Sex Clinic

Sex Clinic, also known as "Clinic Exclusive" or "Secrets of a Super Stud," is a British 1971 comedy film with robust hints of farcical and satirical humor. The film, directed by Don Chaffey and produced by Guido Coen, is one of the more celebrated offerings from the era when British sex comedies were in the mainstream. While it offers bawdy humor, it also explores the notions of monogamy, infidelity, and sexual freedom during its period.

The film stars Georgina Ward as Jane Church, a young, beautiful, and spirited woman navigating her way through the sexually liberal 1970s in posh London society. From the beginning, Jane's infectious energy and free-spirited rebelliousness captivate viewers. Right from the first scene, Ward effortlessly embodies Jane’s character, showcasing a sense of vivacious charm, and the film explores her character's increasingly adventurous sexual escapades, which both serve the comedy of the narrative and subtly question societal conventions and judgments on female sexuality.

Geoffrey Morris plays the pivotal character of Doctor Robert Todd, an eccentric and somewhat aloof psychiatrist. He runs a therapy clinic known as the "Sex Clinic," which attracts a crowd of clients grappling with sexual insecurities and various rookie relationship questions. Morris lends a distinctly British sense of hapless buffoonery to the character. However, despite his awkwardness, Dr. Todd has an empathetic and understanding heart that shines through, adding an endearing layer to his quirky character. His clinic is the backdrop for much of the film's comedy, as the hard-to-believe scenarios and unusual problems of his patients are belted out with hilarious results.

Polly Adams, playing Sandra, forms the third pillar of the narrative. She is Dr. Todd's frequently perplexed but ultimately supportive wife, who also becomes increasingly involved in the clinic's day-to-day antics. Adams' character exudes a sharp wit and an ability to adapt that makes her a perfect foil to the more self-important men around her.

Sex Clinic dabbles extensively in exploring social taboos and breaking traditional moulds commonly associated with sexual relationships of its era. Be it open relationships, homosexuality or swinging, the film tries to approach these themes with light-hearted humor while making its point about the changing sexual norms of society. The director uses these themes to craft scenes that are raucously funny and, sometimes, even insightful. However, beneath the comedic surface, there is a probing commentary on the tension between traditional paradigms of relationships and the modern concept of sexual liberty.

The writing by Philip Oakes has a certain charm and wit, infused with innuendos and double entendre, typical of British humor of that age. The director pairs this with subtle performances and deft staging to create amusing and often hilarious situations. Being British in spirit and setting, the film captures 1970s London and its glitzy upper society with stunning accuracy, including luxurious mansions, swanky clubs, and scenic parks that transport the viewers back in time.

Adding to the charm of the film is the appealing soundtrack by Brian Dee, sprinkled with psych-pop and jazz tunes that echo the vibe of the '70s. Noteworthy is the aptly chosen wardrobe for each character that highlights the fashion styles prevalent in this era, delivering a nostalgic, vintage charm to the film.

Sex Clinic is, at its core, a social satire wrapped in the garb of a sex comedy. Its sexual humor, lighthearted narrative, vibrant settings, farcical characters, and 70's era backdrop make it a classic in the British sex comedy genre. The film not only brings back the vintage charm of the British cinema of the 60s and 70s but is also a mirror to the changing societal norms of that era around the topic of sex and relationships. Despite the passage of years, it still manages to entertain contemporary audiences with its timeless humor and audacious exploration of controversial themes.