The 1972 film Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask) is a comedy film directed by Woody Allen and written by Allen and Marshall Brickman. The film is a series of seven vignettes, each inspired by a question about sex, such as "What is sodomy?", "Why do some women have trouble reaching an orgasm?", and "Are transvestites homosexuals?".
The film's plot is loose and meandering, with the vignettes only loosely connected to each other. However, they all share a common theme of exploring human sexuality in a humorous and informative way.
One of the most famous vignettes from the film is the one in which Woody Allen plays a medieval court jester who falls in love with a sheep. This vignette is a humorous exploration of the topic of bestiality. Allen's character is initially repulsed by the idea of having sex with a sheep, but he eventually comes to see the sheep as a beautiful and loving creature. He also comes to realize that his love for the sheep is not so different from the love that people have for each other.
Another vignette features Gene Wilder as a doctor who falls in love with the partner of an Armenian patient, a sheep. This vignette is a more serious exploration of the topic of forbidden love. Wilder's character is initially torn between his desire for the sheep and his duty to his patient. However, he ultimately decides to follow his heart and pursue a relationship with the sheep.
The film also features a number of other vignettes, each dealing with a different aspect of human sexuality. In one vignette, a woman (Lynn Redgrave) can only reach orgasm in public. In this vignette, Redgrave's character explores her sexuality in a variety of public places, including a church, a restaurant, and a department store. Her experiences lead her to discover that her sexuality is a powerful and liberating force.
In another vignette, a man (Sam Musgrave) experiments with women's clothing. In this vignette, Musgrave's character explores his gender identity by wearing women's clothes and makeup. His experiences lead him to discover that gender is not a binary concept, and that there is a wide spectrum of gender identities.
The film ends with a vignette in which Woody Allen, playing himself, is interviewed by a journalist (Heather MacRae) about his views on sex. In this vignette, Allen makes a number of humorous and insightful observations about human sexuality. He talks about the importance of sexual communication, the importance of experimentation, and the importance of accepting yourself and your partner for who you are.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its humor, its intelligence, and its willingness to tackle taboo subjects. The film remains a popular classic to this day.
In addition to its comedic elements, the film also has a serious message about the importance of sexual freedom and self-acceptance. It encourages viewers to explore their own sexuality and to embrace their desires, no matter how unconventional they may be. The film also challenges traditional notions of gender and identity.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex is an important film because it helps to normalize and destigmatize a wide range of sexual behaviors and identities. It is a film that everyone should watch, regardless of their age or sexual orientation.
Cast
- Woody Allen as Victor / Fabrizio / The Fool / Sperm
- John Carradine as Dr. Bernardo
- Lou Jacobi as Sam Musgrave
- Louise Lasser as Gina
- Anthony Quayle as The King
- Tony Randall as The Operator
- Lynn Redgrave as The Queen
- Burt Reynolds as Sperm Switchboard Chief
- Gene Wilder as Dr. Ross
- Jack Barry as Himself
- Elaine Giftos as Mrs. Ross
- Toni Holt as Herself
- Robert Q. Lewis as Himself
- Heather MacRae as Helen Lacey
- Pamela Mason as Herself
- Sidney Miller as George
- Regis Philbin as Himself
- Titos Vandis as Stavros Milos
- Stanley Adams as Stomach Operator
- Oscar Beregi as Brain Control
- Alan Caillou The Fool's Father
- Don Chuy as Football Player
- Dort Clark as Sheriff
- Erin Fleming as The Girl
- Geoffrey Holder as Sorcerer
- Baruch Lumet as The Rabbi
- Tom Mack as Football Player
- Jay Robinson as The Priest
- Ref Sanchez as Igor
- Robert Walden as Sperm
- Norman Alden as Switchboard
Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Box Office Gross: $18,090,065
Distributor: United Artists
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: August 6, 1972
Review
8/10 - "That's Hedly, not Hedy..."
Mel Brooks found a way in 1974 to direct two of the greatest comedies of all time...
Did You Know
- Cleavon Little was not warned about the "you know... morons" line. His reaction was real.
- The desk and chair in Gov. LePetomane's office change throughout the movie. This is probably a gag.