The 1970s expanded the bounds of the permissible in film — anything that could make it past the censors. Emmanuelle was emblematic of this new era. Produced by a former advertising director who picked up a lapsed option on the book of the same name, the film relished its 18+ rating and enjoyed a 12-year theatrical run. Many in the establishment looked down on these daring new films, but producers found ways to get them made—even resorting to blackmail.