To truly understand the Taboo phenomenon, one must first understand the era from which it emerged. The late 1970s and early 1980s marked the tail end of the "Golden Age of Porn" (roughly 1969-1984). During this period, adult films like Deep Throat and The Devil in Miss Jones were not relegated to seedy back alleys; they enjoyed mainstream success, critical reviews, and even the attention of celebrities. However, this golden age was fading. The rise of the home video cassette recorder (VCR) was shifting the industry from theatrical releases to private viewing, which in turn allowed for more niche and extreme content to find an audience. It was in this transitional, democratized landscape that a small film with a massive taboo would change everything.
Released in 1980, Taboo II continues the story of the Parsons family, exploring the aftermath of the events depicted in the first film. The family's dynamics have become increasingly unstable, and the sons' relationships with their parents and each other have reached a boiling point. The film tackles themes of Oedipal complexes, sibling rivalry, and the struggle for dominance within the family. As tensions escalate, the Parsons family is forced to confront the destructive nature of their desires and the devastating consequences of their actions.
: These entries continued the story of Barbara and her friend Joyce, contrasting their differing levels of acceptance regarding their incestuous relationships.
Throughout its run, the Taboo series faced numerous challenges, including censorship battles, protests, and calls for bans. Despite these controversies, the series gained a significant following and remains a cult classic among aficionados of adult cinema. Taboo I-II-III-IV -1979-1985-
This article explores the production, cultural impact, narrative evolution, and lasting legacy of the Taboo tetralogy from 1979 to 1985.
The original Taboo introduces Barbara (the remarkable Kay Parker), a lonely, middle-aged mother whose husband is emotionally and sexually absent. When her adult son, Paul (Mike Ranger), returns home, an undeniable tension erupts. The film’s genius is its patience: long, uncomfortable dialogues about loneliness, aging, and desire precede any physical act. Parker’s performance is startlingly vulnerable—she’s not a predator but a woman starving for affection. The infamous mother-son encounter is shot with a strange, somber tenderness, framed against mundane domesticity (the kitchen, the living room couch). The taboo isn’t exploited for cheap shock; it’s presented as a tragic symptom of familial breakdown. The ending, ambiguous and haunting, suggests no winners—only secrets.
The sequel doubled down on production values, incorporating complex multi-character subplots, lavish set designs, and a massive, choreographed theatrical orgy sequence. Taboo II is widely considered by historians to be a rare sequel that surpassed the original in terms of narrative structure and pacing. Taboo III: The Final Chapter (1984) To truly understand the Taboo phenomenon, one must
In the history of cinema, certain decades serve as fault lines where one era ends and another begins. For the adult film industry, the period between represents the "Golden Age" hangover—a transition from the gritty, plot-driven reels of the 1970s to the high-gloss, high-concept videos of the late 80s. At the very center of this tectonic shift stands one of the most infamous, successful, and debated film series of all time: Taboo I, II, III, and IV (1979-1985).
The series is frequently cited by critics as a "classic" for its script, acting, and score by , often compared to high-end adult productions like The Opening of Misty Beethoven Evolution of Themes:
The scripts often delved into domestic tensions and societal boundaries, using "taboo" subjects to drive the dramatic tension. Cultural and Legal Impact However, this golden age was fading
Today, the 1979-1985 era of this franchise is studied as a cultural artifact that reflects the shifting moral landscape of the late 20th century. It serves as a benchmark for the transition from underground adult content to a more formalized, high-gloss industry. The films are often analyzed for how they tested the limits of cinematic expression and how they influenced the technical evolution of the genre.
This film is easily the finest adult film of all time. Even forgetting about the somewhat controversial theme, the scenes are HOT.