Warden’s End

The classic Janus video and related promotional material from Janus 6

Just a few weeks ago, I received an invitation from the Janus editorial offices to ‘sit in’ on the making of their latest film production.

I arrived on the appointed Saturday morning in Old Compton Street, London, to find the road devoid of motorial transport. In evidence however was the most luscious red-headed traffic warden I had ever seen. Further up the street I recognised the magazine editor leaning happily against a solitary taxi, the vehicle apparently immune to the traffic laws.

We greeted each other, and I was then informed that the vision of supposed authority was in fact the lead artist in the latest of their cinematic endeavours. Car owners, not knowing the set-up, had scarpered before, as they thought, the fateful ticket would be appended to their windscreens. Personally I would have swallowed the six quid just to get the chance of meeting her, supposing she had been the real thing.

I was told that just around the corner Harrison Marks was setting up the opening shots for the film, so I made my way to the corner of Dean and Old Compton Street, and was afronted by a full-blown film crew helmed by the invincible H.M. ‘Is this a feature?’ I enquired, slightly taken aback by the grandeur of the whole thing.

I was told by the man who has successfully made more erotic films than possibly anyone else in the business, that for the first time, with the co-operation of the Janus organisation, he was making the first of three films of a feature quality standard, purely for the home movie and video market.

I haven’t the space to catalogue the technical data he laid on me, but it was obvious from what I saw, and what was said, that at last the viewer will be able to purchase a cinema quality cassette to play in their own homes on subjects that although still unacceptable for general showing, are of supreme interest to the connoisseur.

Suffice to say that today, four weeks later, I was again invited to see the finished result. I can only repeat on the brilliance of the quality as well as the subject matter of this, the first of the three being shot.

Warden’s End has all a top quality product should have. Excellent camera work, clear, perfectly clarified diologue and sound effects (something all past home movie featurettes have lacked), an amusing and completely believable story line, the most delicious girl I have seen in a very long time, and above all, the handiwork of a master craftsman.

I congratulate Harrison Marks and Janus for taking a giant step forward, chancing much heavier costs which I am sure must have been involved, to produce a video worthy of the subject matter. I wish them Luck and look forward to viewing the forthcoming two titles. I understand these are to be called Thoughts of Girlhood Chastisements and Night (H)Owls. After Warden’s End, hurry up Janus and let’s see the other two.

Editor’s note: On page 62 our readers will find an order form for Warden’s End. We thank John Donnelly for his generous comments, and urge you to take advantage of our mailing service. The film will also be shown in one of the booths at Old Compton Street, London, W.I.