Porn king dies at 82

Pioneer soft porn filmmaker Russ Meyer, whose “skin flicks” gained a cult following, has died at his home in the Hollywood Hills, aged 82.

Spokeswoman Janice Cowart said Meyer had suffered from dementia and died of complications of pneumonia.

Meyer’s films were considered pornographic in their time, but are less shocking by today’s standards, with their focus on violence and large-busted women but little graphic sex.

Altogether he produced, directed, financed, wrote, edited and shot at least 23 films, including his début, The Immoral Mr Teas, in 1959, and the 1968 film Vixen, whose success earned him notice from major studios.

He went on to direct the major studio release Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.

Meyer described his films as “passion plays … beauty against something that’s totally evil”.

He was unapologetic for his movies, arguing the on-screen female nudity put customers in cinema seats. But he maintained that women liked the films.

Meyer’s work made him rich and earned him critical acclaim. He was honoured at international film festivals, his films were discussed in college courses, and his work was shown at top museums.

His 1966 classic, Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill! about three hip go-go-girl club dancers who go on a vengeful murder spree against the men who did them wrong still makes the art house rounds.

“This film is not derogatory to women,” Meyer said. ”There were three tough cookies to deal with.

"Besides, they get what’s coming.”

Meyer married three times.