Episode #62: Wild Orchid II: Two Shades of Blue
Listen to Episode 62 of the Podcast here while you enjoy the show notes.
SUMMARY - Wild Orchid II: Two Shades of Blue takes place in California during the late 1950s. Blue (played by Nina Siemaszko) is living with her father who is a jazz musician and a drug addict. His habit leads not only to money problems, but also his death. With no other options presented to her, Blue begins working at a high-end brothel.
Screenplay by Zalman King; Directed by Zalman King, and released in Portugal on October 31, 1991.
FILM DISCUSSION
The movie has an identity crisis, and we're not just talking about how they get their own title wrong during the opening and closing (at least on the digital rental we watched).
This movie has absolutely nothing to do with the first "Wild Orchid" aside from the fact that there is sex in both. The dates, locations, people are all completely different and there's no attempt to link them aside from putting "2" in the title.
What you have here is a problematic story of an underage girl basically forced into prostitution after her father dies.
We're sure that part of the appeal of the movie is supposed to be the cherubic lead actress but that also feels creepy.
There's a love story mixed into the story, kinda, between this High School senior and Blue. It's mostly one way.
And there's the main protector of the brothel that wants to help Blue escape her situation before its too late.
But most people are going to watch this for the erotic content and it's there to a degree.
There aren't many prolonged scenes and because of the type of interactions, the encounters tend to be more disturbing than arousing.
The movie is shot well and the music certainly tries to bring that Skinemax flair.
Still, the plot kind of meanders and is full of basic characters and the whole affair feels like its meant for a very niche audience.
Awards Talk: None to speak of this time.
TRUE CRIME & POP CULTURE
Since this was released the same day as "Salmonberries," we skip true crime and TV we jump right into music.
Here are your Billboard 100 Bottom 5 as of November 2, 1991
100. Things That Make You Go Hmmm - C+C Music Factory
99. Monsters and Angels - Voice of the Beehive
98. Skat Strut - MC Skat Cat & The Stray Mob
Did you know that MC Skat Cat had his own album? There was also a life-size costume used for a stage show, which you can see through Paula Abdul's website. You're welcome!
97. Forever More - Stevie B
96. The Promise of A New Day - Paula Abdul -- No Skat Cat in this one.
RANKINGS & RATINGS
Nikki 1-5 star scale - 1 out of 5
Jon 0-4 star scale - 2 out of 4
Would you watch it again? - Nikki would rather watch the first "Wild Orchid" many times over this sequel, but "9 1/2 Weeks" is better than both. Neither captured Jon's attention as he wanted more thriller mixed in with the eroticism and would rather try something different instead.
If you want to watch Wild Orchid II: Two Shades of Blue, as of this recording in April 2022, it’s available on Digital Rental, VHS, DVD. Check your local listings.
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