Original subtitles

The Erotic Beginning of Austrian Cinematography

In the 19th century there was a widespread trade in erotic objects.

The Viennese too were interested in these depictions,

and various examples of such products,

like these Viennese lithographs,

are preserved in museums and collections.

Since the invention of photography in 1839

nudes were a regular part of the photographer's repertoire.

Soon it was possible to produce erotic images cheaply and in large quantities.

The models only lacked one thing: movement.

In 1895 the first films were created,

and erotic topics were among the most popular genres of early cinematography.

By the end of the 19th century there already were numerous companies

which produced titillating movies and advertised them in newspapers.

The first film production company of the k.u.k. monarchy

was founded in 1906 in Vienna by Johann Schwarzer.

The company was named Saturn and specialised in erotic films,

which are considered the first Austrian feature films.

The inspiration for Saturn productions came from French companies

whose erotic movies had been box office hits for years all over Europe.

While the actresses in most of the French films are still somewhat clothed,

Johann Schwarzer goes one step further.

A direct comparison between a Saturn and a Pathé film

immediately shows the greater permissiveness of the Saturn production.

Despite their expliciteness Saturn films are never vulgar

and can't be called pornography.

They simply show situations which give the actresses an opportunity to undress.

Disrobing, bathing, dancing, and artistic modeling

were the favored themes.

Simultaneously, the company also produced longer, more complex films.

The film 'A Modern Marriage', for example, tells a story of mutual infidelity.

Almost half the films were shot in a Viennese rooftop studio,

which must have looked similar to this Berlin studio.

The glass ceiling of the studio is clearly visible in some films

which have been shot in intense sunlight.

In most films the company logo is visible:

the Saturn star.

In marking his products Johann Schwarzer follows the practice of other major producers.

Beside the erotic main theme the films often feature comical moments

which remind one of later slapstick comedies.

The location shooting of this chase scene is remarkable for the time.

Other companies still preferred shooting in the studio.

Business was great,

and after a few months work the company released its first mailorder catalogue.

Soon Saturn films became popular in cinemas across Europe,

and even made their way to Asia.

Schwarzer's worldwide success was also his biggest problem.

The Austrian foreign ministry received complaints from Paris, London, Berlin, Rome, and even Tokyo

about the flood of obscene films from Vienna.

In early 1911

the k.u.k. court of Vienna banned

19 Saturn films completely or in parts.

The company never recovered

and stopped production.

Swimming Prohibited

The Sandbath

Diana Bathing

Veil Dance

Youth at Play

The Fisherman

Slave Abduction

Slave Market

The Dream of the Sculptor

An Exciting Hunt

A Modern Marriage

Dear Baron! Please come to the club immediately. Important business. Franz.

Dear ???. my husband is at the club. ??? Your Lola.

At the Photographer's

A Funny Story at the Window

Living Marble

Female Physical Examination

The Vain Chambermaid

The Doctor

The Power of Hypnosis

Preparation for the Rendezvous

In the Bath

The Sorceries of the Mandarin

Exciting Reading Material