The Naked Kiss

Director: Samuel Fuller
Year Released: 1964
Rating: 3.0

A prostitute leaves the business to work with handicapped children and redeem herself, but things get problematic when she tries to take a husband, a wealthy playboy. Provocative Fuller picture must have gotten some kind of attention in 1964 for its raw treatment of sex, abortion, pedophilia and murder - the lead can be considered a feminist hero who protects females of all ages (from the bon-bon girls who do more than sell treats to abused kids who don't know any better) and uses her street-smarts to steer people in the right direction. The only sour point is the pat ending - otherwise, it's a fine work, and rightfully preserved by the Criterion people.