The Telephone Book

Watch The Telephone Book

"The story of a girl who falls in love with the world's greatest obscene phone call."
  • X
  • 1971
  • 1 hr 20 min
  • 6.6  (703)

The Telephone Book is a quirky and unique comedy that was released in 1971. Directed by Nelson Lyon, the film is a surreal and offbeat exploration of sexual freedom, communication, and identity in the United States in the early 1970s. The plot of the movie centers around a young woman named Alice (played by Sarah Kennedy), who works as a switchboard operator in New York City. Alice is bored and unfulfilled with her job and her love life, and spends her free time reading books about sex and exploring the city's seedy underbelly. One day, she comes across a mysterious telephone book that contains a series of bizarre, sexually explicit ads and listings. Intrigued, Alice sets out on a quest to find the man responsible for the book, eventually crossing paths with a variety of strange and eccentric characters.

Throughout the course of the film, Alice encounters a wide range of individuals and experiences, each of which adds to her understanding of herself and the world around her. She meets a man who is obsessed with his own voice, a woman who runs a telephone sex line, and a group of hipsters who are staging a bizarre art performance. Along the way, Alice is also pursued by a private detective who believes that she is responsible for an obscene phone call that he is investigating.

At its core, The Telephone Book is a film about freedom and self-expression. Despite its often absurd and outlandish plot, the movie is ultimately a celebration of the power of communication and the importance of individuality. Through Alice's journey, we see how the act of exploring one's desires and fantasies can lead to greater understanding and fulfillment, and how the bonds that we form with others can be some of the most meaningful experiences of our lives.

One of the unique aspects of The Telephone Book is its use of visuals and experimental filmmaking techniques. The movie is filled with bold, colorful imagery and unusual camera angles, which serve to heighten the film's already surreal mood. The soundtrack is similarly unconventional, featuring a mix of jazz, experimental music, and sound effects.

In addition to its unconventional style, The Telephone Book is also notable for its frank and explicit approach to sexuality. The film contains a wide range of sexual content, including nudity, masturbation, and depictions of BDSM. While some viewers may find these scenes shocking or offensive, they are ultimately an integral part of the film's exploration of sexual freedom and individuality.

Overall, The Telephone Book is a fascinating and thought-provoking film that remains relevant and entertaining more than four decades after its release. With its bold visuals, unconventional storytelling, and frank exploration of sexuality, the movie is a must-see for anyone interested in experimental cinema or counterculture filmmaking.

The Telephone Book
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Description
  • Release Date
    1971
  • MPAA Rating
    X
  • Runtime
    1 hr 20 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (703)