Watch Fleshpot on 42nd Street

Fleshpot on 42nd Street is a gritty drama film from 1972, directed by Andy Milligan. The movie follows the intertwined lives of several struggling individuals living in New York City's seedy Times Square area. The protagonist of the film is Dusty Cole (Laura Cannon), a young and naïve woman who has moved to New York City in order to find fame and fortune. She finds herself quickly disillusioned by the harsh realities of the city, and is forced to turn to prostitution in order to make ends meet.

Dusty's story is contrasted with that of her neighbor, a middle-aged man named John Durston (Neil Flanagan), who is struggling with alcoholism and a failed marriage. John becomes infatuated with Dusty and tries to save her from her dangerous lifestyle, but ultimately proves to be unable to overcome his own demons.

The film also features a supporting cast of colorful characters, including a pimp named Chico (Harry Reems) and his unstable girlfriend, as well as a group of drug-addicted hippies who live in the same building as Dusty and John.

Throughout the film, a sense of hopelessness pervades the characters' lives as they grapple with poverty, addiction, and exploitation. The bleakness of their situation is heightened by the film's gritty cinematography, which captures the seamy underbelly of Times Square in all its sleazy glory.

Despite its lurid subject matter, however, Fleshpot on 42nd Street is ultimately a deeply humanistic film. The characters are portrayed with empathy and nuance, and their struggles are presented with a raw and unflinching honesty that is rare in movies of this era.

Furthermore, the film is notable for its feminist perspective, challenging traditional gender roles and presenting prostitution as a form of exploitation rather than a glamorous profession. This message is underscored by Laura Cannon's powerful performance as Dusty, which captures both the character's vulnerability and her fierce determination to survive.

All in all, Fleshpot on 42nd Street is a compelling and thought-provoking film that offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who live on the margins of society. Its unvarnished realism and fearless portrayal of taboo subjects make it a true cult classic and a must-see for fans of 1970s cinema.