World of Obscenity (1966)
A rare 1966 pseudo-documentary probing the boundaries of censorship and cinematic freedom, assembled from the exploitation films of Joseph P. Mawra.
World of Obscenity - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mondo oscenità
- Release Year: 1966
- Directed by: Joseph P. Mawra
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 9m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 30, 1966 (United States)
World of Obscenity - Plot
Cut-n-paste pseudo-documentary about the history of censorship in cinema and the changing mores of the '60s, comprised mostly of footage from the films of Joseph Mawra (who also directed this under the pseudonym of "Carlo Scappine"). Likely the only way to catch footage from Mawra's lost MME. OLGA'S MASSAGE PARLOR.
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World of Obscenity - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joseph P. Mawra
Main Cast
- Joel Holt
- Audrey Campbell
- Brenda Denaut
- Alice Denham
- Judy Young
- Darlene Bennett
- Rickey Bell
- June Roberts
- Marlene Starr
- Sylvia Sorrente
Writers
- Ernest Franklin
World of Obscenity - FAQs
Where can you stream World of Obscenity?
World of Obscenity is available to stream on Cultpix, a subscription-based platform specializing in cult, exploitation, and rare cinema. It is one of the few accessible venues where this obscure 1966 pseudo-documentary can be viewed legally online.
Who directed World of Obscenity?
World of Obscenity was directed by Joseph P. Mawra, a prolific figure in 1960s exploitation cinema best known for his Olga series. For this film, Mawra worked under the pseudonym Carlo Scappine, a common practice in the low-budget exploitation film industry of the era.
What is World of Obscenity actually about?
World of Obscenity is a cut-and-paste pseudo-documentary examining the history of censorship in cinema and the rapidly shifting social mores of the 1960s. It draws heavily on archive footage from Joseph Mawra's own exploitation films, framing them within a broader commentary on where artistic expression ends and obscenity begins.
Is World of Obscenity the only source for Olga's Massage Parlor footage?
Yes. World of Obscenity is widely considered the only surviving source of footage from Mawra's lost film Olga's Massage Parlor. Because the original film is presumed lost, this pseudo-documentary serves as an invaluable archival record for exploitation film historians and enthusiasts.
Did Joseph Mawra use a pseudonym for this film?
Yes. Joseph P. Mawra directed World of Obscenity under the pseudonym Carlo Scappine. The use of pseudonyms was widespread among exploitation filmmakers of the 1960s, often employed to distance directors from controversial material or to navigate industry and censorship pressures of the time.
How long is World of Obscenity?
World of Obscenity has a runtime of 69 minutes, making it a relatively brief but dense viewing experience. Its compact length reflects the low-budget, fast-turnaround production style typical of exploitation documentaries produced in the United States during the mid-1960s.
When was World of Obscenity released?
World of Obscenity was released in the United States on June 30, 1966. It arrived during a turbulent period of cultural and legal debate over obscenity and censorship in American cinema, making its subject matter both timely and commercially provocative for exploitation film audiences of the era.
Who are the main cast members in World of Obscenity?
The film features Joel Holt as the narrator, with archive footage appearances by Audrey Campbell, Brenda Denaut, Alice Denham, Judy Young, Darlene Bennett, Rickey Bell, June Roberts, Marlene Starr, and Sylvia Sorrente, most of whom appear uncredited in recycled footage from Mawra's earlier exploitation productions.
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