Undescribable Perfection

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Like all character actors, you don't know her name but you've seen her face a million times, and here she shines as the owner of a seedy hotel filled with an assortment of weirdos. I found myself wishing that the film were funnier or edgier like a true black comedy, but it is Paul Bartel's first film and overall it's pretty effective. I kind of wanted Cheryl and George to get together, so it's a letdown when you learn that it's just not going to happen, for reasons that are too bizarre to write down; just watch the film, you'll see what I mean. As far as the rest of the film is concerned, there are some details that are so specific that they must have come from someone's real-life experiences, so in that respect there is a lot of authenticity here; Bartel manages to build a fully-functioning world, not as effectively as John Waters, but it's here nonetheless. It's an entertaining ride, and predictable in parts, but it's a step up from a B movie.

I think that when "Private Parts" was first released in 1972, viewers at the time almost certainly found it to be very strange and perverse. Seeing it more than forty years later, it doesn't have that impact. Oh, it is kind of bizarre even today, but it seems somewhat restrained compared to some movies coming out today. Despite that, I did find the movie for the most part to be entertaining. It's well acted by its no- name cast, and thanks in part to cinematographer (and future director) Andrew Davis, it looks pretty good despite a low budget. Most importantly, the movie for the most part manages to keep your attention and makes you wonder just how things will be wrapped up. I will admit that the second half of the movie does have a few dead spots, and the attempted twist ending is kind of a letdown. But for the most part, the movie does get your attention. If you are a fan of unconventional 1970s movies, this movie is more likely than not a good bet.

Paul Bartel's vision of perversity in a seedy L.A. hotel has more entertainment value than most of today's re-hashed, redundant, repulsive, wannabe exploitation flicks. The acting alone is uncommonly good for this type, with Ann Ruymen as the not so innocent Cheryl, and Lucille Benson as the proprietor of the unforgettable King Edward Hotel, absolute standouts. The quirky residents are both believable and intriguing. Murder, fetishism, voyeurism, what more could you ask for from this wonderful mixture of bizarre characters? Great photography, great character development, great script, great dark comedy. Highly recommended. - MERK

They don't make 'em like this anymore.Private Parts was the first feature film for Paul (Eating Raoul) Bartel, and it is an odd little film combining elements of 70's exploitation, Bartel's usual luridness and dark humor, and some genuinely creepy situations.Acting slightly more naive than she actually is, Cheryl has become a resident of her aunt Martha's seedy and eccentric filled Los Angeles hotel. While most of the folk Cheryl meets seem harmless enough, someone is going around hacking up nosy visitors. The plot may be a familiar one, but this movie will take you places you could never imagine, mostly due to the strange relationship that emerges between Cheryl and George, a neighbor who is an avid photographer.For a 70's cheapie, the film looks great, and it completely captures the grimy feel of its hotel setting. As Cheryl playfully makes her way through the locked doors of her neighbors, it's easy to become anxious wondering what she may encounter. The cast on a whole is also exceptional with Lucille Benson as Aunt Martha a particular stand out. Lucille Benson's portrayal is an expert mix of sweetness and an unsettling sternness.Saying much more would give away too much. Suffice to say, this is a fun and unusual little 70's thriller. Anyone who enjoyed "Eating Raoul" or "Death Race 2000" would probably get a big kick out of this one too.