This extraordinary clip from ‘I Cover The Waterfront’ (1933) shows that kink in Hollywood was alive and well years before one might think. (I’m discounting so-called ‘adult’ films of the era). Here we see Claudette Colbert shackled up in a pillory and forced to submit to unasked for kisses. Of course, she’s not really scared by her aggressor and clearly finds it a refreshing challenge. Her aggressor hurts and threatens her–which seems to give her only minor pause–and the whole thing ends with a comedic tag. My posting on Monday–girl slaves in bondage in a Busby Berkeley 1933 musical number–resulted in the highest number of hits this blog has received in years. What does this tell us about BDSM on film? Let me know after you watch this one…