Deep Throat 50th Anniversary: History, Cultural Impact, and Controversy

This light, campy, comedy was one of the first full length feature films to include hard-core sex. It became an instant phenomenon, breaking box office records in its first week. Made by auteur filmmaker Gerard Damiano Sr. in 1972 for a mere $25,000, it was reported to have made over $600,000,000. It helped to kick-start the “sexual revolution” and came to define what was known as “porno chic” reaching mainstream audiences.

The response was not all positive. Conservative Christian groups and anti-porn feminists sought to ban on the film. It was prosecuted on both local and federal levels resulting in many high profile cases reaching all the way to the Supreme Court. “Deep Throat“ became a household term and lent its name to the Watergate informant who brought down then-President Richard Nixon. It is still considered to be the most profitable film of all time and enjoys a cult status today.