Above- the first of 24 films starring Laura Gemser as either “Emanuel” or versions of. This is the one that broke the barriers of women of color — on a global level. 1975- it was a time of Blaxploitation films in the US.

Black Emanuel breaking the boundaries & mores of the ’70s & ‘80s.

• Warning adult material and may include explicit ideals & nudity. Controversial possibly.

Print ads announcing the arrival of our heroines’ first film venture.

My take-

Tagline-Two parts -Sexuality…a heavy dose, one-part Travelogue & a bit of violence and exploitation sprinkled in…. experience her world — the world of Black Emanuel!

Black Emanuel in Bangkok- here getting some shots for the magazine.

Remember those good ol’ days — the early ’80s and skinamax… I mean Friday After Dark on Cinemax. This was the place to catch those films that everyone would whisper about and usually not discuss in public unless you were out at some wild party. Now they were X-rated-that was a no go even for the premium cable services and this before the days of streaming services. Although sometime down the road we did get on-demand programming and adult cinema popped up-excuse the terminology.

Well, that is my first recollection of Black Emanuel. Black Emanuel (’75) was the first in a series, in fact a franchise that actually rivaled 007 in sheer numbers during that time-the mid ’70s through the mid ’80s. Basically, a ten-year period that saw over 20 films produced…. 24 in all. Not all these are officially part of the series but like the Django Euro westerns the titles were alter/changed for the international releases to cash in on the popularity. All 24 eye popping movies starred Laura Gemser-was, is and always be Emanuel-the Black version.

Above- Emanuel exploring the local marketplace as she immerses herself in the country's various social gatherings. Giving her an idea of what the culture is like. Something she would do in several of the storylines.

****Sylvia Kristel played Emmanuel in several films. And she was/is Caucasian. Both ladies…