| DVD: www.amazon.com thefilmarchive.org Sex Madness (1938) is an exploitation film directed by Dwain Esper, along the lines of Reefer Madness, supposedly to warn teenagers and young adults of the dangers of venereal diseases, specifically syphilis. Wild parties, lesbianism, and premarital sex are some of the forms of 'madness' portrayed. The educational aspect of the film allowed it to portray a taboo subject which was otherwise forbidden by the Production Code of 1930, and its stricter version imposed by Hollywood studios in July 1934. It has been reissued under many titles, including Human Wreckage, They Must Be Told, and Trial Marriage, since many distributors frowned upon the appearance of the word "sex" in the film's title. The title changes may have also been a way of tricking audience members into paying to see the same film more than once. Directed by Dwain Esper Produced by Dwain Esper Written by Joseph Seiden Vincent Valentini Starring Vivian McGill Rose Tapley Al Rigeli Stanley Barton Linda Lee Hill Release date(s) 1938 Running time 57 mins. Rose Tapley (June 30, 1881-February 23, 1956) was a leading lady of the stage and an early heroine of silent films. She was born in Salem, MA. She was a cousin of Captain Robert Bartlett, commander of the SS Roosevelt and the SS Karluk. All of her relatives on her father's side for generations were sailors. Her grandfather's generation included nine sailing masters or captains. Rose's mother's name was Elizabeth Stagg Riker ... |
