29th November 2020

Adam Film World Guides in 1982: From Mormon to Mammon

We review the birth of Adam Film World Guide magazine, and the life of Kent Smith, the engine behind the specialty guides.

22nd November 2020

‘Summer in Heat’ (1979): The Secret Story of an Enigma

The true story behind the enigmatic movie, featuring Desiree Cousteau, John Leslie, and Jack Wrangler, is finally revealed.

15th November 2020

Charles DeSantos – The Career of a Marxist Adult Filmmaker

Charles DeSantos was a unique filmmaker, and enjoyed one of the longest careers in the golden age of adult film.

8th November 2020

The Honeymooners (1976): Images, Ghosts, and Whispers

Previously unseen behind-the-scenes photographs and unpublished candid memories from those who made the film.

3rd November 2020

R.I.P. Randy Paul

Randy Paul, adult film star from the 1980s and 1990s in straight and gay, XXX and fetish films, has passed away. We were fortunate to know him, and interviewed him this year.

1st November 2020

Adam Film Quarterly vs. Adam Film World: What a Difference Two Decades Make

We look at the evolution of Adam Film Quarterly by comparing the late 1960s to the late 1980s.

18th October 2020

The Murder of Kathy Harcourt: England’s First American Adult Film Star – Podcast 102

Kathy Harcourt appeared in 1980s adult films. Then she was found dead in mysterious circumstances. 

11th October 2020

Adult Cinema Review: The Complete 1983 Issues

We look back at ‘Adult Cinema Review’ magazine in 1983, including newly digitized copies of each magazine.

4th October 2020

Carn(iv)al Love: Sex, Wrestling and the Story of Misty Blue Simmes

How Misty Blue Simmes – a top female wrestler in the 80s – also appeared in adult films.

27th September 2020

Richard Milner: Scrapbooks of an Industry Observer

Richard Milner was ubiquitous on the adult film scene of the late 1970s/early 1980s. These are some of his photographic memories.

20th September 2020

John Buco: The Double Life of Water Power’s Mystery Man

John Buco, star of Water Power and stalwart adult film actor from the early years of the XXX industry, tells his story.

15th September 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 12 – After The Afterglow

The concluding episode of the podcast detailing the Traci Lords scandal of the mid 1980s.

13th September 2020

Stag in 1980 – Marc Stevens, Kandi Barbour, Lisa DeLeeuw, Desiree Cousteau, and Ugly George

Stag magazine became a journal of sorts for the XXX film business.

8th September 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 11 – Afterglow

Traci Lords as the key to pop culture in the late 20th and early 21st century.

6th September 2020

John Amero: Michael Findlay, Bill Perry and their Friendship

Excerpts from legendary filmmaker John Amero’s autobiography American Exxxtacy which is published this month.

1st September 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 10 – Who Ratted Out Traci?

The mystery is (maybe) solved. And we hear from 1985 Traci.

30th August 2020

R.I.P. Jim South (1939-2020): The Last Of His Kind

Jim South, the most famous agent for adult film stars, died this weekend. With him, dies a part of the golden age of adult film.

25th August 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 9 – The Ghost of Shauna Grant

We return to the Valley, and it looks a whole lot different this time around.

18th August 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 8 – Marion Davies’ Love Button

Meet Troy Matherly, the heart of this story, of Nora’s and Traci’s story.

11th August 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 7 – Surf City, USA

We leave the Valley and Traci Lords behind; go back to Redondo Beach to find Nora Kuzma.

9th August 2020

Joseph Stryker: Live Sex… in Show World, Avon Theaters, Melody Burlesk, and Adult Films

If you haven’t heard of Joseph Stryker, you’ll know the places he worked as a live sex show performer.

4th August 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 6 – Fake Out and Make Out

The adult industry is screwed. Who’s doing the screwing?

2nd August 2020

Declassified! FBI Deep Throat Files: Anatomy of an Investigation

An investigation concerning the suspected interstate transportation of pornography in 1973-74.

28th July 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 5 – Shooting (Porn) Star

The only thing wilder than Traci on camera, is Traci off camera. Also: Traci gets a rival; Traci gets busted.

26th July 2020

The Rialto Report Turns 100! – Podcast 100

On this 100th podcast, we feature behind-the-scenes stories, highlights, and interview clips from the last 99 episodes.

21st July 2020

‘Once Upon a Time… In The Valley’:
Episode 4 – A (Porn) Star is Born

Traci goes from adult model to adult actress to adult phenomenon. But the biggest star in Adult, isn’t one.

19th July 2020

Adult Video News – The Complete Second Year (1984)

AVN was important in the history of the golden age of adult films. It started as an 8-page newsletter, it became a glossy magazine.

14th July 2020

‘Once Upon a Time…in the Valley’:
Episodes 1 to 3 Launched Today

‘Once Upon a Time…in the Valley’, a new podcast series co-produced and co-presented by Ashley West.

10th July 2020

Introducing: ‘Once Upon A Time… In The Valley’

A new podcast series about the roaring 1980s XXX world, when Traci Lords reigned supreme. The world’s first real-life porno-noir mystery.

5th July 2020

Jon Martin: A San Francisco Trailblazer

Golden age pioneer Jon Martin shares his memories of San Francisco – ground zero for the adult film business.

28th June 2020

Angel Kelly: Giving You the Best That I Got – Podcast 99

Angel Kelly, the golden age superstar of adult films and the stripping circuit, discusses performing, Pink Ladies and Tupac Shakur.

21st June 2020

Ginger Lynn: The Incorporation of an Icon

Ginger Lynn was more than just a star of adult films: she was a brand in her own right. What’s more, Ginger incorporated herself, as Ginger Pix.

14th June 2020

High Society in 1978:
Gloria Leonard’s Motley Crew – An Issue by Issue Guide

Who was responsible for High Society in its early years, after Gloria Leonard took over as publisher?

7th June 2020

Randy Paul: His Own Drummer

Adult industry star Randy Paul talks about his adult film career – alternating between California and New York, straight and gay, standard and fetish movies.

31st May 2020

Amber Lynn: Rebel Yell! – Podcast 98

Amber Lynn is the perfect example of the adult film video vixen in all her glory. Back in the 1980s, she was the face of the new VHS era in adult film.

28th May 2020

Press Release: Legendary Filmmaker John Amero’s Autobiography ‘American Exxxtasy’

Legendary filmmaker John Amero’s autobiography is now available.

24th May 2020

The Story of the Birth of ‘Erotic Film Guide’ (1982/83):
An Issue by Issue Guide

‘Erotic Film Guide’ (1982 – 2006) was one of the longest-running and most colorful magazines to cover XXX.

17th May 2020

‘Charlie’s Angels’, Jaacov Jaacovi, and the $1 Million Porn Lawsuit

We look back at the controversies behind the XXX movies, ‘Little Orphan Dusty’ and ‘Taxi Girls’.

10th May 2020

‘Alexandra’ (1983): The Sexploitation Gang Rides Again

The Rialto Report has always been intrigued by the little-known but well-made New York adult film ‘Alexandra’ (1983)

3rd May 2020

R.I.P. Samantha Fox (1950-2020)

Samantha Fox, iconic actress from the golden age of adult film, passed away on April 22, 2020 at the age of 69. We remember her life and accomplished career.

26th April 2020

‘Porn Stars’ in 1983:
An Issue by Issue Guide

We look back at ‘Porn Stars’ magazine in 1983, with an issue-by-issue guide, including newly digitized copies of each magazine.

19th April 2020

The Porn Star Who Won an Oscar (and Starred With Sylvester Stallone)

Claire Wilbur was one of the few performers to go from adult industry notoriety to Hollywood recognition.

12th April 2020

Wild, Daring, and Torrid – Confessions of Marv Lincoln, the Original Smut Publisher

Marv Lincoln single-handedly created the template for the adult film magazine business.

5th April 2020

Whatever Happened to Mary Stuart? – Podcast 97

Mary Stuart appeared in a 8mm loop in 1973 in which she was slapped: what happened to her after this, and was there any truth to the rumors?

29th March 2020

Bill Rotsler & Adam Film World in 1975:
An Issue by Issue Guide

We look at the life of Bill Rotsler and Adam Film World, with digitized copies of all 1975 magazines.

22nd March 2020

Avon Films: Joe Davian R.I.P. – Part 4, The Enigma

The life and adult film career of Avon director Joe Davian has been shrouded in mystery since he disappeared in 1981. Who was he?

15th March 2020

A Brief History of the Adult Film Association of America (AFAA)

We re-publish monthly bulletins and convention brochures relating to the Adult Film Association of America (AFAA).

8th March 2020

Randy Spears: Hear My Prayer – Podcast 96

Randy Spears talks about how he makes sense of his multi-decade adult career before he became a devout Christian.

1st March 2020

Cheri magazine in 1978:
The Third Year – An Issue by Issue Guide

We look back at the east coast publication ‘Cheri’ – and re-publish all the issues published in 1978.

23rd February 2020

When Jamie Gillis Was Accused Of Murder… Twice: The Price of Porn Notoriety – Podcast 95

Jamie Gillis died ten years ago this week. We remember when he was arrested for murder – twice.

16th February 2020

The Daily Beast: The Prince of Hell’s Kitchen – The Story of Phil Prince

The Daily Beast republishes a Rialto Report story: the remarkable story of Avon film director Phil Prince.

9th February 2020

‘Deep Sleep’ (1972): How a Suburban Porno Set Off a Massive Federal Witch Hunt – Podcast 52 (reprise)

In 1972, Alfred Sole, a first time filmmaker, made an X-rated film.

2nd February 2020

‘Video X’ in 1981:
An Issue by Issue Guide

We look back at the history of the east coast publication ‘Video X’ – and we re-publish all the issues published in 1981.

26th January 2020

Pat Barrington: Scrapbook of an Actress

After last week’s podcast, we’re pleased to present previously unpublished photos and documents from Pat Barrington’s records.

19th January 2020

The Search for Pat Barrington: A Tale of Murder, Sex, and Dance – Podcast 94

The wild tale of sexploitation films, a serial killer, go-go dancing, sexual assault, nude modeling, Sam Fuller.

12th January 2020

Adult Cinema Review:
The Complete 1982 Issues

We look back at the east coast publication ‘Adult Cinema’ by re-publishing all the issues published in 1982.

5th January 2020

Kelly Nichols: At Last – Podcast 93

Kelly Nichols talks about her two careers in the adult film industry: as an acting star, and then as a film makeup artist.

24th December 2019

Happy Christmas – with Tiffany Clark

Previously unpublished photographs of Tiffany Clark from a Christmas Stag magazine shoot in 1982. Happy holidays to all our friends.

22nd December 2019

Lesllie Bovee and Serena at the Melody Burlesk: The Polaroids

Previously unseen photographs from the legendary stage show at New York’s Melody Burlesk, featuring Serena and Lesllie Bovee.

15th December 2019

R.I.P. George McDonald (1949-2019)

George McDonald, perhaps the first male star of the adult film industry, died yesterday in California. He was 70 years old. We remember him.

1st December 2019

‘The Tale of Tiffany Lust’ (1981): Henry Paris’ Secret Comeback

The Tale of Tiffany Lust is one of the more enigmatic adult films made in New York – yet boasts some of the most famous names of the era.

24th November 2019

‘Porn Stars’ in 1982:
An Issue by Issue Guide

We look back at the east coast publication ‘Porn Stars’ by re-publishing all the issues published in 1982 in full.

17th November 2019

‘Centerfold Fever’ (1981): Behind the Scenes of an Adult Movie

A detailed look into the 1981 film, Centerfold Fever, with one of the best casts in XXX history.

10th November 2019

John Stagliano: Truth and Reality – Podcast 92

John Stagliano, godfather of the gonzo genre, talks about his eventful life and career – including Buttman, Evil Angel and more.

3rd November 2019

The Meese Commission on Pornography (1986), and the Birth of the Modern Day Culture War

Edwin Meese, 1980s pornography scourge, is in the news again.

6th October 2019

Adam Film World in 1981:
An Issue by Issue Guide

We look back at the west coast publication Adam Film World by reviewing all the issues published in 1981.

29th September 2019

R.I.P. Candy Samples (1928 – 2019)

Candy Samples, who enjoyed a long career as a hugely popular model in men’s magazines and adult films, passed away this week.

22nd September 2019

Tim Connelly – Punk and Porn, Part 1

Tim Connelly was a drummer who rubbed shoulders with Patti Smith and the Ramones – and a hugely colorful career in the adult industry.

1st September 2019

Mike Horner: Porn’s Late Bloomer – Podcast 91

Mike Horner shares how he went from being a shy Catholic boy from suburbia to becoming one of adult film’s most prolific performers.

25th August 2019

Times Square’s Most Outrageous Sex Show, The Queen of Shock Rock, and The Svengali – Part 2

Wendy O. Williams, Monica Kennedy, and Rod Swenson: Part 2.

18th August 2019

Times Square’s Most Outrageous Sex Show, The Queen of Shock Rock, and The Svengali – Part 1

Monica Kennedy and Wendy O. Williams’ story.

11th August 2019

RIP Henri Belolo – The Story of Wade Nichols and Dennis Parker

Henri Belolo, the music producer who created a disco hit for adult actor, Wade Nichols, passed away at his home in Paris this week.

21st July 2019

Michael Findlay’s Last Year – 3-D, Funk, and the Tragedy on the PanAm Building: An Oral History

We piece together his last year before his tragic accident in 1977.

14th July 2019

High Society in 1977:
Gloria Leonard Takes Over – An Issue by Issue Guide

We speak with Gloria Leonard about High Society and how she became the magazine’s ‘publisher’.

7th July 2019

The Flat on Polk Street: Serena, Jamie, and Lysa in Shangri-La

San Francisco, 1979: Four people’s lives converged for an intense few months in an apartment on Polk Street. This is what happened.

30th June 2019

Adult Film Locations – Part 14: The Exploitation Film Castle

For the 50th anniversary of the filming of Radley Metzger’s The Lickerish Quartet, we visited the castle where the movie takes place.

23rd June 2019

‘The Sins of Ilsa’ (1985): The Untold Story of Radley Metzger’s Unreleased Last Film

Radley Metzger’s last film was shelved, never released, and doesn’t appear on his filmography.

16th June 2019

Cinema Blue in 1984:
The First Year – An Issue by Issue Guide

We look back at the first year of Cinema Blue magazine – and speak to its editor, Joyce James.

9th June 2019

The Sexploitation Film Made on a Desert Island in New York City

The untold story of an Oscar-winning director, a sex film actress, a mobster who revolutionized the distribution of pornography, and a photographer.

12th May 2019

Serena in 1976: Super Woman

The Rialto Report was due to start a spring vacation today – but we came across unpublished photographs of 1970s adult film actress, Serena, from 1976.

5th May 2019

The Daily Beast: ‘Deep Sleep’ (1972) – How an Amateur Porno Set Off A Massive Federal Witch Hunt

The Daily Beast publishes our article about the making of ‘Deep Sleep’.

28th April 2019

Christy Canyon: A Twelve O’Clock Girl in a Nine O’Clock Town – Podcast 90

Christy Canyon talks about her life as a pioneering performer at start of the video age of adult films.

21st April 2019

Cinema-X Review:
The Demise (and the complete 1981 issues)

After flourishing in its first year, Cinema-X Review came to an abrupt end in 1981. How did it end?

14th April 2019

The Rialto Report’s ‘Centurian’s of Rome’ Gets A Movie Deal

We’re proud to announce that The Rialto Report’s recent Daily Beast article, ‘Centurians of Rome’, has been acquired for a feature film.

7th April 2019

Deep Throat (1972): A Deeper Dive

An extract from the unpublished biography of the film’s director, Gerard Damiano, plus four books about the film – and Bill O’Reilly.

31st March 2019

Jim Holliday: Adult Film’s First Historian

Jim Holliday published two books that were among the first to place the golden age of adult film in a historical context.

24th March 2019

Cheri magazine in 1977:
The Second Year – An Issue by Issue Guide

An issue-by-issue guide to the second year of Cheri magazine – with all issues fully digitized.

17th March 2019

Le Beverley – The Last Days of an Adult Cinema

The Rialto Report was sad to hear of the recent closure of Le Beverley, the last surviving adult cinema in Paris. The theater first opened in 1960.

10th March 2019

Mary Stuart, and the slap: How did her story end?

Mary Stuart featured in many adult films, before disappearing amid rumors of abuse. We set out to to piece together her eventful life.

3rd March 2019

The Passing of a San Francisco Pioneer

Ken Scudder passed away recently. We remember his life as a prolific, and enigmatic, actor in the San Francisco scene in the 1970s.

24th February 2019

Paul Thomas: The 10 Provocations of PT, Part 2 – Podcast 89

Paul Thomas talks about the later part of his life and career as he moves behind the camera.

17th February 2019

Paul Thomas: The 10 Provocations of PT, Part 1 – Podcast 88

Paul Thomas talks about the early part of his life and adult film career in a rare interview.

10th February 2019

Adult Film World magazine in 1973/1974:
The Complete Issues

Interviews, film features, articles, and photo sets from the west coast Bible of adult films.

13th January 2019

Adult Film Magazine interviews

45 vintage adult film star interviews, including C.J. Laing, Terri Hall, Andrea True, Jennifer Welles, Suzanne Fields, Helen Madigan, Armand Weston and many more.

6th January 2019

Roommates (1981): The Projection Booth Podcast

The Rialto Report’s Ashley West joins Veronica Hart, Larry Revene, Rick Marx, and Heather Drain on Mike White’s Projection Booth podcast.

28th December 2018

Robert Kerman / R. Bolla – R.I.P.

We remember the actor Robert Kerman, also known as R. Bolla, who died this week in New York at the age of 71, by re-visiting our interview with him.

23rd December 2018

Avon Films: Phil Prince’s Story – Podcast 87

The dramatic story of controversial Avon director, Phil Prince – as told in our podcast (featuring a small amount audio of Phil himself.)

16th December 2018

Avon Films: Journeys into the Dark Heart of XXX – Part 3, The Director

The Rialto Report meets with the elusive maverick, Avon’s notorious director, Phil Prince.

9th December 2018

Avon Films: Journeys into the Dark Heart of XXX – Part 2, The Procurer

Ambrosia Fox, Velvet Summers, and Cheri Champagne: who were they and where did they come from?

2nd December 2018

Avon Films: Journeys into the Dark Heart of XXX – Part 1, The Boss – Podcast 86

Avon films form the sleaziest chapter of golden age adult films. So who was behind the theater chain?