Harvard’s Schlesinger Library is known as the primary repository for women’s history in the country. It houses the papers of suffragists, social reformers, poets, politicians, and iconic figures such as Amelia Earhart, Angela Davis, and Julia Child. However, in addition to these well-known artifacts, the library also holds a costume from the 1978 pornographic comedy “Hot & Saucy Pizza Girls” in its basement vaults.
This movie, featuring John C. Holmes as a pimp overseeing a prostitution ring disguised as a pizza delivery service, was groundbreaking for its time as one of the earliest examples of the classic trope of porn with pepperoni. The costume is significant not only for its connection to the film but also because of the name associated with it: Candida Royalle.
Candida Royalle, who passed away in 2015, was a minor celebrity in the 1970s as a porn star who transitioned to producing feminist erotica that focused on female fantasies and audiences. She faced off against anti-porn feminists during the sex wars of the 1980s, challenging stereotypes and advocating for a more nuanced view of women in the industry.
Today, Royalle’s name may not be as well-known, but her archive at Harvard is shedding new light on the sexual revolution. Historian Jane Kamensky, who spearheaded the acquisition of Royalle’s papers, argues in her biography “Candida Royalle and the Sexual Revolution: A History From Below” that Royalle’s story challenges traditional narratives of conflict and division within feminist movements.
Through diaries, letters, photographs, scrapbooks, videos, and memorabilia, Royalle’s archive offers a unique perspective on the complexities of the sexual revolution. Kamensky suggests that Royalle’s experiences and activism demonstrate the need to rethink traditional categories and assumptions about feminism and pornography.
While unexpected, the acquisition of Royalle’s archive at Harvard highlights the library’s commitment to expanding its holdings to include diverse perspectives on gender, sexuality, and feminism. Royalle’s story serves as a reminder that history is often more complex and multifaceted than we may realize, and that every individual’s experiences and contributions can shape our understanding of the past.
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