Black and White and Blue

Black and White and Blue traces the evolution of adult cinema from its earliest Victorian-era origins through the advent of home video technology. The book examines both the cultural context and technical developments that shaped this controversial film genre over nearly a century. Thompson chronicles key moments, films, and figures in adult cinema history through extensive research and interviews with industry pioneers. The narrative covers everything from primitive erotic photographs to the rise of feature-length adult films in the 1970s. The book documents how changes in technology, law enforcement, and social attitudes influenced the production and distribution of adult films across different eras. Specific attention is paid to the transition from theatrical exhibition to home video formats. This historical account reveals how adult cinema both reflected and influenced broader cultural shifts in attitudes toward sexuality, censorship, and personal freedom in American society. The text maintains an academic focus while examining a subject that has often been overlooked in traditional film history.

Readers note the book provides a detailed look at adult films of the 1960s-70s but focuses more on business and societal aspects rather than the films themselves. Several appreciate the research and historical context around the industry's development. Readers liked: - In-depth interviews with industry figures - Coverage of legal battles and politics of the era - Documentation of how distribution networks evolved - Focus on cultural impact beyond just the films Readers disliked: - Jumps between topics without clear transitions - Limited discussion of actual film content and directors - Some inaccuracies in dates and names - Writing style can be dry and academic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (15 reviews) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (8 ratings) "Thoroughly researched but needed better organization" - Amazon reviewer "Good historical overview but too surface-level on the films" - Goodreads review

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🎬 The Victorian-era origins of adult cinema can be traced to private "smoker films" - short risqué reels shown at gentleman's clubs as early as the 1890s. 📽️ Author Dave Thompson has written over 100 books on music and popular culture, including works about Kurt Cobain, David Bowie, and The Sex Pistols. 📺 The advent of VHS technology in the late 1970s revolutionized the adult film industry, shifting production from theatrical releases to direct-to-video content. ⚖️ The 1957 Supreme Court case Roth v. United States established that the First Amendment protects all but the most obscene creative works, significantly impacting adult cinema's legal status. 🎥 Before the 1970s, most adult films were produced under pseudonyms, with actors and crew using fake names to avoid legal consequences and social stigma.