Sexy Cinema: Lemon Popsicle (Eskimo Limon) (1978)

Lemon Popsicle must have been a labour of love for writer/director, Boaz Davidson. The film was said to be inspired by their experiences as teenagers growing up in Israel. I'm sure producers, Yoram Globus and Menahem Golan could relate to his story. The film was set in the 1950s and has more in common with later American teen movies. It's fair to say Lemon Popsicle suffers comparisons to American Graffiti and TV series, Happy Days.

Most of the films budget was spent on securing the song rights and thankfully they did, otherwise the rights would probably be too expensive now to secure a DVD release. It's mainly Rock 'n' Roll songs: Little Richard, Big Bopper, Bill Halley etc. The film also serves as period piece and is even more poignant now, given Israel is described as an "Islamic superstate" by the press, wrongly or rightly. It's also worth noting Tel Aviv was a big clubbing destination in the 90s, on par with Ayia Napa and Ibiza.

The film has a pretty similar plot to Porky's. Three 17-year-old boys go around chasing women trying to lose their virginity and generally just having fun. Nice guy, Benji falls for Nikki; unfortunately she dates his best friend Bobby and falls pregnant to him. Benji being in love with Nikki, pays for the abortion. Porky's is a straight comedy; Lemon Popsicle despite being billed as a comedy is more of a drama in places. The abortion scenes are appropriately downbeat and the whole film has a bitter sweet tone.  Isn't teenage life bitter sweet though?

The film did the rounds on bootleg VHS video in the 90s, at least in the UK. It's been released on DVD since although some of the DVDs are unauthorized (bootlegs) if they are by Jef Films or Televista. The UK DVDs are also now out of print. I would advise you to see it if you get the chance. The film is now regarded as a cult classic and was one of the films that successfully helped Golan-Globus buy The Cannon Group .