1973 film by “Deep Throat” director caught the attention of critics and ushered in era of adult cinema within the cultural zeitgeist
Chicago – “The Devil in Miss Jones,” one of the most significant films of the “Golden Age of Porn” will premiere a complete 4K restoration in honor of its 50th anniversary at The Secret Movie Club in Los Angeles on October 20th, 2023 at 7:30 PM.
Following its original release in 1973, the film earned critical acclaim, proving that Writer/Director Gerard Damiano Sr. ‘s success with “Deep Throat” was no fluke. It was reviewed by the major critics of the day – icons of film criticism and ushered in an era now referred to as “Porno Chic.”
Celebrities, and dignitaries stood together with the general public in lines that wrapped around the block, just to see it. “The Devil in Miss Jones” made Variety’s list of Top 10 Grossing Films for the year.
Newsweek called it “The most interesting film of its kind to date.” Judith Christ praised star Georgina Spelvin in New York Magazine. Variety called it “a Sensation!” Not all the reviews were favorable. Vincent Canby panned the film, starting a feud between himself and Damiano Sr.
that played out in the pages of The New York Times. “The Devil in Miss Jones” has received a complete 4K restoration by the director’s son and daughter, Gerard Damiano Jr., and Christar Damiano, who gave the same treatment to their father’s best-known work “Deep Throat” last year, before taking it on a world tour for its 50th Anniversary.
“Our father will always be known for ‘Deep Throat,’ but he went on to make much better films.” Gerard Jr. proclaims. “He would rather be remembered for his later work, particularly ‘The Devil and Miss Jones.’ He was very proud of that, especially the performance by Georgina Spelvin.” Virgin spinster Justine Jones (Georgina Spelvin) takes her own life only to discover that she is condemned to hell without ever having really lived. She begs for a second chance and vows to live a life ‘Consumed by Lust’ before accepting her eternal fate.
The film’s star, Chele Graham (aka Georgina Spelvin), was a talented actor and dancer, who had been featured in the Broadway productions of “Cabaret,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “Sweet Charity,” when she met with Gerard Damiano Sr., who was looking to hire a cook for his upcoming film production. She left the interview with both the craft services job AND the lead role in what would be “The Devil in Miss Jones.”
The restoration from a 35mm print was done by Cineric Inc., known for their work on such classic films as “From Here to Eternity,” “Dr. Strangelove,” and “Jaws.” Their 4K restoration of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Spellbound” premiered at Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna earlier this year.
According to Secret Movie Club Founder and CEO Craig Hammill, “The Devil in Miss Jones” represents a moment in American culture where it looked like movies with intense sexual content could be ‘art house’ and ‘mainstream.’ Secret Movie Club feels it’s crucial to have a conversation on this moment in American cinema and to talk about why we are struggling 50 years later to make movies that deal with sex and sexuality at all.”
The film will screen as part of their “LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS MOVIE” series. The Damiano’s will present the film live, then be joined by special guests for a discussion to be moderated by Mr. Hammill. The Secret Movie Club is located at 1917 Bay St, 2 Floor Los Angeles, CA 90021 For
Tickets, visit: https://devilinmissjonessmc.eventbrite.com
The film will then travel to Germany for its European premiere at Porn Film Festival Berlin October 20th – 29th, 2023. “The Devil in Miss Jones” then returns to New York City for its East Coast premiere which will be held on Halloween night at The Cutting Room 44 E 32nd St. New
York, NY 10016. It is slated to embark on a World Tour in the Spring of 2024. A possible double bill with “Deep Throat” (as it had shown in some US theaters continuously for years), is also in the works for 2024.
For those interested in booking “The Devil in Miss Jones” in their markets, please contact:
distribution@damianofilms.com.
About Damiano Films, LLC:
Noted auteur filmmaker Gerard Damiano Sr. is best known for the iconic film “Deep Throat,” but
went on to make some of the most critically acclaimed films of the genre. Damiano Films LLC was
founded by his son Gerard Damiano Jr. and daughter Christar, to preserve their father’s legacy.
They are lovingly restoring his most significant films including his magnum opus “The Story of
Joanna,” for a complete retrospective of his work. For more information on Damiano Films
visit https://damianofilms.com
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