Those Mad, Mad Moviemakers AKA The Last Porno Flick

"Those Mad, Mad Moviemakers," also known as "The Last Porno Flick," is an engaging comedy film from the 1970s directed by Ray Marsh, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Frank Calcanini, Michael Pataki, Mike Kellin, Jo Anne Meredith, Robyn Hilton, Tom Signorelli, and Marianna Hill.

Our protagonists are two young, Italian-American New York City based film enthusiasts named Tony (played by Frank Calcanini) and Eddie (portrayed by Michael Pataki). The duo hold a mutual aspiration of breaking into the world of professional film production. However, their dreams seem to hang in limbo due to a lack of funds and resources, but nonetheless, they aren’t going to let that hinder their ambitions.

Instead of succumbing to their circumstances, Tony and Eddie devise a plan to produce a star-studded, high-budget film without having in their possession the substantial finances often associated with such endeavors. They concoct a mischievous plan to convince an entire neighborhood of people to invest in their "regular" production when, in reality, they are financing an adult film.

The comedic wrinkle in their plan is how they manage the ever-growing pressure, and attempt to carry this farcical pretense while working with the eccentric cast and unpredictable situations. Adding to the humorous mix is the involvement of Eddie's overbearing, stereotypical Italian-American family. This sets the stage for an amusingly chaotic mish-mash of culture clashes and generation gaps.

Among the cast, standouts include the ever-dependable character actor Mike Kellin as Eddie's obstinate father, who suspects that his son's moviemaking venture might not be as wholesome as it appears, and Robyn Hilton as the voluptuous blonde starlet seduced into joining the disguised production. The roles played by Jo Anne Meredith, Tom Signorelli, and Marianna Hill add further color and dynamic to the cinematic experience, with the blend of individual performances creating a truly entertaining ensemble.

"Those Mad, Mad Moviemakers" maintains a farcical, humorous undertone throughout while dealing with the realities of chasing dreams and dealing with societal norms and expectations. It perfectly captures the 70's era zeitgeist with its potpourri of colorful characters, witty dialogue, and intriguing situations. The film's comedic take on the 'budding auteur' narrative provides an enjoyable snapshot of the era's counterculture, framed in Pavlovian Italian-American tradition and transformative cultural attitudes towards taboo subject matter.

The film photography is sharp, capturing the spirit and energy of the culturally rich Italian-American neighborhood in New York City in the 70s. The costumes, hairstyles, and overall aesthetic of the era is vividly presented, transporting viewers back in time and immersing them in the realities of their characters.

In the ranks of independent films from the era, "Those Mad, Mad Moviemakers" sits as a quirky yet engaging exploration of its themes. The movie succeeds not only as a comedy but also as a social commentary, providing an interesting viewpoint of a period in history when societal norms regarding mature content were beginning to undergo a significant shift.

"Those Mad, Mad Moviemakers" is sure to tickle viewers' funny bones with its zany premise and quick-witted dialogue, while simultaneously serving as a time capsule of a unique time in cinema and cultural history. It's a must-see for film enthusiasts interested in exploring the evolution of cinema, societal norms, and artistic freedom in the film industry.