Cherries Vol 1 No 3 (1978)
The third issue of Cherries arrived in the fall of 1978, continuing American Art Enterprises’ signature blend of softcore fantasy and full-color glamour. With 56 pages of glossy pictorials, serialized short fiction, and cheeky adult features, this volume further solidified the title’s identity within the late-’70s adult digest market — youthful, playful, and driven by narrative-heavy spreads.
While earlier publications from the same publisher leaned heavily on exaggerated physical features, Cherries marked a stylistic shift toward a more story-driven format. Each pictorial is framed like a vignette, placing models in themed scenarios, sometimes complete with short intros or character names. This issue’s content leans into fantasy archetypes: maids, bridesmaids, groupies, and small-town sweethearts — with photography focused on warm lighting and soft-focus framing, typical of the late-decade aesthetic.
Magazine Details
Publisher: American Art Enterprises, Inc.
Release Date: September–November, 1978
Frequency: Quarterly
Pages: 56
Format: Staple-bound, color pictorials
Editor: Glen Sakamoto
Art Editor: Harry Nakashima
Featured Models
- Melanie Sutherland as Lauren – Cover & Scans 24–29
- Kathy Adler as Marie – Scans 4–9
- Shirley Canney – Scan 11
- Christine DeShaffer – Scan 16
- Ann Stephens – Scan 17
- Charlotte – Scans 18–23
- Jessica Hale as Sugar – Scans 44–49
- Chrissi Stevens as Alice – Scans 52–56
Pictorial Titles
This issue’s pictorials are framed with imaginative and narrative-driven themes, often built around names and loosely suggested backstories:
- Sheila’s Little Sister – Page 4
- Private Party – Page 10
- Charlotte’s Web – Page 18
- The Maid of Honor – Page 24
- Candy’s Caprice – Page 30
- Women’s Auxiliary – Page 36
- Truck Stop Groupie – Page 44
- Tiny Alice – Page 52
Editorial Commentary
Though this issue doesn’t include a traditional editorial column, the thematic consistency across the pictorials suggests a clear direction: youthful female characters placed into lightly taboo or fantasized roles. The tone is less brash than early ’70s publications and feels more in tune with the shifting taste of the late decade — softer, narrative, and “girl-next-door” in tone, with fewer jokes and more visual storytelling.
Collector’s Notes
Cherries Vol 1 No 3 is increasingly sought after due to the presence of now-iconic models like Jessica Hale and Chrissi Stevens, both of whom appeared in various softcore film and magazine projects in the late ’70s. The magazine’s modest page count, glossy printing, and cover design featuring Melanie Sutherland make it a standout for fans of glamour ephemera.
Condition is key for collectability — many surviving issues exhibit spine wear or staple bleed. Complete versions with clean covers and full centerfolds remain the most desirable among collectors of American Art Enterprises’ short-run series.
Legal & Publishing Info
Cherries (Vol. 1 No. 3) is copyright © 1978 by American Art Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in part or in whole without written permission. All models were of legal age at time of photography. This title was distributed exclusively by Parliament News, Inc., 12011 Sherman Rd., North Hollywood, CA 91605. Printed in the U.S.A.
All depictions are staged by professional models; no biographical details were released. Fictional names and stories are not representative of the individuals portrayed.
Cherries – Vol 01 No 03 (1978)
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