EMANUELLE AND THE WHITE SLAVE TRADE
Also Known As
LA VIA DELLA PROSTITUZIONE
EMANUELLE AND THE GIRLS OF MADAME CLAUDE
Directed by Joe D’Amato (Aristide Massaccesi)
1978 – 89 Minutes/Widescreen
DVD Provided by Severin Films
Article written by Mark Engle

The winning combination of Joe D’Amato behind the camera with Laura Gemser in front, robed or disrobed, has been a genre cinema fan’s wet dream for a long time now. Therefore, it is nice to see some of the more rare titles, especially from the Emanuelle series, get the treatment they deserve. Severin hits the jackpot with this rarity towards the end of the series, now remastered, widescreen and, most importantly, uncut. Despite the harsh title, however, this is one of the more naïve entries. Yes, it definitely deals with prostitution, but unlike EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS or EMANUELLE IN AMERICA, the violence and rough scenes are at a minimum. As both director and cinematographer, D’Amato’s focus here is strictly on softcore erotica and he delivers it with quite a bit of style.

Emanuelle (Gemser) goes on assignment and while in Kenya witnesses a young woman in a wheelchair being traded by a man for a briefcase (we all can assume its cash). It sparks her curiosity and she starts seeking answers. All her newly acquainted friends in Africa seem to know who the man is, but not much more about him outside of rumors regarding his work in the white slave trade. Back in the states, Emanuelle discovers the man works out of America, so she goes undercover, posing as a down on her luck, starving girl on her own. The man sets her up in San Diego at Madame Claude’s where high-priced prostitutes make a living, but are not allowed to leave. Emanuelle obviously becomes a hit, but her snooping around soon gets her in trouble with the madam’s servant (a transvestite who is also into Gemser) and she is eventually caught in her scheme. Will she make it out alive and expose all those involved? On the other hand, will they send her off to a crooked doctor for a mind altering lobotomy? More importantly, will she use her sexuality to escape the horrors that befall her way? If you are a fan, you can sure make a bet which way it will go.

On screen violence is pretty much delegated to two important scenes. One involves Madame Claude’s thugs beating up her own transvestite assistant and it is a great scene. The other is what seems like a rape scene with the same brutes attacking Gemser. While her clothes are removed, it looks more as if they are tossing her about naked against her will rather than actually violating her. The rest of the “rough” exploitation is merely hinted at, such as when one of the prostitutes is caught trying to leave the house. The two girls explain away her death by saying she was drunk, fell down the stairs, and died. Another “rough” moment is Claude’s inspection of an obviously underage girl, which is witnessed by Emanuelle. In other like-minded movies, even those by D’Amato himself, we know just how sleazy these moments can get. Thankfully for erotica fans, this doesn’t happen and it mostly cinematically deals with arousal and mutual sex. For those looking for the usual rough shenanigans, you may be disappointed, but overall I don’t think you should. It is still a decent D’Amato adventure and a well played out entry in the Gemser/Emanuelle series.

D’Amato’s use of extravagant and exotic locations like Kenya are a definite plus and many may also notice some minor scenes lifted and re-dubbed from other Emanuelle films, specifically EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS. Another complimentary component is Nico Fidenco’s excellent soundtrack, which actually outshines some of his previous Emanuelle compositions. Finally, the supporting cast should be mentioned, which includes Ely Galleani and some very stunning Euro-lovelies. Mainstay D’Amato regulars Gabriele Tinti, Venantino Venantini, and Pierre Marfurt all put in decent acting chops (although seeing too many of them in the buff leaves a little too much man-butt for my taste). The best support is still Nicola (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES) D’Eramo as Stefan, the roughest and toughest fighting transvestite I’ve seen on screen.

Severin should be applauded for a good transfer that boasts decent Dolby Digital Mono sound that seems to work well for the soundtrack. This is part of their Volume 2 Box set called appropriately BLACK EMANUELLE’S BOX. I don’t see of any other way of picking up this one on your own aside from purchasing the entire set. Extras include the original theatrical trailer and a very entertaining in home interview with Joe D’Amato. This particular DVD case also contains the main bonus feature disc CD called GETTING DOWN WITH BLACK EMANUELLE Volume 2, which is worth the price of the box set alone! As for a recommendation, I have no problem doing so for fans of the genre, Joe D’Amato, or Laura Gemser. If you're reading this review and are familiar with the series, then you know what you are getting. It’s uncut and looks good, and that is what matters to the fans.