The incomparable Laura Gemser appeared briefly in an erotic scene from the French "Emmanuelle 2." This amazing woman did not go unnoticed, and was soon cast as the lead in this all new Italian series, where she is the centerpiece; a beautiful photojournalist who travels the world experiencing all the mysterious eroticism that the world had to offer. In this first installment, Mae Jordan/Emanuelle is sent to Africa to photograph the people as well as the stunning landscape and wild exotic animals. Much like Sylvia Kristels character, Emanuelle has not come into her own when it comes to being open and comfortable with her own sexuality. This first film is basically about how she becomes the "Emanuelle" that most exploitation cinema fans are familiar with. Filled with gorgeous cinematography, beautiful people, and an intoxicating 70's score from the legendary Nico Fidenco, this one is sure to please. Those who enjoy the more story-driven style of the original french "Emmanuelle" should definitely like this as well. The main story here being an interesting cat and mouse tale of a womanizing playboy who comes to the realization that he has fallen in love with a woman who is the female version of him! Sexy, fun and totally entertaining throughout; a soap opera to be sure, but one with enough skin and general eye candy to keep the male viewers entertained. For some reason this is the hardest one in the series to find on DVD. There has never been a legitimate DVD for this, which is very strange. The bootlegs that sometimes appear online will have to do until someone gives this diamond of a film a proper release.
Update: 8/2021 These classic cult films are becoming easier to find, as labels like "Vinegar Syndrome" and "Severin" are digging up lost prints of some truly amazing titles, and restoring them to their original glory. Personally I believe the reason for this sudden interest is a direct result of how lousy current films are; as new movies get worse, people look more to the films of the past for their entertainment. "Black Emanuelle" can now be found on bluray, however, as of this writing, the version of the film with short scenes of hardcore footage, is actually the best way to see this one. Often thought of as "too soft" by fans of the series, those hardcore glimpses gives the movie that edge that it needed to compete with the later films of Joe D'Amato. This entry was not directed by D'Amato, which explains the softer approach. Directed by Bitto Albertini, the man also responsible for the beautiful and actually tasteful "Emanuelle In the Orient" AKA "Yellow Emanuelle.." Both films are genre classics..
Update: 8/2021 These classic cult films are becoming easier to find, as labels like "Vinegar Syndrome" and "Severin" are digging up lost prints of some truly amazing titles, and restoring them to their original glory. Personally I believe the reason for this sudden interest is a direct result of how lousy current films are; as new movies get worse, people look more to the films of the past for their entertainment. "Black Emanuelle" can now be found on bluray, however, as of this writing, the version of the film with short scenes of hardcore footage, is actually the best way to see this one. Often thought of as "too soft" by fans of the series, those hardcore glimpses gives the movie that edge that it needed to compete with the later films of Joe D'Amato. This entry was not directed by D'Amato, which explains the softer approach. Directed by Bitto Albertini, the man also responsible for the beautiful and actually tasteful "Emanuelle In the Orient" AKA "Yellow Emanuelle.." Both films are genre classics..