by Lizzy’s Take:
Is it a porno with no plot? Or is it just softcore cinema wearing a trench coat and pretending to be a documentary? Auditions (1978) is exactly what it sounds like — a casting couch-style mockumentary about actors vying for a part in the fictional film Fairy Tales II. And if you think that sounds like an excuse for wall-to-wall nudity, congratulations — you’re right.
👉 Recommended if: You like softcore randomness, bushy ’70s authenticity, and don’t mind watching a glorified audition reel.
🚫 Skip it if: You’re here for anything resembling a plot or taste.
Softcore Follow-Up, Or At Least, Softcore Adjacent
Auditions feels like it’s trying to cash in on the success of Full Moon’s earlier erotic musicals like Cinderella (1977) and the soon-to-be-mentioned Fairy Tales (1978). The story (and I use that word generously) pretends to be behind-the-scenes footage of auditions for Fairy Tales II, but in reality, it’s just an excuse to parade a variety of naked people across the screen for 90 minutes.
The low-quality film stock, the choppy editing, and the general air of exploitation make it feel less like a finished movie and more like you stumbled across a reel that someone “forgot” in a box marked Private. And yet, despite all this, it somehow fits comfortably in the softcore corner of Full Moon’s bizarre little empire.
Yes, That’s Linnea Quigley
Linnea Quigley, horror royalty in the making, makes one of her earliest appearances here. Unfortunately, her role as Sally Webster comes with a side of discomfort. The film plays on the idea that her character is too young to be auditioning — a fact only revealed after several unnecessary scenes. To be clear: Quigley was 19 or 20 at the time of filming, but the implication here still leaves a bad taste.
Full Moon has always loved to “push boundaries”, and this is no exception. The exploitation is front and center — sometimes funny, sometimes sleazy, and sometimes just plain awkward.
What Actually Worked:
- There’s variety. The film includes a range of bodies, including women you don’t typically see represented in ‘70s softcore or modern films for that matter.
- Some characters are genuinely funny, like the recurring Eddie Edwards who keeps showing up offering increasingly bizarre auditions.
- The songs and gags, while cheap, do bring the occasional chuckle.
- And, yes, if you appreciate vintage aesthetics — there’s plenty of classic 70s bush.
What Didn’t:
- The entire movie is basically an excuse for nudity — but unlike Cinderella or Fairy Tales, it lacks the charm, wit, or structure to carry it.
- The plot is barely a thread.
- Some of the “jokes” aged about as well as expired cheese.
- The Quigley subplot might make modern audiences squirm — and not in the fun way.
Final Verdict:
If you just want to watch a softcore oddity full of bush, grainy film, and low-effort innuendos — sure, this is a watch. If you were hoping for an actual sequel or something as entertaining as Cinderella, you’ll want to check out Fairy Tales (1978) instead.
