Chastity

Long out of the public eye, Cher's 1969 feature Chastity offers plenty of camp pleasure for curious cult movie viewers. Written and produced (and directed, as some have suggested) by husband Sonny Bono, Cher stars as the title character, a sullen drifter escaping her troubled past who finds possible happiness in the arms of a nice-guy parking attendant (Stephen Whittaker). Emotional turmoil puts her back on the road, and once in Mexico, Chastity becomes the plaything of a cold-hearted madam (Barbara London). Sonny's script is muddled and often downbeat, but Cher's performance isn't as bad as some wags have said, and the film is escapist enjoyment for fans of '60s youthquake pictures and camp delights. MGM's DVD is widescreen; the print has some fleeting nudity and suggestive scenes, which may indicate that this is the "M" rated version rather than the theatrical R or heavily edited TV versions. Trivia note: Sonny and Cher's daughter Chastity was conceived during the making of this film. --Paul Gaita