical moral majority). The story, as it is, begins when hot and bothered 18-year-old Renate seduces her bus driver during a field trip. When one of the more righteous teachers discovers this, she whisks the student into the principle's office. The school's first impulse is to kick her out when the scandal is brought before the "Parent's Association" but adolescent psychologist Dr. Bernauer defends her actions, suggesting that her behaviour is typical, offering several other examples of salacious doings. This is a convenient structural excuse to slap together more sex. These 'cases' include dirty girls trying to arouse a Priest, gals getting it on in the locker room, and little nymphs showing off their bodies, all padded with mock interviews.

More quaint than shocking controversial, SchoolGirl Report still manages to raise our -- ahem! -- interest. . . Impulse has given the exploitation film community a gift of erotic nostalgia, harkening us back to a time when sex could be simple fun and just a little skin created a lot of stir. Both a critical commentary (albeit unconsciously) on the mondo approach to cultural differences and 'shocking' behaviour as well as a historical document of pop culture, this disc is a fleshy tour of the early seventies, complete with archaic sayings, outdated clothing styles, and nudity without nary an air brushing or silicone attachment in sight. More importantly than the content of the film is the absurd attitude of the parents/mainstream that the movie speaks to -- a culture's outrage and concern over their children growing into (gasp!) sexually inclined adults! For this alone, the film serves a higher purpose. Thankfully, rather than preach its message, the filmmakers are too busy following jiggling breasts, ample asses, and thighs -- stretch marks and all. In other words, these gals are depicted as real people, which makes them even more enticing.

This marks the first unedited, uncut German version released in English. While released in the States before, previous prints censored pubic hair shots. Impulse fills a niche by going with the with the German language track, providing optional English subtitles, another first. The 1.66:1 print (16:9) is crisp and clean, with little grain. The visual quality is easily superior to the scratched and spliced prints of old. Colors are clean and rich, with realistic skin tones honoring all those naked curves. Audio is clean but if you're like me, you'll be reading the subs. While the company claims that it offers special features, these refer only to the uncut print and anamorphic transfer. This is a bare bones DVD. Still, when one considers the rarity of the film, and its admirable condition, such oversight can be forgiven.

Review by William P. Simmons