Penthouse Magazine – March 1978 – Volume 13 Number 3

Original Vintage British Edition | Steven Spielberg Interview | Human Cloning | European Politics | 1970s Photography | Bob Guccione

An original vintage British edition of Penthouse Magazine, March 1978, Volume 13 Number 3, featuring a distinctive photographic front cover and a fascinating selection of late-1970s journalism, entertainment, interviews, science, politics, motoring and illustrated humour.

Published under editor and publisher Bob Guccione, this issue captures an interesting period in the magazine's history, combining contemporary investigative reporting with film-industry interviews, cultural commentary and the distinctive photographic presentation associated with Penthouse during the 1970s.

Particularly notable is an interview with filmmaker Steven Spielberg, discussing his work around the period of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, alongside an article investigating claims about human cloning and a feature examining political unrest in Europe.

The magazine also includes contributions from Frederic Mullally, Barbara Seaman, Michael Ginley and other writers.

This is an original period publication, not a modern reproduction.

Please note: This copy has noticeable age-related wear, including cover creasing, edge damage and visible deterioration around the internal spine and binding. Please read the detailed condition section before purchasing.

Front Cover – Original 1978 Photography

The front cover features a striking colour photograph of a brunette model against a deep red background.

The model has dark, loosely curled hair and wears a dark green military-style cap with a matching distressed green top.

The styling has a distinctly late-1970s fashion appearance, combining casual military-inspired clothing with dramatic photographic presentation.

Her expression is direct and theatrical, with prominent eye makeup and red lipstick.

She is pictured holding a narrow dark object horizontally near her mouth while posing with her other hand positioned at her waist.

The photograph uses contrasting shades of deep red, dark green and warm skin tones.

The background is relatively simple, allowing the model and clothing to dominate the composition.

The cover has a large PENTHOUSE masthead printed in pale pink lettering across the top.

The combination of dramatic fashion styling, bold typography and contrasting colours makes this an attractive example of original 1970s magazine-cover design.

The cover model's identity is not confirmed in the supplied photographs.

Original Cover Details

The front cover includes:

• Large pale-pink PENTHOUSE masthead.

• The subtitle The International Magazine.

• Volume 13, Number 3 identification.

• Original UK cover price of 75p.

• A red photographic background.

• A brunette model wearing a military-style cap.

• Prominent editorial headlines in pale pink and white.

• International cover pricing printed near the lower-right corner.

Original Cover Headlines

Cracking Up: The Mini-States of Europe Want Out

A political feature concerning regional separatism and independence movements in Europe.

Spaced Out: Interview with the Creator of Close Encounters

An interview with Steven Spielberg, associated with his acclaimed science-fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Steaming In: The Crusher

A fictional feature exploring themes of terror and violence.

Clone! An Artificial Human Being Is Alive and Living in South America

An investigation into a remarkable contemporary claim about human cloning.

Mighty Mouth: Part 1 – The Sexual Professions

An article examining the adult entertainment industry and related occupations.

These headlines illustrate the magazine's mixture of science, politics, film, fiction and social commentary.

Featured Articles and Editorial Contents

The photographed contents page provides a detailed overview of the magazine's editorial features.

Close Encounter with Stephen Spielberg – Page 26

Interview by Craig Modderno

One of the most interesting features in this issue is an interview with filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

The article is advertised on the front cover as an interview with the creator of Close Encounters.

Released in 1977, Close Encounters of the Third Kind was an important science-fiction film that helped establish Spielberg as one of Hollywood's most influential directors.

This original 1978 interview offers a contemporary perspective from an important period in his career.

The feature may be particularly appealing to collectors of:

• Steven Spielberg memorabilia.

• Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

• Vintage science-fiction cinema.

• 1970s Hollywood interviews.

• Film-director journalism.

• Original movie-related magazine publications.

The magazine's contents page uses the spelling Stephen Spielberg, while the filmmaker is generally known professionally as Steven Spielberg.

The Clone – Man Made Man – Page 42

Interview by Barbara Seaman

An article investigating a contemporary claim concerning the creation of an artificial human being.

The front cover advertises the story as involving a supposed human clone living in South America.

The article reflects the growing public fascination with genetic research, cloning and the ethical questions surrounding biotechnology during the late 1970s.

It is important to distinguish the magazine's historical reporting from established scientific fact: the cover presents a claim, not verified evidence that a human clone existed.

This feature provides an interesting example of how emerging scientific developments were reported and discussed in popular magazines.

Coming Apart at the Seams – Rule Bretonia – Page 20

Investigation by Hans Koning

A political feature examining European regional identity and separatist movements.

The front cover introduces the subject through its headline about Europe's mini-states wanting independence.

The article is particularly interesting as a historical example of political journalism from the late 1970s.

It reflects contemporary debates concerning national identity, autonomy and the relationship between regional communities and central governments.

The Crusher – The Terror of the World – Page 38

Fiction by Frederic Mullally

A fictional contribution by writer Frederic Mullally.

The story is prominently advertised on the front cover.

Its inclusion demonstrates the magazine's interest in combining serious journalism with imaginative fiction and dramatic storytelling.

More Metric Madness – Page 60

Humour by Michael Ginley

A humorous article addressing the subject of metrication.

The late 1970s were a period of significant discussion in Britain concerning the transition from traditional imperial measurements towards metric units.

This feature provides an example of the humour and social commentary associated with that transition.

The Sexual Professions – Page 62

Survey

A feature examining occupations and professional activities associated with the adult entertainment industry.

The cover advertises this as the first part of a wider editorial subject.

The article is an example of the magazine's contemporary social reporting and its interest in changing attitudes towards adult entertainment.

Additional Articles and Regular Features

Forum – Page 6

The magazine's reader correspondence section.

This section provides a snapshot of the opinions, questions and discussions appearing in the publication during the late 1970s.

View from the Top – Page 13

Running Commentary by Gilbert O'Sullivan

A regular commentary feature.

The contents page also identifies contributions concerning:

• Film – Mike Bygrave, page 14.

• Music – Mick Brown, page 15.

• Sport – William Rushton, page 17.

These contributions reflect the magazine's broader interest in entertainment, music, cinema and sporting culture.

Emma Jane's Diary – Page 18

The Social Disgraces

A diary-style feature by Emma Jane Campton.

Kiki – Page 32

Pictorial photography by Otto R. Weisser

A photographic feature listed in the contents.

Angela Hyer – Page 47

Pet of the Month

A pictorial feature photographed by W. Eck.

Teri – Page 67

Pictorial photography by W. Eck

Another photographic feature listed in the original contents.

Hold Your Horses – Page 78

Motoring by Stirling Moss

A motoring feature from celebrated British racing driver Stirling Moss.

The contents page identifies the subject as the Mitsubishi Colt Celeste 2000.

This is an interesting addition for collectors of classic motoring journalism and period automotive reviews.

Call Me Madam – Page 82

Counsel by Xaviera Hollander

A regular advice feature.

Xaviera Hollander was a well-known writer and columnist associated with the magazine.

Wicked Wanda – Page 86

Cartoon by Ron Embleton and Frederic Mullally

An instalment of the magazine's recurring illustrated humour series.

Wicked Wanda became one of the recognisable features associated with Penthouse during this period.

This contribution may interest collectors of British comic illustration, vintage magazine cartoons and the work of Ron Embleton.

Classified Advertisements – Page 99

The original contents page also lists a classified advertising section.

Such advertisements provide additional historical interest, reflecting the commercial and social environment of the late 1970s.

Original Contents Page and Period Advertising

The photographed contents page features a clean black-and-white editorial layout.

The Penthouse masthead appears at the top, accompanied by the magazine's subtitle, publication date and volume identification.

Below this is a detailed list of articles, contributors and page numbers.

The layout uses narrow columns, compact typography and horizontal dividing lines.

This restrained editorial design contrasts with the colourful and dramatic front cover.

Original Forum Advertisement

Along the right-hand side of the contents page is a prominent green, black and cream advertisement for Forum, a related publication.

The advertisement includes a large photographic image and bold diagonal lettering encouraging readers to explore Forum.

The promotional copy discusses the magazine's scientific research, editorial approach and reader correspondence.

A subscription form is printed at the bottom of the advertisement, including the original subscription price of £8.75 for one year.

This original advertisement is an interesting example of 1970s magazine cross-promotion and subscription marketing.

Publisher and Editorial Information

The contents page identifies:

Bob Guccione – Editor and Publisher

Other visible editorial credits include:

• Gerard David – Managing Director.

• Neville Player – Executive Editor.

• Alison Daines – Art Director.

• Peter Goldsmith – Advertisement Director.

• Joe Brooks – Art Director, International.

• Kathy Keeton – Marketing.

• Jim Burns – Marketing and Circulation.

The publication information confirms that the magazine was issued by Penthouse Publications Ltd.

The original page also records subscription and distribution details for the UK and international editions.

Publication Details

Magazine: Penthouse

Subtitle: The International Magazine

Edition: British / UK

Publication Date: March 1978

Volume: 13

Issue: Number 3

Original Cover Price: 75p

Editor and Publisher: Bob Guccione

Publisher: Penthouse Publications Ltd.

Language: English

Format: Original vintage printed magazine

SKU: 1600

The issue was published during the period when Penthouse was a major international magazine combining lifestyle journalism, investigative reporting, entertainment and photography.

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned vintage condition with significant age-related wear.

This magazine is an original publication from 1978 and shows clear evidence of previous handling, storage and deterioration.

The photographs show the actual copy being sold.

Front Cover Condition

The front cover is present and retains its original colour photograph and printed headlines.

However, there is noticeable wear throughout.

Visible imperfections include:

• Significant rubbing and scuffing along the left-hand spine edge.

• Several small tears and areas of paper damage around the spine.

• White abrasion marks where the printed surface has worn away.

• Creasing along the left side of the cover.

• A noticeable diagonal crease near the upper-right corner.

• Further creasing and pressure marks across the upper edge.

• Small scratches and fine surface marks across the cover.

• General rubbing across the red background.

• Edge wear along the bottom.

• Wear and slight rounding at the corners.

• Light surface discolouration associated with age and handling.

The large Penthouse masthead remains clearly readable.

The cover photograph is still visually striking, although the magazine should not be considered pristine.

Spine and Binding

The spine and inner binding show particularly noticeable wear.

The interior photograph reveals:

• Separation or opening along part of the inner spine.

• Exposed binding material.

• Small tears and splits close to the spine.

• Damage around the inner page edges.

• Creasing and paper stress near the binding.

• General wear consistent with repeated opening and handling.

The contents page remains visible and readable, but the inner binding has clearly deteriorated.

The magazine should be opened and handled carefully to avoid further damage.

The binding should not be described as tight or perfect.

Interior Page Condition

The photographed contents page shows age-related imperfections, including:

• General yellowing and discolouration.

• Light browning near the page edges.

• Small dark marks near the upper-right corner.

• Slight waviness and handling creases.

• Wear close to the inner spine.

• Minor surface marks.

• Small areas of paper damage near the binding.

The editorial text, contents listings and advertisement remain clearly legible.

The original printed layout has survived, despite the visible age-related wear.

Overall Condition Assessment

Condition: Fair – visibly worn vintage copy.

This magazine is best suited to a collector who values original historical publications and accepts imperfections associated with age and previous handling.

The principal condition concerns are the worn spine, visible internal binding damage, cover creases, surface scuffing and edge wear.

No comprehensive page-by-page inspection has been established, so completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Accompanying Items

MAGAZINE ONLY.

Any original separate supplements, promotional gifts, calendars, loose inserts, discs or other accompanying items that may originally have been supplied are no longer included.

No additional items are supplied.

The sale is for the original magazine in its present condition, including its remaining attached printed pages.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Collector Interest

This original 1978 publication may appeal to collectors interested in:

• Vintage Penthouse magazines.

• Original British Penthouse editions.

• Bob Guccione publishing history.

• Steven Spielberg interviews.

• Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

• Vintage science-fiction cinema.

• 1970s Hollywood journalism.

• Human cloning and biotechnology history.

• European political history.

• 1970s investigative journalism.

• Frederic Mullally fiction.

• Stirling Moss motoring articles.

• Mitsubishi Colt Celeste.

• Ron Embleton illustrations.

• Wicked Wanda cartoons.

• Vintage British magazine photography.

• Original 1970s advertising.

• Forum magazine promotional material.

• Social and cultural history.

• Original magazine graphic design.

Summary

An original Penthouse Magazine, March 1978, Volume 13 Number 3, featuring a dramatic brunette cover photograph with military-inspired styling and bold pale-pink masthead lettering.

Notable contents include an interview with Steven Spielberg, a report examining claims about human cloning, an article concerning European separatist movements, fiction by Frederic Mullally, motoring coverage by Stirling Moss and an instalment of Wicked Wanda.

The photographed contents page also features an original advertisement for Forum magazine.

Condition: Fair – significant vintage wear, including cover creasing, scuffing, edge wear and deterioration around the spine and internal binding.

Important: Magazine only. Any original separate accompanying items are no longer included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1600