Taboo I-ii-iii-iv — -1979-1985-
Following the massive success of the original, Taboo II (1982) expanded the scope of the narrative from the Scott household to their neighbors, the McBride family.
This is the story of a series that shocked a generation, launched a superstar, and established a billion-dollar adult subgenre: the incest-themed epic known as Taboo .
While the early 80s entries are considered the classics, the Taboo name became a brand, spawning over 20 entries up to 2007. Taboo I-II-III-IV -1979-1985-
The subsequent installments—Taboo II (1982), Taboo III (1984), and Taboo IV (1985)—further developed the cinematic techniques of the era. These sequels reflected the transition of the adult industry as it moved from film to video, yet they maintained a commitment to scripted narratives and atmospheric set designs. The series is frequently examined by film historians for its use of suspense and drama to frame its erotic sequences, positioning Kay Parker as one of the most recognizable figures of the period.
The initial entry, released in 1980, is often cited for its high production standards and its focus on character-driven psychodrama. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the film attempted to integrate complex emotional arcs with its adult themes, a hallmark of the Kirdy Stevens directorial style. This approach contributed to its commercial success and its reputation as a significant title within the "porn chic" era, where adult features were often reviewed in mainstream press and shown in traditional theaters. Following the massive success of the original, Taboo
Taboo III is notable for its meta-narrative. The characters discuss the events of the first two films as if they were myths. "Don't end up like my mother," one character whispers. This self-awareness was rare in 1984 cinema of any genre.
The film introduces us to (played by the iconic Kay Parker), a wealthy, attractive, yet emotionally neglected wife in her 40s. Barbara’s husband is a traveling businessman who views her as furniture. Her teenage son, Paul (Mike Ranger), is returning from boarding school. The narrative hook is simple but devastating: Paul is lonely. Barbara is lonely. After a series of co-dependent accidents (a torn dress, a therapeutic bath), they cross a line that cannot be uncrossed. The initial entry, released in 1980, is often
Here’s a prepared piece on the series, covering its origins, films, and cultural impact.
: Further explores the repercussions of these relationships, maintaining the series' signature focus on narrative-driven adult drama. Taboo IV (1985)
Egg-faced into the world of neighborhood swingers by her hyper-sexual friend Gina (the legendary Juliet Anderson), Barbara rejects the swingers but finds herself unlocking forbidden desires toward her own son. The film treated this forbidden relationship not with cheap sleaze, but with genuine confusion, emotional weight, and a memorable, haunting disco score by Don Great. Taboo by Vinegar Syndrome (Kay Parker) - Amazon.com