No discussion of Come Under My Spell is complete without examining its director, Carlos Tobalina, who is credited here as Troy Benny. Tobalina was a prolific and singular figure in the world of adult cinema, known for his incredibly low-budget and often technically baffling productions. Critics of his work have noted the "typical hallmarks of Tobalina's directing," which often include out-of-focus shots, rough editing, and even the appearance of visible crew members accidentally left in the final cut of his films. In one memorable gaffe during Come Under My Spell , a cameraman can be seen sitting in the frame, idly watching the action. For aficionados of trash cinema, these "technical snafus" are not bugs but beloved features, adding to the film's unintentional charm and hilarity.
All that survived were the 250 promotional acetates already mailed out the month prior. Most of those were played to death, thrown away, or warped in hot cars. Perhaps only 15 copies in playable condition exist today.
The story centers on , a foreign exchange student (played with incredible, and arguably unintentional, awkwardness by Fernando Fortes), who struggles to make connections with women. His roommate, the suave Dave (Blair Harris), tries to help but often leaves Fernando watching from the sidelines. come under my spell 1981 exclusive
Retrospective: The Hypnotic Absurdity of ‘Come Under My Spell’ (1981)
: One notable "solid" critical observation is the film's final jump scare, which is cited by some critics as one of the greatest parodies or "riffs" on the ending of Brian De Palma’s Cultural Context : Modern restorations by labels like Vinegar Syndrome No discussion of Come Under My Spell is
Days later, a gallery owner visited. He saw the painting and froze. “Where did you hear that name?” he whispered. He explained that in 1981, a reclusive musician pressed only 50 copies of an album before disappearing. The final track, “Come Under My Spell,” was said to unlock creative blocks—but only for those who truly listened .
For cinephiles and trash-cinema historians, the name Carlos Tobalina is synonymous with an incredibly distinct style of B-movie melodrama and adult entertainment. In one memorable gaffe during Come Under My
To remedy the situation, Dave purchases a cheap, secondhand instructional manual detailing how to control women through the power of sexual hypnotism. After an editing montage of intense study, Fernando takes to the streets to test his new powers. The film's narrative rapidly transitions into a series of increasingly ridiculous episodic encounters, culminating in an over-the-top sequence where Fernando manages to put an entire wedding party under his hypnotic influence. Cast Performance and Character Analysis Come Under My Spell (1979) - IMDb
: True to the signature style of director Carlos Tobalina, the narrative breaks down entirely by the final act, culminating in a massive, chaotic orgy involving an entire wedding party. Carlos Tobalina and the 1981 Adult Film Industry
This article explores the plot, production eccentricities, historical relevance, and modern physical media revival of this obscure slice of 1981 exploitation cinema. The Plot: Hypnotism, Hijinks, and Retro San Francisco
The 1981 exclusive release of "Come Under My Spell" holds a special significance for collectors and fans. As a limited edition single, it has become a prized possession for those who appreciate the rarity and historical value of this vinyl gem. The 1981 release also marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, as they were gaining momentum and reaching new heights of success.