Hard Ride

Ona Zee is well-cast as a capitalist meanie, buying up California orange orchards in order to exploit the oil in the land. E. Z. Ryder is the patriarch of a family holding out against selling to her, and there's conflict among his female and male kids on whether to sell. Sounds familiar? Some location photography at orchards and oil fields helps take the all-porno stigma of this feature, and a mix of familiar and obscure porno players go through their XXX motions. Director Jaacov Jaacovi messes up one sex scene with Tim Lake, where the money shot and editing are completely garbled.

Directed by Jaacov Jaacovi, Hard Ride leans on a strong ensemble — Ona Zee, Peter North, Cherry Lawson — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1993.