Memphis Cathouse Blues (re-release)

In 1982’s “Memphis Cathouse Blues,” Annette Haven is Mavis the Madame, a sultry southern belle who runs a small-scale house of ill-repute in Memphis (Tennessee we suppose but it's never clarified) that has been handed-down since the Civil War. Her grandmother (Rhonda Jo Petty) is shown in a flashback (along with Michael Morrison) demonstrating the best way to serve the troops during the battle between the states. Mavis is concerned for the future of her business as Reverend Pritchit (Jim Reynolds as Paul Ross) preaches vehemently against the continued operation of the bordello and stirs his followers to demonstrate outside its doors.

The Feline Farm’s head mistress really knows how to give head as she treats Sheriff T.J. Thomson (Mike Horner as Don Hart) to a blowjob in the parlor as they discuss how Reverent Pritchett wants to shut her down. Soon afterward, Angel, played by K.C. Valentine who is introduced as Kimberly in this movie, joins Cherry (Dorothy Le-May) and Rose (Kay Parker) in taunting the deacons who have taken up the reverend’s cause and march with signs on the front lawn. With very little persuasion, Deacon Davis (Herschel Savage as Jack Black) and Brother Pyle (Jon Martin) decide to come in and show the ladies the way to salvation as all five suck and fuck their way to glory.

Later that afternoon Mavis answers a knock at the door when Tammy Sue, played by newcomer Danielle, begs for a place to stay. She explains that she has just arrived in town and has nowhere to go. Since one of her best girls, Dixie, is out at the moment, Mavis offers Tammy Sue a room while not being completely honest about where she’s staying. During the night, Mavis is in bed with Sheriff Thompson when a loud noise is heard. They make their way to the hall where the other working girls meet them to see what’s causing the commotion downstairs. As they reach the kitchen, Tammy Sue is startled and drops the breakfast she is preparing for everyone, asking “What kind of house is this?” Mavis and Sheriff Thompson are more than happy to show her as they teach the innocent Tammy Sue the proper technique to suck cock while she experiences her first orgasm from Mavis’ talented tongue on her clit.

The following day shows Mavis and the girls discussing the upcoming football game where tradition holds that the winning quarterback gets to spend the evening with a lady of his choosing as his prize. Talk soon turns to wondering where Dixie, played by Lisa De Leeuw, is that day. Mavis explains that she is at the “conventions” with the local civic organizations as their discussion fades into the most seductively shot scene of the movie. Dixie and Johnny Lee (Eric Stein) are shown enjoying each other’s pleasures in a scene that strangely looks as if it was leftover footage from another feature. The camera angles, setting, and extremely poor lighting are completely different than any of the other scenes. However, those looking for a softer mood in which to introduce their partner to porn or couples looking for something more romantic than hard-core will find this scene very attractive.

True to the tradition, though, winning quarterback Billy Ray (Joey Silvera as Joey Civera) gets to have an evening of unbridled passion with Tammy Sue. She certainly has come a long way since that first lesson with Madame Mavis and Billy Ray gets the real reward! In the end, Mavis marries Sheriff Thomson which ensures that she and her girls are safe for a long time to come.

This movie is a classic and should be a part of anyone’s porn collection! Released on DVD and VOD, “Memphis Cathouse Blues” is an enjoyable viewing for those watching alone or with a partner. I'll stick with my VHS tape even though the grainy picture and jumpy sound can be distracting at times. Looking back on the 1980s, this was one of the first movies I saw and my early perception of pornographic movies was well-sculpted by movies like this one. Instead of being terrified by huge cocks ramming into various orifices that an innocent, naive lady wouldn’t even begin to contemplate, memories of snuggling with a lover watching one of her first porn movies is what comes to mind. It’s full of beautiful women with natural breasts, trimmed but not shaved pussies, and a storyline that while goofy and unnecessary allows the action to flow from scene to scene.

Annette Haven was very particular in the types of scenes she would and would not participate in – even to the point where some considered her perfectionism a negative thing. But, she looks like she’s enjoying herself! Instead of a vapid look towards the camera as many modern starlets produce, Annette Haven threw herself into the role, delivered her lines effectively, and stirred the urges of every male actor she worked with and that comes across the screen excellently. If you want one of her better classic films, pick this one up now!


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