Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) (1972 film)

Structure and style

The film is episodic: a sequence of discrete segments, each inspired by a question or theme that echoes the book's chapter headings. Allen applies different cinematic tones to each vignette—broad slapstick, deadpan dialogue, pastiche of noir or historical drama, and exaggerated fantasy—so the overall film reads as a variety show of comic approaches to sexual topics. The tone ranges from gentle mockery to outright absurdism, and the pieces rarely aim for literal realism; instead they prioritize punchlines, visual gags and ironic reversals of expectation.

Cast and notable performers

The ensemble includes several well‑known actors who take small, memorable roles. Alongside Allen, the cast features veteran character actor John Carradine, comic actor Lou Jacobi, a comic cameo by Burt Reynolds, and performances from Lynn Redgrave, Tony Randall and Gene Wilder. Anthony Quayle also appears in one of the segments. The film's casting emphasizes recognizable faces who can deliver a quick, concentrated comedic effect in short scenes.

Reception and legacy

Upon release the movie received mixed responses: some critics praised its inventiveness and comic risks, while others found the tone uneven. Over time it has remained one of Woody Allen's better‑known early works and is often cited for its playful formal experimentation and high density of jokes. Its structure—using a thematic prompt to spin off unrelated sketches—has been noted as an influential model for anthology comedies that balance stand‑alone bits with an overarching conceit.

Notable facts and distinctions

• The film is loosely framed around the questions from Dr. David Reuben's popular sex manual rather than offering a straight adaptation of factual material.
• Its episodic layout lets the director and performers shift styles rapidly, from parodic pastiche to broad physical comedy.
• Many performers appear briefly but make striking impressions, a casting choice that keeps the pacing brisk.
• Because of its frank subject matter and comedic approach, the film occupies a place between mainstream studio comedy and countercultural satire of the early 1970s.

For readers seeking more detail on production, contemporary reviews, or analyses of individual segments, consult film histories and the credits linked to the principal performers and distributor: Woody Allen, John Carradine, Burt Reynolds, Lynn Redgrave, Tony Randall, Gene Wilder, and United Artists.