Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome (1954)

Directed by famed homoerotic underground filmmaker Kenneth Anger in 1954, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome is considered a key work of American experimental film. It has been cited as an influence on Roger Corman's Edgar Allan Poe series and on certain shots in Martin Scorsese's Kundun. Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome varies in length from 38 to 43 minutes, depending on the print or video, and also exists in a version altered by Anger in 1966. The color film is dedicated to British writer and occultist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), author of The Diary of a Drug Fiend. Anger's tribute presents a "Dionysian revel." Highlights include appearances by erotica author and diarist Anaïs Nin and by avant-garde filmmaker Curtis Harrington. Anger authored the book of scandal and gossip Hollywood Babylon.