Quite a few famous authors, with the lucky ability to churn out a book every week or two, have stooped to writing things that might be considered less than respectable by the reading public. This group includes Robert Silverberg, Harlan Ellison, and Lawrence Block. In the early 70s (true part of the story), Block agreed to write a script for a pornographic movie for $1000. He then parlayed that into a deal with Dell Books for a "production diary" of the making of the film. For one reason or another, the film never got made, but that just left Block with the opportunity to write a production diary that didn't have to stick to any facts. The result is this book, which is divided into three parts (like Gaul).

The first is the screenplay of the movie itself, which Block says is pretty much the way it was. This is more amusing than erotic. Then there is the production diary of one John Warren Wells, who wrote, helped direct, and even took part in one of the hardcore scenes. This part of the book has its interest, but Block gets bogged down into writing about the social value (or lack thereof) of porn. Frankly, I think he was just typing as fast as he could to reach whatever minimum page count was required before this opus could be published. Other parts of the diary are amusing and it does give some insight into the travails of low-budget film making, porno or otherwise. The third part of the book is an interview with the leading actress in the film, and it is just what you would expect--how she got into the business, how she is a legitimate actress, etc.

All in all, this book is pretty well written, but it is dull. It is only vaguely erotic and then only once or twice. I'm sure the guys who purchased it 30 years ago came away pretty disappointed. Er----forget I said that. ( )