In the neon-soaked, transition era of 1981, the landscape of cinema was shifting. The golden age of the Hollywood New Wave was fading, and the VHS boom was just over the horizon, creating a unique breeding ground for strange, hypnotic, and unclassifiable films. Among the dusty boxes of video rental stores and late-night cable slots lived a unique sub-genre of erotic thriller/horror, and few titles capture that specific, sleazy elegance quite like "Come Under My Spell".
While the year 1981 is often celebrated for heavyweight horror like The Evil Dead or An American Werewolf in London, there was a darker, more sensuous undercurrent running through the industry. "Come Under My Spell" (often associated with the adult horror genre hybrids of the time) represents a fascinating time capsule—an "exclusive" look into a world where budgets were low, atmosphere was everything, and the line between art and exploitation was beautifully blurred.
Why does this obscure, 3-minute-47-second track from 1981 matter today?
Because it represents the last era of mystery. In a time where every lyric is on Genius and every song has a TikTok dance, “Come Under My Spell 1981 Exclusive” remains a fortress. You cannot summon it on Spotify. You cannot Shazam it. You have to work to hear it.
It is a reminder that music was once physical. It was owned. It was a secret handshake.
In the vast ocean of rare groove, post-disco, and early 80s synth-pop, few phrases spark as much curiosity among serious collectors as “Come Under My Spell 1981 Exclusive.”
For the uninitiated, this string of words might sound like a forgotten B-side or a moody incantation from a Halloween mixtape. But for crate diggers, DJs, and aficionados of the Boogie era, it represents a holy grail—a shimmering, elusive piece of wax that encapsulates the very moment when disco’s glitter was dying and the robotic heart of 80s dance music began to beat.
But what is the “Come Under My Spell 1981 Exclusive”? Why does it command hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars on auction sites? And why has its legend only grown in the four decades since its pressing?
Let’s step into the time machine and set the dial for 1981.
So, can you ever truly “come under my spell” in 2026? Only if you know a DJ with a deep collection. Only if you happen to be at a listening party in a basement in Brooklyn or Berlin. Only if the vinyl gods smile upon you.
For the rest of us, we are left with grainy YouTube uploads, forum threads, and the haunting echo of that 1981 bassline.
The “Come Under My Spell 1981 Exclusive” is not just a record. It is a ghost. And if you listen closely—in the hush between the crackles and the pop—you can still hear it whispering from the dance floor of a club that closed its doors forty years ago.
Follow the night. Forget the time. The spell is still there.
Retrospective: The Hypnotic Absurdity of ‘Come Under My Spell’ (1981)
In the landscape of early 1980s cult cinema, few titles capture the era’s specific blend of "how did this get made?" and "why am I still watching?" quite like Come Under My Spell (1981). Released by Diamond Films Inc., this isn’t a synth-pop anthem or a forgotten Depeche Mode track (though the year 1981 certainly belonged to their debut, Speak & Spell). Instead, it’s a lighthearted, low-budget comedy about the ultimate 80s underdog quest: getting a date. The Plot: Hypnosis and Hijinks
The story follows Fernando (played by Fernando Fortes), a foreign exchange student who is, to put it mildly, a "flop" with women. After a series of embarrassing rejections—including a literal pizza pie to the face from a delivery girl—Fernando’s friend Dave (Blair Harris) hands him a manual titled Sex Through Hypnosis.
In true 81’ fashion, the "spell" works instantly. Suddenly, Fernando has women lining up for him, leading to a series of increasingly ridiculous scenarios. Why It’s an “Exclusive” Time Capsule
What makes this film such an "exclusive" find today is its rarity and its status as a piece of exploitation-adjacent history. While the premise sounds like it could be problematic by modern standards, reviewers like those at Mondo Digital note that the treatment is actually "silly and lighthearted," leaning more into slapstick than anything darker.
Directed by: Tobalina (known for his prolific, if niche, 70s and 80s output).
The Vibe: It captures that specific grainy, low-budget aesthetic of early 80s independent film.
The Cast: Seeing Fernando Fortes, who usually worked behind the scenes in camera and sound, step into the lead role gives the film a unique "meta" charm. The 1981 Legacy
While Come Under My Spell stayed in the shadows of the year's bigger hits, 1981 was a massive year for "spells" in general. It was the year:
Depeche Mode released their synth-pop masterpiece Speak & Spell.
Siouxsie and the Banshees defined the gothic scene with Juju. Duran Duran released their self-titled debut.
Whether you're a collector of rare 80s DVDs or just a fan of weird cinema history, Come Under My Spell (1981) is a hypnotic trip back to a time when all you needed to solve your problems was a used bookstore manual and a lot of confidence.
Unlocking the Vault: The 1981 "Come Under My Spell" Exclusive come under my spell 1981 exclusive
The intersection of cult cinema and home video history often produces strange artifacts that linger in the memories of collectors and cinephiles. One such curiosity is the 1981 exclusive presentation of "Come Under My Spell," a film that serves as a bizarre time capsule of late 70s and early 80s exploitation cinema. Directed by the prolific and often eccentric Carlos Tobalina, the film has undergone various re-releases, but its 1981 presence remains a specific point of interest for those tracking the evolution of "Peekarama" and adult-oriented cult classics. The Plot: Hypnosis and Hilarity
At its core, "Come Under My Spell" follows the misadventures of Fernando (played by Fernando Fortes), a bumbling and libidinous foreign exchange student struggling to find success in the dating world. His luck changes when his best friend, Dave (Blair Harris), gifts him a secondhand book on the art of seduction through hypnotism.
What follows is a series of "unintentionally enjoyable" vignettes where Fernando attempts to put women under his spell. Critics have often noted that the film's lead is "completely believable as an awkward loser because it doesn't feel like acting". The movie is famous among cult fans for its technical oddities, including:
Visible Crew Members: In some scenes, crew members are clearly visible in the shot.
Production Oddities: Much of the film appears to have been shot in a rented motel room despite being set in "hip and swinging San Francisco".
Bizarre Soundtrack: The film features tracks like "Fernando’s Blues," which have since appeared on niche compilations of 70s and 80s cinema audio. The 1981 Exclusive Context
While the film is often cited as a 1979 release, the 1981 exclusive window refers to its significant distribution push during the burgeoning home video market. This era saw a massive influx of independent and adult-leaning titles being packaged for the first time for a global audience. Come Under My Spell (1981) - VideoSpace
Come Under My Spell " is a film directed by Carlos Tobalina, originally released in 1979. It is often categorized within the "Golden Age" of adult cinema, a period characterized by higher production values and 35mm film use compared to later home-video eras. While some listings associate it with 1981, this likely refers to a subsequent or "exclusive" distribution window on home video or laserdisc during the early 1980s. Film Overview
Director: Carlos Tobalina, a prolific creator during this era known for titles like Jungle Blue and Oriental Hawaii.
Release Context: The film was part of a wave of features produced and distributed during the late 1970s and early 1980s that transitioned from theatrical screenings to the growing home media market.
Production Style: Like many Tobalina films, it typically featured narrative-driven plots, often drawing from themes of romance or melodrama, distinguishing it from the lower-budget "loops" of the same period. Related 1981 "Spell" Media
If you are looking for other prominent "Spell"-related media from 1981, the most notable release is the debut album from Depeche Mode: Album Title: Speak & Spell. Release Date: October 29, 1981. Label: Mute Records (UK) and Sire Records (US). Come Under My Spell (1979) — The Movie Database (TMDB)
If you liked Come Under My Spell, you might also like... * 02/27/2015. Focus 69% * 06/15/2007. Sex and Death 101 61% * 01/18/2003. The Movie Database
The 1981 release of "Come Under My Spell" (originally 1979) stands as a unique, albeit low-budget, curiosity in the history of "Porno Chic" era cinema. Directed by Carlos Tobalina—under the pseudonym Troy Benny—the film is a bizarre mixture of comedy, fantasy, and adult drama that has gained a modern cult following through boutique restorations. Plot and Concept
The story centers on Fernando (played by Fernando Fortes), a bumbling and sexually repressed foreign exchange student living in San Francisco. Desperate to find success with women, he is aided by his friend Dave (Blair Harris), who discovers a used book titled "Sex Thru Hypnotism" at a bargain bin.
Fernando meticulously studies the text and begins attempting to use his new "powers" to seduce women, leading to a series of absurd and slapstick scenarios. The film is noted for its juvenile, lighthearted tone, which reviewers at Nerdly and Letterboxd describe as "head-shakingly ridiculous" rather than dark, despite its questionable core premise. The "Exclusive" Vinegar Syndrome Release
While the film had limited theatrical runs and early VHS appearances, it saw a significant resurgence via an "exclusive" restoration by Vinegar Syndrome. Come Under My Spell (1979) - IMDb
in various markets (following its initial production around 1979). Background & Plot The film is a comedic adult feature that follows
(played by Fernando Fortes), a hapless foreign exchange student who struggles to find success with women. His luck changes when his friend Dave gives him a used book on
, which Fernando uses to seduce various women, culminating in a large-scale hypnotism of an entire wedding party. Production Details
Carlos Tobalina (known for his distinct, often low-budget style). Fernando Fortes Liza Dwyer (as Susan Madrid), and Blair Harris Release Context: While listed as a 1979 production on some databases like
, it saw significant distribution and theater runs in the early 1980s, which is likely why it is associated with the 1981 timeframe in your request. Availability & Modern Reception
The film has gained a cult following in recent years and was re-released by the boutique home video label Vinegar Syndrome
as part of a double feature with other Tobalina works, often under their sub-label. where to watch this specific film or for details about its re-release on physical media? Come Under My Spell (1979) - IMDb
Why is this film considered an "exclusive" find in collector circles? The Seduction of the Strange: Inside 1981’s "Come
I was fortunate enough to hear a preservation-grade WAV transfer of the 1981 Exclusive at a listening party in Berlin last month. The host kept the lights off. Through studio monitors, the track sounded impossibly wide. The low end throbbing. Escher’s breath control—flawless.
Around the three-minute mark, as the modular synth solo unravels like a spool of black thread, someone in the room whispered, “They don’t make spells like this anymore.”
He was right.
The 1981 Exclusive of “Come Under My Spell” isn’t just a song. It is a time capsule with a curse attached: once you hear the true version, all later remixes sound like cardboard. You will find yourself combing Discogs at 2:00 AM, refreshing eBay searches, and asking grizzled record store owners if they “remember the rain intro.”
Do you dare to seek it out? The invitation remains open, frozen in the grooves of a record you may never hold.
Close your eyes. Forget the time.
Come under the spell of 1981.
Have you encountered the 1981 Exclusive pressing? Share your story in the comments below. If you have a lead on a surviving acetate, contact our restoration team.
"Come Under My Spell" is a 1981 track by the legendary disco and funk producer Patrick Cowley
, often considered an "exclusive" gem within his influential body of work. Context and Significance
Released during the peak of Cowley’s creative output, the song exemplifies the
(High Energy) sound he pioneered in San Francisco. While Cowley is most famous for his 15-minute remix of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" and hits like "Menergy," his 1981 album Get A Little
featured "Come Under My Spell" as a standout showcase of his synth-pop wizardry. Musical Style Synthesizer Innovation
: Cowley utilized the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and other early synthesizers to create a lush, atmospheric, yet driving sound. Hypnotic Rhythms
: True to its title, the song uses pulsating basslines and "galactic" sound effects to create a trance-like experience for the listener.
: The track features sultry, processed vocals that blend into the electronic texture, emphasizing the theme of hypnotic attraction. The "1981 Exclusive" Appeal
In the era of underground dance music, "exclusive" often referred to specific extended 12-inch versions
or limited pressings played in clubs like The Saint in New York or the EndUp in San Francisco. For collectors, the 1981 release represents the bridge between disco and the upcoming synth-pop revolution of the 1980s.
Cowley's work remains a cornerstone of electronic music history, and "Come Under My Spell" is a prime example of the "spell" he cast over dance floors before his untimely passing in 1982. technical analysis of the synthesizers Cowley used, or perhaps a list of similar tracks from that era?
Come Under My Spell " is a cult adult drama and comedy film originally released in 1979, though often associated with 1981 due to later international distribution and home video releases. Film Overview
Directed by Carlos Tobalina (under the pseudonym Troy Benny), the film follows Fernando, a repressed foreign exchange student in San Francisco. Desperate for success with women, he and his friend Dave acquire a used book on hypnosis and attempt to use it to fulfill their sexual desires. Production & Cast
Director: Carlos Tobalina, a figure known for his "Porno Chic" era productions.
Starring: Lisa De Vail and Fernando Foyth (who also served as a crew member). Runtime: Approximately 85 minutes.
Genre: Often categorized as a mix of adult comedy and "low-budget" drama, it has gained a following for its campy, "unintentionally enjoyable" qualities. Availability & Restoration
While it originated in the late '70s, it has seen renewed interest through modern boutique distributors: Year: 1981 Format: 7" single (vinyl), possibly promo
Vinegar Syndrome: This cult film distributor released a restored version of the film as part of a double feature with Lady Dynamite.
Blu-ray/Digital: Restored versions are available for collectors looking for high-quality transfers of vintage adult cinema.
Critics often note the film's "cheesy charm," guerrilla-style filmmaking, and period-specific music as highlights for fans of 1970s and 80s cult aesthetics. Come Under My Spell (1979) - IMDb
Come Under My Spell is a 1981 cult adult film directed by Carlos Tobalina
. While it was originally released theatrically around 1979–1981, it gained modern recognition through an "exclusive" restoration by the cult-cinema preservation label Vinegar Syndrome , which released it as part of their Letterboxd Plot and Production
The film is a sex-comedy typical of the era's "Golden Age" of adult cinema, though reviewers note it often feels like a leftover from the mid-to-late 1970s in its humor and style.
: The plot follows college students in San Francisco who use a book on hypnotism to seduce women, culminating in a chaotic wedding reception sequence where they attempt to hypnotize the entire party. : Starring adult film legends like Sharon Kane Connie Peterson
: Carlos Tobalina, a prolific creator in the genre known for his "patented orgy sequences" and quirky, low-budget comedic setups. The Movie Database Modern Availability
The "exclusive" modern release is most commonly found on the Vinegar Syndrome Double Feature Blu-ray/DVD , where it is paired with another Tobalina film, Lady Dynamite Letterboxd : Restored in 2K from original 35mm camera negatives. : NC-17/Adult. Letterboxd cult films or more information on the Vinegar Syndrome preservation collection?
In the autumn of 1981, a struggling artist named Clara found a dusty vinyl record at a London flea market. The sleeve read: "Come Under My Spell – Exclusive Pressing, 1981." No artist name. Just a haunting, hand-drawn eye on the cover.
Clara brought it home, placed the needle on the groove, and a deep, hypnotic voice filled her tiny flat: “Come under my spell… forget the world you knew…” The music was unlike anything she’d heard—synth waves crashing like dreams, basslines that felt like heartbeats. She played it on repeat as she painted, and for the first time in months, her brush moved without fear.
By morning, she’d completed her best piece: a portrait of a woman emerging from shadows, one eye glowing gold. She titled it “1981 Exclusive.”
Days later, a gallery owner visited. He saw the painting and froze. “Where did you hear that name?” he whispered. He explained that in 1981, a reclusive musician pressed only 50 copies of an album before disappearing. The final track, “Come Under My Spell,” was said to unlock creative blocks—but only for those who truly listened.
Clara sold the painting for a life-changing sum. But more importantly, she kept the record. Whenever doubt crept in, she’d play it, remember the spell wasn’t magic—it was permission. Permission to trust her own voice, to create without apology.
She never found out who made the record. But she often smiled, thinking: The best spells aren’t cast by others. They’re the ones you discover hiding in plain sound, waiting for you to finally listen.
Come Under My Spell is a 1979 adult film (often associated with 1981 re-releases or exclusive home video versions) directed by Carlos Tobalina under the pseudonym Troy Benny Overview of the Film
The film follows Fernando, a repressed and socially awkward foreign exchange student in San Francisco
. Frustrated by his lack of success with women, his friend Dave provides him with a book on sexual hypnotism
. Fernando uses these techniques to "spellbind" and seduce women, leading to increasingly absurd scenarios, including an orgy at a wedding party Critical Perspective: A "Solid Essay" Analysis
While the film is primary adult entertainment, modern cult cinema critics and "essay-style" reviewers often highlight its unique place in the "Porno Chic" era's decline Technique and Style : Reviewers from sites like Letterboxd
describe it as a "shoddy affair" with a "polish-free, rough-and-ready approach"
. It is noted for its "guerrilla filmmaking" style, featuring many silent location shoots in public areas The "Carrie" Riff
: One notable "solid" critical observation is the film's final jump scare, which is cited by some critics as one of the greatest parodies or "riffs" on the ending of Brian De Palma’s Cultural Context : Modern restorations by labels like Vinegar Syndrome
have sparked renewed interest in the film as a piece of transgressive 1970s/80s subculture
. It is often discussed in the context of Tobalina’s larger body of work, which is characterized by a "melodramatic" yet "inept" filmmaking style or details about the 1981 exclusive home video release specifically? Come Under My Spell (1979) - IMDb