Commercial Break: Seventies Style Orgy – “Baba Yaga” (1973)

Perhaps its the fashion photographer protagonist . . . or maybe the sexy 1970s set decor; most definitely attribute the funky score by Piero Umiliani (you know him – “Mah Nà Mah Nà”), as well as the brilliant presence of film legend, Carroll Baker (“The Watcher in the Woods“, “Babydoll“), and those quirky illustrations that appear, throughout the film – “Baba Yaga” is a bit of a shit show, but a wonderfully unique and stylish one, at that.

I thought Daily Grindhouse summed it up best:

Carroll Baker (BABY DOLL, THE WATCHER IN THE WOODS) is the titular stranger who is all sexed up with hunger for some female flesh. Baba Yaga sets her sights on fashion photographer Valentina Rosselli (Isabelle De Funes) after a chance encounter and soon pays a visit to her humble abode to deliver a doll dressed in some S&M gear for “protection”. After the visit, Valentina’s life is turned upside down; she is suddenly surrounded by death, hallucinations, Nazis (?), and more naked women than a Las Vegas casino. Of the four I prefer the naked women… just sayin’.

It’s these bizarre, unusual, and unexpected (perhaps, even absurd) elements that make a cult classic like this one to remember! You can totally read this film (even just the trailer) for clues on seventies style, and how timeless one can really make it. Love the stripes, the furs, the bobs, the rings . . . love it all! Even the menswear is pretty sublime.

Did I mention there’s witches? You probably gathered, by now. After all – “Baba Yaga” literally translates to Devil Witch! So, sit back and enjoy the sumptuous feast of the best vintage, stylish,erotic, exploitation, sleaze in three and half minutes you’re bound to find on the internet!