Taxi Zum Klo [DVD]

That is the literal translation from the German. This is `a lost gay classic', in that it has been banned since its' release in 1980. The reasons why that was the case, come pretty quick (forgive the pun)in that this is an honest, raw, explicit autobiographical tale of Frank Ripploh. He wrote, directed, produced and starred in it; this was his story of leading a double life as a school teacher by day, and a sex addict experimentalist by night.

He goes out to meet men for sex, but this can mean marking his pupil's homework whilst on the toilet awaiting `glory hole' action. He finally meets boyfriend material and they set up house, however, he can not stop his proclivities and gets caught, his reaction is to say `next time - join in', sound advice indeed.

There are a host of supporting actors or characters a particularly voluptuous `party girl' is one of the best. There are very graphic scenes throughout which led to the 25 year ban, but thanks to Film 4 they managed to get a classification in 2005 but because of the `cultural significance' of the film taken as a whole - the water sports would still be too much for a main stream (oops another pun) audience. This could be seen as pornographic, but it is just a raw and honest take on gay relations and real emotions. One of the reasons why it works so well is that they are nearly all friends of Frank (only two real actors), they worked for credit and he by passed the authorities to get the kids to act too. The street scenes are all shot in real time, the passers by are real.

This is a ground breaking, entertaining, vital and visceral film that needs to be seen by anyone interested in gay cinema and or gay culture, This is fully restored but the sound quality goes a bit seventies porno in places which, for me, added to the mood and humour.

There are some excellent extras including an introduction from Mark Kermode, the original UK trailer and a short history of the film. This is very human very real and obviously made with a lot of heart - I can not recommend this film highly enough and it may even give you some ideas for post viewing entertainment.

What a find! Taxi Zum Klo (Taxi to the Toilet) is a rare gem. The film was originally not released in the UK as the BBFC would not allow certain scenes to be seen. Rather than edit the film and allow the film to be censored a decision was taken not to release the film. In 2005, Film4 resubmitted the film to the BBFC who allowed the film to be classified as an 18 uncensored.
The film does contain some gay sex scenes in and has a watersports scene which may not be to everybody's taste. However they are all vital parts of the film and certainly make this into the masterpiece that it is.
I loved seeing the way Berlin was back then. The film certainly looks dated in some places, but that is part of its charm.
This will be a film that I will watch again sometime soon.
Well worth a watch!

This film is a treat from begining to end ; sexy, kinky, rauchy , sad , romantic and very very funny . Refreshing to see an honest look at cruising without perfect looking bodies that have spent hours toning , tanning and waxing . Yes its a little dated at times but that only adds to the films charm . The s m scene is short sharp and pure .
Frank Ripploh is brilliant . This is not just an historical testiment to gay cruising nor a part of film sex / censorship memory lane but a tip top entertaining movie .