The Taboo series had a significant impact on the adult film industry and popular culture. The franchise's explicit content, provocative themes, and pseudo-scientific explanations sparked conversations about human sexuality, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on screen.
The original series consists of four primary installments, each exploring complex psychological and interpersonal dynamics: Taboo (1980)
This period saw the beginning of the transition from 35mm film to home video formats like VHS and Betamax. This shift fundamentally changed how adult content was consumed and produced, leading to a massive increase in the volume of titles available to the public. Taboo I-II-III-IV -1979-1985-
The series began in 1980 with the first Taboo , directed by Kirdy Stevens and starring Kay Parker as Barbara Scott. Unlike its contemporaries, the film attempted to explore the psychological weight of social rejection and female sexual liberation. Critics have noted that at its core, the film is about a woman being rejected by society and her husband, with her subsequent "taboo" actions being underscored by intense guilt and shame. This focus on character development helped it win the inaugural Homer Award for Best Adult Tape in 1983, a milestone in the mainstream industry's recognition of adult content. Narrative Expansion: Taboo II and III
Understanding the trajectory of the series provides insight into the broader sociological and technological shifts occurring within the adult entertainment industry during the late 20th century. Psychosexual Obsession in the Family Films of Kirdy Stevens The Taboo series had a significant impact on
Kay Parker returns, but the story takes a psychological turn. It explores the lingering effects of the original relationship. Her character, Barbara, is now trying to navigate a new life while being pulled back into the complex web of her past. The film leans heavily into the "nun" aesthetic—a stark contrast to the lonely widow of the first film—creating a visual tension between purity and past sins. It is arguably the darkest and most melodramatic of the original run.
The years between 1979 and 1985 represent the final years of the "Golden Age of Porn," as the industry moved from theatrical 35mm film releases to the home video (VHS/Betamax) market. This shift fundamentally changed how erotic cinema was produced and consumed. This shift fundamentally changed how adult content was
One reviewer on IMDb notes that while the first film was a "lucky" hit that turned out to be a decent film, Taboo II leans more heavily into the shock value, depicting a protagonist trying to break "two different taboos". Despite this, the film was lauded by many critics for its production values. One enthusiastic review claims, "With quality directing, a decent story, and convincing acting, Taboo II deserves to be in the all time best section with other films such as Debbie Does Dallas and Deep Throat". The film also features a young Ron Jeremy in a small role, a common sight in the adult cinema of the era.
Part I (1979) was a massive theatrical success, while later sequels (up to 1985) helped define the burgeoning home video market.