Movie Review: The Passions of Carol (1975)

Review by Jeff

It’s just a few weeks until Christmas gets here and I still can’t help but wonder why there haven't been more Christmas themed porn films produced over the years. I know, It’s a sacred holiday to folks of the Christian faith, and the thought of Santa in an orgy with Mrs. Claus and the elves is beyond morbid, but still. Over the summer I learned from a pal that an adult film from legendary "Golden Age" director, Shaun Costello, called The Passions of Carol (based on A Christmas Carol), was discovered by a persistent archivist. As a fan of both porn and Christmas, I was overjoyed. The Passions of Carol had been released previously (by Video-X-Pix)to DVD from an inferior quality master, so the actual movie has been around, but film elements were unfortunatley thought to be lost – until now. Video-X-Pix recently added Shaun Costello’s, The Passions of Carol to their critically acclaimed line of Platinum Elite DVDs (Blonde Ambition, Maraschino Cherry and Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle all have recieved the Platinum treatment). Now, with the participation of Costello (Forced Entry, Waterpower, More than Sisters), Video-X-Pix delivers a brand-new remastered release of this tinsel covered porn oddity.

The Passions of Carol: A Real XXX Christmas Parody

Video-X-Pix presents their latest Platinum Elite remastered DVD release; a restored, edition of acclaimed cult filmmaker Shaun Costello's THE PASSIONS OF CAROL, an X rated parody of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This classic adult comedy, which was first released theatrically in 1975, has long been sought after by fans of both its director and the sexploitation film genre, and is finally available in an ultimate collector's edition.


THE PASSIONS OF CAROL mixes humor, sex, and lavish costume and set design in its ribald retelling of Charles Dickens holiday classic. Mean-spirited Carol Scrooge runs Biva Magazine, a cheap sex mag, and refuses to allow her employees to take Christmas off from work. However, on Christmas Eve, Miss Scrooge is visited by three wise spirits who, through sultry visions, show her the evil of her ways and teach her the importance of Holiday kindness and giving.

This DVD release features an all new High-Definition transfer from the only known film elements, as well as the first ever audio commentary track by director Shaun Costello, plus a fully illustrated 20 page liner notes booklet written by Costello. Costello himself is overjoyed with the project and stated, "This thoroughly delightful re-release of THE PASSIONS OF CAROL, one of my favorites, is a result of Joe Rubin's resourcefulness, in bringing out the best picture quality possible from the High Definition transfer, and fixing those frustrating audio problems. And, the determination on behalf of VXP/Distribpix to make a high quality version of this film available to the public for the first time in 35 years. Thanks guys, for a job well done".

With a cast that includes legendary performers Jamie Gillis, Kim Pope, Marc "10 1/2" Stevens, Mary Stuart, Sonny Landham, and Alan Marlow and direction from one of the most innovative directors in the history of X rated cinema, Shaun Costello, whose other works include FORCED ENTRY, WATERPOWER, MIDNIGHT DESIRES, and DRACULA EXOTICA, PASSIONS is a perfect cinematic gift for any time of year.

Please head on over to the Video-X-Pix website for this title and many other classics!

WWW.VIDEOXPIX.COM