Tinto Brass will always be best known as the director of the erotic classic Caligula (1979). Despite the film’s success and longevity, Brass removed his name from the picture after producers changed it by adding explicit sex scenes and removing the political satire elements without his approval.
Despite that, he had a long and productive career, with films such as The Key (1983), Frivolous Lola (1998), and Cheeky (2000). Cult Films delivers a pair of Blu-ray releases from Brass’s resume, both from separate decades: Salon Kitty (1976) and Miranda (1985). These wildly different films encapsulate the late director’s ideals and interests.
Salon Kitty Is an Unsettling Piece of Cinema
Set in Berlin during the final years of the Third Reich, Salon Kitty takes us inside an upscale brothel where Nazi officers, diplomats, and party officials come to indulge their darkest desires. But behind the luxurious surroundings lies a sinister operation orchestrated by ambitious SS officer Wallenberg (Helmut Berger, The Godfather Part III), who has secretly wired every room to gather compromising information on the Reich’s elite.
His carefully selected recruits include Margherita (Teresa Ann Savoy, Caligula), a young woman whose faith in the Nazi cause begins to crumble as she discovers the truth. Teaming up with Madame Kitty (Ingrid Thulin, Wild Strawberries), who has her own reasons to topple Wallenberg, Margherita plots to expose his treacherous scheme before it’s too late.
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Tinto Brass directs the film in a very serious manner, a far cry from the playfulness in his later work. It’s an unsettling piece of cinema that doesn’t shy away from the atrocities at the hands of the Nazis, which makes it a difficult watch. There’s terrific acting, amazing set design, and time-period-authentic costumes that help set the tone.
While this may be the most complete version of the film, I felt it overstayed its welcome by about 30 minutes. Despite its shortcomings, Salon Kitty is an interesting watch for fans of the director and the subgenre. I would advise traditional audiences or the uninitiated to maybe skip this one.
Salon Kitty bonus features include:
- Making Salon Kitty – unique English-language Tinto Brass interview
- International theatrical trailer
- USA trailer
- New and improved English subtitles and additional SDH
- Two-sided art card
- Original Madam Kitty American release poster, reproduced to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary
- Collector’s reversible sleeve
Miranda Is a Light-Hearted, Fun, and Alluring Film
Set in postwar Italy, Miranda stars Serena Grandi (The Great Beauty) as a spirited young woman running a country inn while waiting for her husband, a soldier who disappeared during World War II. With no word of his whereabouts, Miranda begins to wonder if her long-lost spouse will ever return.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of male companionship, as three very different suitors vie for her attention. A devoted farmhand offers genuine affection, a wealthy older gentleman promises financial security, and a charming American brings the temptation of adventure beyond the Italian countryside.
Rather than rush into anything, Miranda enjoys sampling what each man has to offer in this sensual comedy-drama about love, lust, and a woman determined to enjoy life on her own terms.
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Miranda is much more in line with what I personally associate with the director. It’s light-hearted, fun, and sexy. Serena Grandi is quite the lead, and there’s no question as to why she caught the director’s eye. Her energy is infectious, capturing the tone I always felt elevated Brass’ work above others in the genre.
It’s packed with beautiful photography, and the hypnotic soundtrack adds a calming aura. The story might not be very deep, but the themes of living and loving life shouldn’t be forgotten.
Mirandabonus features include:
- Tinto Brass Reveals All — an interview with the director
- Theatrical trailer
- New and improved English subtitles and SDH
- Collector’s reversible sleeve
Salon Kitty and Miranda are two very distinctly different films from one of Italy’s most notorious directors. It’s interesting to see how he went from one extreme to another.
Cult Films have done a wonderful job with these releases, and hopefully they continue to preserve the works of under-appreciated filmmakers like Tinto Brass.
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