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Pure: The Sexual Revolutions of Marilyn Chambers
The untold story of the world’s most famous X-rated star, who rose to fame as the face of Ivory Snow and the star of Behind the Green Door but struggled to find her true self in a world of sex, scandal, and shattered dreams.
Marilyn Chambers was the embodiment of the free-spirited Seventies, the world’s most famous X-rated star, and an unappreciated talent whose work in adult films hindered her dreams of becoming a serious actress. Raised in an affluent Connecticut suburb, Marilyn catapulted to fame when it was learned that not only had she starred in the groundbreaking X-rated film, Behind the Green Door but was also the model on the box of Ivory Snow laundry detergent (product "99 44/100% Pure.")
Marilyn was the first woman known primarily for her work in adult films to cross over to mainstream entertainment. She sustained a versatile three-decade career in entertainment, including roles in dramatic plays, a Broadway musical revue, her own television show, and the lead role in David Cronenberg’s film Rabid. But her success in adult films also proved to be her undoing. Marred by a violent relationship with her abusive husband-manager, Chuck Traynor, she developed the persona of a twenty-four-hour-a-day sex star. In the process, she lost her sense of self and spent much of her life searching for her true identity. With recollections from family and friends, many of whom have never spoken publicly, along with Marilyn’s own words, and never-before-published photos, Jared Stearns vividly captures the revolutionary career of one of the twentieth century’s most misunderstood icons.
Marilyn Chambers was the embodiment of the free-spirited Seventies, the world’s most famous X-rated star, and an unappreciated talent whose work in adult films hindered her dreams of becoming a serious actress. Raised in an affluent Connecticut suburb, Marilyn catapulted to fame when it was learned that not only had she starred in the groundbreaking X-rated film, Behind the Green Door but was also the model on the box of Ivory Snow laundry detergent (product "99 44/100% Pure.")
Marilyn was the first woman known primarily for her work in adult films to cross over to mainstream entertainment. She sustained a versatile three-decade career in entertainment, including roles in dramatic plays, a Broadway musical revue, her own television show, and the lead role in David Cronenberg’s film Rabid. But her success in adult films also proved to be her undoing. Marred by a violent relationship with her abusive husband-manager, Chuck Traynor, she developed the persona of a twenty-four-hour-a-day sex star. In the process, she lost her sense of self and spent much of her life searching for her true identity. With recollections from family and friends, many of whom have never spoken publicly, along with Marilyn’s own words, and never-before-published photos, Jared Stearns vividly captures the revolutionary career of one of the twentieth century’s most misunderstood icons.
348 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 12, 2024
✨B O O K • T O U R✨
Pure: The Sexual Revolutions of Marilyn Chambers
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @jaredstearnssf #partner
I have to say that before I read this book that I had no clue who Marilyn Chambers was. Now that I’ve read this book I won’t ever be able to forget her, or her story.
How to even properly review this book. It’s been a little bit of a struggle, if I’m honest, because it is such an important story that people need to read for themselves. Although this story is about the past, it still very much deals with current issues.
But then there’s the stuff that society has pushed onto Marilyn and most all women. I’ll be frank, it’s so fked up. The stigma that is left for girls in the adult entertainment industry. The men don’t face these same issues as women do. Aren’t looked down on like the women are.
Marilyn was much more than just an adult entertainer, she was a great actress. The classic girl next door. A beauty. Her story is inspiring. Her life both tragic and riveting.
In the end, the adult industry didn’t want her because she was too much like the girl next door, and the movies didn’t want her because she had done exotic films. It was a double edge sword that cut her both ways.
Then there’s the writing of this book. Wow. I was hooked. It’s a very well researched book with an important message. How Jared presents her story to us is magical. The pictures inside are stunning and add more depth to the story.
Your heart will break. You will laugh. You’ll be angry. You’ll rejoice. You’ll feel this book. Highly recommend.
#purebook #marilynchambers #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #readmorebooks #alwaysreading #bookhoarder #bookstack #reads #book #bookworms #bookrecommendation #bookaesthetic #bookshelves #readabook #readmore #books #bookworm
Pure: The Sexual Revolutions of Marilyn Chambers
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @jaredstearnssf #partner
I have to say that before I read this book that I had no clue who Marilyn Chambers was. Now that I’ve read this book I won’t ever be able to forget her, or her story.
How to even properly review this book. It’s been a little bit of a struggle, if I’m honest, because it is such an important story that people need to read for themselves. Although this story is about the past, it still very much deals with current issues.
But then there’s the stuff that society has pushed onto Marilyn and most all women. I’ll be frank, it’s so fked up. The stigma that is left for girls in the adult entertainment industry. The men don’t face these same issues as women do. Aren’t looked down on like the women are.
Marilyn was much more than just an adult entertainer, she was a great actress. The classic girl next door. A beauty. Her story is inspiring. Her life both tragic and riveting.
In the end, the adult industry didn’t want her because she was too much like the girl next door, and the movies didn’t want her because she had done exotic films. It was a double edge sword that cut her both ways.
Then there’s the writing of this book. Wow. I was hooked. It’s a very well researched book with an important message. How Jared presents her story to us is magical. The pictures inside are stunning and add more depth to the story.
Your heart will break. You will laugh. You’ll be angry. You’ll rejoice. You’ll feel this book. Highly recommend.
#purebook #marilynchambers #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #readmorebooks #alwaysreading #bookhoarder #bookstack #reads #book #bookworms #bookrecommendation #bookaesthetic #bookshelves #readabook #readmore #books #bookworm
April 22, 2024
Like many entertainment consumers, all I knew about Marilyn Chambers going into this book was her career in the adult film industry. And like many who came before me, I greatly underestimated Marilyn Chamber's impact and legacy. Author Jared Stearns tells a fascinating story set at the intersection of entertainment, talent, sexual politics, and culture. You will love this book for many reasons, not the least of which is you will be the star at your next 25 cocktail parties when the conversation turns to examples of excellence in unexpected places. Stearns is a deft, engaging writer, and I encourage you to get his book today!
December 3, 2024
Ever since I discovered my first "adult films" on 8mm loop reels that my Dad thought he'd kept safely hidden, I wondered why watching sex was considered to be so dirty and immoral. Yes, it was exciting, but a lot of that was because it was "forbidden." (It was also exciting to sneak out of the house to meet up with the neighborhood kid who did not meet with my parents' approval. Some time later, when my first sexual experience finally happened with another person, I was grateful that I'd received some logistical guidance.)
It was a major revelation to see "Behind The Green Door." The "loops" were coarse, shop-worn, and concentrated exclusively on "the act." This movie had sex scenes, too ... and they were actually wilder than the "loops." They weren't any more graphic (and certainly not as graphic as what can be found on the internet today). However, there was a story to follow ... and it was apparent that some care had been taken to be more creative in the presentation.
"Behind The Green Door" also made its lead performer, Marilyn Chambers, famous ... and then notorious.
Today, so many years later, there is a movement afoot called "ethical pornography." The idea is that sometimes people can use some fantasy stimulation to "get in the mood." But, the major additional component is that the films should be made with respect for the performers and the other filmmakers.
I'd read a number of articles about Marilyn Chambers that claimed she was an advocate for such an approach decades before it actually came to pass. So, I was curious to read PURE: THE SEXUAL REVOLUTIONS OF MARILYN CHAMBERS. To be fair, there was discussion of this perspective in the book. For the most part, though, I was introduced to a person who was addicted to co-dependency, and who could reveal rampant Diva behavior. In short, the woman from "Behind The Green Door" was not someone I'd want to meet.
In some ways, it is also not the best introduction to what went on "behind the scenes" of the porno industry back in those times. There are shared insights, yet Marilyn Chambers was on a guided trajectory that was different from many of the "big names." And there were some major omissions of some other players that surprised me.
PURE: THE SEXUAL REVOLUTIONS OF MARILYN CHAMBERS is not a poor book by any means. I think that the main problem is that I came to it with a different set of expectations. And while there was information that was intriguing to read about (such as the "Ivory Snow" episode), it was a shame that the source material was so one-sided. The potential was there to be better.
It was a major revelation to see "Behind The Green Door." The "loops" were coarse, shop-worn, and concentrated exclusively on "the act." This movie had sex scenes, too ... and they were actually wilder than the "loops." They weren't any more graphic (and certainly not as graphic as what can be found on the internet today). However, there was a story to follow ... and it was apparent that some care had been taken to be more creative in the presentation.
"Behind The Green Door" also made its lead performer, Marilyn Chambers, famous ... and then notorious.
Today, so many years later, there is a movement afoot called "ethical pornography." The idea is that sometimes people can use some fantasy stimulation to "get in the mood." But, the major additional component is that the films should be made with respect for the performers and the other filmmakers.
I'd read a number of articles about Marilyn Chambers that claimed she was an advocate for such an approach decades before it actually came to pass. So, I was curious to read PURE: THE SEXUAL REVOLUTIONS OF MARILYN CHAMBERS. To be fair, there was discussion of this perspective in the book. For the most part, though, I was introduced to a person who was addicted to co-dependency, and who could reveal rampant Diva behavior. In short, the woman from "Behind The Green Door" was not someone I'd want to meet.
In some ways, it is also not the best introduction to what went on "behind the scenes" of the porno industry back in those times. There are shared insights, yet Marilyn Chambers was on a guided trajectory that was different from many of the "big names." And there were some major omissions of some other players that surprised me.
PURE: THE SEXUAL REVOLUTIONS OF MARILYN CHAMBERS is not a poor book by any means. I think that the main problem is that I came to it with a different set of expectations. And while there was information that was intriguing to read about (such as the "Ivory Snow" episode), it was a shame that the source material was so one-sided. The potential was there to be better.
May 26, 2024
An extremely well written and well researched book about an icon in adult entertainment. I feel that Marilyn Chambers has never fully been recognized for her contributions to film until this book. The portrait Stearns paints of her is respectful without ignoring the dark parts of her personality and story.
A must read for anyone interested in the history of adult entertainment in particular but also an essential read for anyone with a general interest in pop culture and cinema.
A must read for anyone interested in the history of adult entertainment in particular but also an essential read for anyone with a general interest in pop culture and cinema.
July 22, 2025
This is a great book about a very misunderstood and complex person. It's about "gatekeeping", star quality, ideas of talent, celebrity, substance abuse, victim hood and dysfunctional relationships. But at the core, it's about a rare person who seems to have had something Hollywood didn't quite get. Or refused to get. Was she a problem to herself? Hell yeah...But she was not a stereotype even though at every turn she was told she was. With the right guidance and team, Chambers could have most certainly become the artist she wanted to be. Were her expectations high? Sure, but no higher than others with far less appeal. I say appeal because I don't think she was a great actress. I think she could have been a good one...But well, "celebrity"...
This book certainly does not dispel the myth that if you make porn, it will follow you to your death...AND if you're really good at porn and you want to change people's ideas about you? Good luck.
This is a well written, respectful and greatly researched book that is NOT a tell all, yukky book to get off on...I mean, you can if you want...that's on you...but if you want to read about a star who was constantly trying to get "erased" or forgotten and the bumpy road to stardom, this is your book. Marilyn will never be forgotten.
This book certainly does not dispel the myth that if you make porn, it will follow you to your death...AND if you're really good at porn and you want to change people's ideas about you? Good luck.
This is a well written, respectful and greatly researched book that is NOT a tell all, yukky book to get off on...I mean, you can if you want...that's on you...but if you want to read about a star who was constantly trying to get "erased" or forgotten and the bumpy road to stardom, this is your book. Marilyn will never be forgotten.
April 27, 2025
I bought this book in the gift shop of San Francisco’s Tenderloin museum, and I’m happy to have contributed to the educational mission of the museum, itself, which brings to life San Francisco’s “Barbary Coast” mysticism and the reality of the city’s history of social justice activism.
Although the name Marilyn Chambers was familiar, I can’t say I knew specifically why. I truly enjoyed the book and plan to keep it on my shelf as a reference for the history it offers of the industry, the Mitchell Brothers, and San Francisco.
It begins with the standard story of a bright eyed, naive girl setting out to be a star (mistakenly landing in San Francisco instead of LA) and ending up in pornography. What follows is both a fascinating history of the industry itself, a biography of its biggest star, and an analysis of the cultural impact.
Marilyn stumbles unwittingly into the world of the Mitchell Brothers, who are immediately drawn to the possibilities of her wholesome all American girl image. Without even knowing that she’s about to become the nationwide face of Ivory Snow, they catapult her into porn star fame with what would become the most talked about “adult” film of all time. Honestly this story contains twists that are so unlikely it would be terrible fiction, but make for a great biography.
The weirdest twist of all is that Marilyn and her biggest competitor in the industry (categorized in the book as her rival), Linda Lovelace, were married to the same man, at different times. Both endured horrific violent abuse at his hands. Linda published a book condemning the culture of abuse and exploitation she experienced, seeking an alliance with prominent feminists. Marilyn, fiercely defends her career choices while showing up at work covered in bruises.
The industry was ready to retire Marilyn at 22, a ripe old age for a porn star, but she wasn’t ready to exit. Still eager for a mainstream film career, Chambers instead reinvented the concept of porn star, staying relevant by performing constantly in whatever format she could, live shows, road shows, interviews where she played up her persona to edges of what the censors allow, and made her name I suppose synonymous with the industry.
Although the name Marilyn Chambers was familiar, I can’t say I knew specifically why. I truly enjoyed the book and plan to keep it on my shelf as a reference for the history it offers of the industry, the Mitchell Brothers, and San Francisco.
It begins with the standard story of a bright eyed, naive girl setting out to be a star (mistakenly landing in San Francisco instead of LA) and ending up in pornography. What follows is both a fascinating history of the industry itself, a biography of its biggest star, and an analysis of the cultural impact.
Marilyn stumbles unwittingly into the world of the Mitchell Brothers, who are immediately drawn to the possibilities of her wholesome all American girl image. Without even knowing that she’s about to become the nationwide face of Ivory Snow, they catapult her into porn star fame with what would become the most talked about “adult” film of all time. Honestly this story contains twists that are so unlikely it would be terrible fiction, but make for a great biography.
The weirdest twist of all is that Marilyn and her biggest competitor in the industry (categorized in the book as her rival), Linda Lovelace, were married to the same man, at different times. Both endured horrific violent abuse at his hands. Linda published a book condemning the culture of abuse and exploitation she experienced, seeking an alliance with prominent feminists. Marilyn, fiercely defends her career choices while showing up at work covered in bruises.
The industry was ready to retire Marilyn at 22, a ripe old age for a porn star, but she wasn’t ready to exit. Still eager for a mainstream film career, Chambers instead reinvented the concept of porn star, staying relevant by performing constantly in whatever format she could, live shows, road shows, interviews where she played up her persona to edges of what the censors allow, and made her name I suppose synonymous with the industry.
July 22, 2024
The book Pure: The Sexual Revolutions of Marilyn Chambers is a biography, the untold story of the world’s most famous X-rated star, who rose to fame as the face of Ivory Snow laundry detergent and the star of Behind the Green Door but struggled to find her true self in a world of sex, scandal, and shattered dreams. Her work in adult entertainment somehow hindered her dreams of becoming a serious mainstream actress.
The book will definitely appeal to anyone interested in pop culture, cult films, and '70s Hollywood. It includes recollections from family and friends, many of whom have never spoken publicly, along with Marilyn’s own words, and never-before-published photos. Presenting the story of her life along with her professional and personal journey, situations, propositions and the fame, her meteoric rise in the adult film industry, propelled by her groundbreaking role in "Behind the Green Door", this book is an interesting take on the tale of an adult film star, a poignant exploration of the complex life and career of Marilyn Chambers. Stearns doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Chambers’ life. He poignantly details her abusive relationship with Chuck Traynor, her husband-manager, whose control over her public image and career trajectory deeply impacted Chambers’ personal and professional growth. The writing style is engaging enough to keep the readers hooked and wondering what happens next in the adventurous life of the protagonist.
The book will definitely appeal to anyone interested in pop culture, cult films, and '70s Hollywood. It includes recollections from family and friends, many of whom have never spoken publicly, along with Marilyn’s own words, and never-before-published photos. Presenting the story of her life along with her professional and personal journey, situations, propositions and the fame, her meteoric rise in the adult film industry, propelled by her groundbreaking role in "Behind the Green Door", this book is an interesting take on the tale of an adult film star, a poignant exploration of the complex life and career of Marilyn Chambers. Stearns doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Chambers’ life. He poignantly details her abusive relationship with Chuck Traynor, her husband-manager, whose control over her public image and career trajectory deeply impacted Chambers’ personal and professional growth. The writing style is engaging enough to keep the readers hooked and wondering what happens next in the adventurous life of the protagonist.
November 17, 2024
Nicely done biography. Chambers comes across as a revolutionary by happenstance. From the book, it seems she never got the recognition she deserved, and more notoriety than adulation. She was vilified by puritans and feminists. This says more about the culture than it does about her. She had no regrets, but as is common for trailblazers in this field, she never escaped the stigma of publicly expressing her sexuality. One finishes the book wishing that life had treated her better.
July 8, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 enjoy reading nonfiction
🎥 ever wanted to star in movies
🤓 love to learn new things
📸 are comfortable in front of the camera
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Marilyn Chambers was the embodiment of the free-spirited Seventies, the world’s most famous X-rated star, and an unappreciated talent whose work in adult films hindered her dreams of becoming a serious actress. Raised in an affluent Connecticut suburb, Marilyn catapulted to fame when it was learned that not only had she starred in the groundbreaking X-rated film, Behind the Green Door but was also the model on the box of Ivory Snow laundry detergent (product tagline: "99 44/100% Pure.")
Marilyn was the first woman known primarily for her work in adult films to cross over to mainstream entertainment. She sustained a versatile three-decade career in entertainment, including roles in dramatic plays, a Broadway musical revue, her own television show, and the lead role in David Cronenberg’s film Rabid. But her success in adult films also proved to be her undoing. Marred by a violent relationship with her abusive husband-manager, Chuck Traynor, she developed the persona of a twenty-four-hour-a-day sex star. In the process, she lost her sense of self and spent much of her life searching for her true identity. With recollections from family and friends, many of whom have never spoken publicly, along with Marilyn’s own words, and never-before-published photos, Jared Stearns vividly captures the revolutionary career of one of the twentieth century’s most misunderstood icons.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a really intriguing nonfiction book about someone I had never heard of before. As I wasn’t born until the 90s, I didn’t hear about Marilyn, but she was a really interesting person. I loved seeing the photos that were included in stuff she starred in, as well as learning about who she was, not just as an adult film star, but as a person with high hopes and aspirations to do and be more. It’s definitely a hard industry to break out of once you’re well known and famous, and she had a lot of struggles with it. This definitely gave me a new perspective overall.
📖 enjoy reading nonfiction
🎥 ever wanted to star in movies
🤓 love to learn new things
📸 are comfortable in front of the camera
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Marilyn Chambers was the embodiment of the free-spirited Seventies, the world’s most famous X-rated star, and an unappreciated talent whose work in adult films hindered her dreams of becoming a serious actress. Raised in an affluent Connecticut suburb, Marilyn catapulted to fame when it was learned that not only had she starred in the groundbreaking X-rated film, Behind the Green Door but was also the model on the box of Ivory Snow laundry detergent (product tagline: "99 44/100% Pure.")
Marilyn was the first woman known primarily for her work in adult films to cross over to mainstream entertainment. She sustained a versatile three-decade career in entertainment, including roles in dramatic plays, a Broadway musical revue, her own television show, and the lead role in David Cronenberg’s film Rabid. But her success in adult films also proved to be her undoing. Marred by a violent relationship with her abusive husband-manager, Chuck Traynor, she developed the persona of a twenty-four-hour-a-day sex star. In the process, she lost her sense of self and spent much of her life searching for her true identity. With recollections from family and friends, many of whom have never spoken publicly, along with Marilyn’s own words, and never-before-published photos, Jared Stearns vividly captures the revolutionary career of one of the twentieth century’s most misunderstood icons.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a really intriguing nonfiction book about someone I had never heard of before. As I wasn’t born until the 90s, I didn’t hear about Marilyn, but she was a really interesting person. I loved seeing the photos that were included in stuff she starred in, as well as learning about who she was, not just as an adult film star, but as a person with high hopes and aspirations to do and be more. It’s definitely a hard industry to break out of once you’re well known and famous, and she had a lot of struggles with it. This definitely gave me a new perspective overall.
July 10, 2024
Wow, this book's author has found a true gem of a person to write a book about, and he has also done a great job at making it as biographic as possible by talking to many people who never spoke about Marilyn Chambers before. There are even photos in the book!
Did you know anything about Marilyn Chambers before? I for sure did not. Yet now, I’m fascinated.
After reading this book, I went down the rabbit hole and had to find out more about what’s known about Marilyn Ann Taylor. I have to admit that this quest of the rabbit hole was pretty useless, as most of the info out there was in the book, and it was in more detail too.
Nothing is sugarcoated in the book, yet Marilyn is shown as a human being, as a person, all while having her flaws, struggles with addiction, and everything in between. This is a book about a person who lived a tough life, and sometimes enjoyed it, who had hopes and dreams, and had coke too; most of all it made me want to send all the hugs and love to her spirit (she passed away 15 years ago).
Did you know anything about Marilyn Chambers before? I for sure did not. Yet now, I’m fascinated.
After reading this book, I went down the rabbit hole and had to find out more about what’s known about Marilyn Ann Taylor. I have to admit that this quest of the rabbit hole was pretty useless, as most of the info out there was in the book, and it was in more detail too.
Nothing is sugarcoated in the book, yet Marilyn is shown as a human being, as a person, all while having her flaws, struggles with addiction, and everything in between. This is a book about a person who lived a tough life, and sometimes enjoyed it, who had hopes and dreams, and had coke too; most of all it made me want to send all the hugs and love to her spirit (she passed away 15 years ago).
July 10, 2024
Like so many biographies in this genre, Stearns makes his subject easy by making her someone unique, first, OOAK. Rubbish, she was a woman and sexworker of her generation and needs to be contextualized not just by her generational peers but by her professional peers across ages, Sarah Bernhardt, La Belle Ortero ...
January 17, 2025
Marilyn chambers lived quite a life, grateful for the author for detailing it
November 21, 2025
Brilliant read! It really shows the insight into the world of adult films and what an icon Marilyn Chambers was.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews