The ABC of Love and Sex: Australia Style (1978)
03 Mar 1978 • Documentary, Comedy, Romance • 1h 25m
The film opens with giant alphabet blocks, and a general introduction, then begins to move through the alphabet: "A" is for ANATOMY - discusses the external and obvious differences between males and females. "B" is for BIRTH - also mentions bed and breastfeeding. An interview with Swedish sexologist Maj-Briht Bergström-Walan is shown as well, regarding sex education. "C" is for CONTRACEPTION - includes discussion on the rhythm method and use of the pill, alongside diaphragms, IUDs, condoms and spermicidal cream. "D" is for DREAMS - Dr Alfred Kinsey is cited, alongside the role of the mind and erotic fantasies (e.g. sex in public places) in sexual fulfilment. "E" is for EROTIC - examines forms of erotica, such as films and literature are mentioned, as well as aphrodisiacs, alcohol, sensual massage, and lingerie. E is also for erogenous zones. "F" is for FUN - says that sex should be for enjoyment, play, intimacy, and bonding. Other keywords include food and freedom. "G" is for GENITALS - explains how size or performance issues are less important than intimacy. "H" is for HOMOSEXUAL - discusses how male and female homosexuality is "common" across cultures and races, although attitudes and tolerance levels vary widely. "I" is for INNOCENCE (IGNORANCE) - explains how virginity is the start phase for the sexual journey, and also mentions a common sexual double-standard regarding it. The importance of sex education is reintroduced. "J" is for JEALOUSY - speaks again of sexual double standards, and shows a "reverse" role-play of two women trying to pick up a man in a pub for a one-night stand. "K" is for KISS - discusses the different kinds and functions of kissing, and explains that the mouth is a primary erogenous zone. "L" is for LOVE - explains the difference between love-making and love as a feeling, and states the role of individual differences and preferences in creating shared enjoyable intimacy. "M" is for MASTURBATION - outlines the history of taboo against it, then states the natural, non-harmful, and beneficial nature of it for both sexes. "N" is for NATURAL (NORMAL) - again refers to the individual and cultural perception of what is seen as appropriate or permissive. It then returns to "M", for a vignette on masochism. "O" is for ORGASM. - states how this is a central sexual focus, and attention is placed on the need for women to achieve a better "parity" of orgasms too. "P" is for PORNOGRAPHY - enters the controversial debate about the effect pornography has in society, but states the lack of evidence of a harmful nature in adult for adult porn. "Q" (no vignette) "R" is for RAPE - mentions that, despite some male perceptions, rape is not a fantasy women seek or enjoy. The narrator states that it is a shocking crime, and victims need to be both understood and supported. "S" is for SEDUCTION - citing Casanova and Don Juan as examples, seduction is another way to keep sex-lives varied and active. "T" is for TEMPTATION - explains briefly how sex can be enhanced by allure. "U" is for UNDERSTANDING - describes briefly how to be flexible and patient in a loving relationship. "V" (no vignette) "W" is for WORDS - details how the right words can increase intimacy and bonding. "X" is for ExCELLENCE - states how perfection in a relationship is to be strived for, in both a physical and psychological way, within a true loving relationship. "Y" is for YOU - as one of the "most important letters", a review montage of previous clips is used to explain the centrality of the individual in sexual decision making. "Z" is for - - the film ends with an animated scene reminding couples to explore, practice, and enjoy their sexuality.
Director
Writer
Starring
Language:
English
Awards:
Country:
Australia
Metacritic Score:
DVD Release Date:
Box Office Total: