Action Cult Classic

Sex, boxing, and mobster meddling collide in Bethel Buckalew’s bare-knuckle romp.

BELOW THE BELT

1971 · 01:29:00 · NR · Action / Comedy / Crime / Romance · IMDB TMDB

A boxer's manager pays a prostitute to make his boxer's nights hot, and endless. Not so strange, considering all the dirty deals the manager has with the local mafia. The strong champion has to contend with the sexy girl, before he gets to the ring with the title contender. But there are other interests at play, and more girls to play.

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Quick Answer

What is Below the Belt about?

Below the Belt is a 1971 American action-comedy-crime-romance film directed by Bethel Buckalew about a naïve boxer whose manager’s underhanded deals with the mob and a seductive B-girl threaten his shot at the title.

The SassyFlix Take

Only in early '70s exploitation could boxing, mob shenanigans, and a revolving door of scantily clad distractions be the main event. Bethel Buckalew keeps the gloves—and everything else—off, while John Tull’s Sammy makes sure his boxer faces as much temptation as he does competition. Come for the sweet science, stay for the parade of softcore sensibilities.

From the Vault

Proof that in the '70s, every boxing match could use a little more scandal—and a lot less clothing.

Why Cult

Sexploitation Boxing Crossover

A rare mashup where steamy bedroom antics are as central as the fight game, with a boxer battling both mobsters and seductive women.

Mobster Manipulation

Cigar-chomping mafiosos and their dirty deals add an extra layer of sleaze and intrigue to the story’s underbelly.

B-Girls and Brawls

With comely B-girls sent to derail the hero and plenty of erotic twists, the film is a playground of softcore escapades and scandal.

Softcore Erotic Highlights

Expect a full slate of exploitation staples: female nudity, voyeurism, bondage, and more, delivered with 1970s gusto.

Synopsis

Sexploitation vet John Tull stars as Sammy Beal, a less-than-scrupulous boxing manager whose current protégé is virginal country boy Johnny. Johnny's rough-hewn skill at the sweet science catches the eye of cigar-chomping mobster Louie Gardino Frank Finklehoffer, who dispatches comely B-girl Lisa to distract him from his training. The naïve puglist naturally falls for her voluptuous charms, but trouble rears its head when he catches her in a bedroom tussle with Sammy.

Details & Specs

Director: Bethel Buckalew
Writer: Bethel Buckalew
Release: 1971
Runtime: 1h 29m
Language: English
Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Romance
Also Known As: Boys and Sex - Die Nackten und die Perversen

Themes & Keywords

Female Nudity Independent Film Female Rear Nudity Female Topless Nudity Nudity Female Full Frontal Nudity Female Frontal Nudity Softcore Lesbian Sex Male Rear Nudity Lesbian Male Nudity Voyeur Prostitute Lesbianism Voyeurism

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Below the Belt about? +

Below the Belt follows Sammy Beal, a boxing manager who enlists a prostitute to distract his naïve boxer Johnny, leading to trouble with mobsters, seductive women, and a shot at the title.

When was Below the Belt released? +

Below the Belt was released in 1971.

Who directed Below the Belt? +

Below the Belt was directed by Bethel Buckalew.

How long is Below the Belt? +

Below the Belt has a runtime of 89 minutes.

What genre is Below the Belt? +

Below the Belt is an action, comedy, crime, and romance film with strong sexploitation and erotic elements.

Where can I watch Below the Belt? +

Below the Belt is available to stream on SassyFlix.

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