Directed by the prolific Cirio H. Santiago (a legend in the drive-in circuit), Come Under My Spell operates on a premise that feels like a pulp novel come to life. The story follows a mysterious hypnotist who utilizes his powers for nefarious, often seductive, purposes.
The film leans heavily into the "power of suggestion" trope that was popular in post-Vietnam era cinema, touching on themes of psychological manipulation and loss of autonomy. However, true to the spirit of 1981, it doesn’t get too bogged down in philosophy. Instead, it delivers a steady pace of suspense, moody lighting, and the kind of practical effects that modern CGI just can’t replicate.
Who recorded it? Here lies the first layer of the mystery. Official liner notes do not exist. For years, the running theory was that the track was the work of a session group based out of New Jersey, possibly a side project of a member of Musique or Raw Sex.
The most credible evidence points to a duo known only as “Kindred Vibe” —a name that appears etched faintly in the dead wax of verified original pressings. The A-side, “Come Under My Spell,” features a hypnotic, half-spoken female vocal over a bassline that sounds like it was poured through a filter of molasses and electricity.
The “Exclusive” tag in the title isn't marketing hype. It was literal. According to a 1985 article in Disco Golden Years magazine, the pressing plant in Philadelphia produced only 150 copies. They were intended solely for radio DJs at WKTU and a few select clubs in the Northeast corridor.
"Come Under My Spell" (1981) is a synth-driven pop/rock single characteristic of the early 1980s new wave aesthetic. With a blend of atmospheric synth pads, punchy drum-machine rhythms, and a melodic vocal hook, the track encapsulates the decade’s fascination with electronic textures married to pop songwriting. The song’s title implies a theme of seduction, persuasion, or being entranced—common lyrical territory for pop songs that balance romantic yearning with playful menace.
The “Exclusive” nature of this recording stems from disaster. Master tapes for the 1981 session were stored at Graviton Studios in New York. On March 12, 1982, an electrical fire destroyed the vault. Everything—the multi-track stems, the liner notes, the original artwork—turned to ash.
All that survived were the 250 promotional acetates already mailed out the month prior. Most of those were played to death, thrown away, or warped in hot cars. Perhaps only 15 copies in playable condition exist today.
In collector circles, a Verified 1981 Exclusive pressing of “Come Under My Spell” sold at auction in 2019 for $4,200. The buyer? A silent partner for a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack, rumored to be using the track for an unreleased film set in Atlantic City.
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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
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:
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
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.
Come Under My Spell is a 1981 cult adult comedy directed by Carlos Tobalina (often under the pseudonym Troy Benny). The film follows Fernando, a hapless foreign exchange student who uses a book on sexual hypnotism to find success with women in San Francisco. 💿 Watch & Access Guide
Modern Release: Most viewers access the film via the Vinegar Syndrome double-feature Blu-ray, which pairs it with Lady Dynamite.
Quality: The restoration was scanned in 2K from the original 35mm camera negatives, though some shots remain naturally out of focus due to original production errors.
Exclusive Content: The Mélusine boutique often carries limited OOP (Out of Print) editions with special slipcovers and trailers. 🎬 Key Plot Elements
The Protagonist: Fernando Fortes plays a "bumbling and desperate" student who had previously only "scored with chickens and sheep".
The MacGuffin: A used book titled Sex Through Hypnotism given to him by his friend Dave.
The Climax: The film culminates in a large-scale wedding party orgy after Fernando hypnotizes the entire guest list. ⚠️ Viewer Notes Come Under My Spell (1979) - IMDb
"Come Under My Spell" (1981 Exclusive) - A Mesmerizing Dance Track
Released in 1981, "Come Under My Spell" is an exclusive dance track that has been weaving its magic on the electronic music scene for decades. This captivating song is a prime example of early 80s dance music, showcasing a unique blend of post-disco, funk, and synth-pop elements.
The Sound "Come Under My Spell" features a hypnotic beat, accompanied by lush synthesizer textures and infectious basslines. The track's dark, pulsing energy is reminiscent of the era's underground club scene, where DJs and producers pushed the boundaries of electronic music. The song's instrumental arrangement is expertly crafted, with each element working in harmony to create a truly immersive experience.
The Vibe The song's vibe is nothing short of enchanting. From the moment the track begins, listeners are drawn into a world of mesmerizing rhythms and melodies. The music seems to cast a spell, making it impossible to resist the urge to move to the beat. "Come Under My Spell" is a true dancefloor anthem, designed to keep the energy high and the party going.
The Legacy As an exclusive 1981 release, "Come Under My Spell" has become a rare gem in the world of electronic music. The track has been sought after by collectors and DJs for its unique sound and historical significance. Its influence can be heard in later dance music productions, with many artists paying homage to the track's innovative style.
Conclusion "Come Under My Spell" (1981 Exclusive) is a timeless dance classic that continues to captivate audiences with its magical blend of sounds. This enchanting track is a must-listen for fans of early 80s electronic music, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to transport us to another time and place. So, come under its spell and experience the mesmerizing energy of this iconic dance track.
If you search for this song on streaming platforms, you will find imposters. There is a 1999 Euro-house remix that samples the hook but adds a trash beat. There is a 2007 “lost vocal” version that is clearly an AI reconstruction.
But the purists know: The 1981 Exclusive has no reverb on the snare. It has a drop-out in the left channel exactly at 2:47. And most importantly, it features a spoken-word bridge that was scrubbed from all later releases:
“They told me the 80s would be digital. But here, in this room, the only voltage is your heartbeat. Don’t fight it. Come under my spell.”
That bridge is the key. It breaks the fourth wall. The song isn’t about a witch or a lover; it is about the recording itself—a spell cast by analog tape and magnetic flux.
