FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE became a classic because of the ferocity shown by the two "gypsies" (Aliza Gur and Martine Beswick), and by the passion their acting and nude legs and feet conveyed. The fight choreography was good, but utterly destroyed by the 18 editing cuts already mentioned. Back in 1963, there were not many color pics on the big screen showing as much, but unfortunately, the producers were after a PG rating to enlarge their box office.
Ten years later, in 1973, Terence Young, the director of FRWL, had more free hand with the Franco-Italian co-production based on the lusty novel (ah! that Corgi pocket book I bought by 50 cents at a sales bookshop!) THE AMAZONS. Besides several other topics of interest, the two fights are terrific, and again with good choreography and much less editing cuts. The ritual combat for the title of queen, won by blonde Alena Johnson, and the murder attempt alone in the queen tent, won by the brunette Sabine Sun are both memorable, mainly the second, of which there are two versions: one topless for the prude markets, and one (dark room lighted by rays and lightning from a thunderstorm) nude and a hot lesbian full body press and kiss to end it. Is it realistic? I want to keep believing it is. (LOL)
I disagree with MALENA being a fight. It is a group beating on one woman, which is not erotic in my film fights category.
THE GEISHA is decididly a realistic fight, and a proof that the female eroticism from a fight does not require them being nude or almost, to get our attention. Whera others see a naked foot, I see a delicate yet fleshy leg and thigh! (LOL)
I never heard or read about a women's fight in the drama THE ELEPHANT MAN, and what I supçpose if the full original version [https://m.ok.ru/video/9291155311310] does not seem to have one. Could anyone tell how to get at it, please?
