In this Golden Age era, most films of the time were expected to have at least minimal plots. "Misty"s plot was more elaborate than most; it was based directly on George Bernard Shaw's play, "Pygmalion", as well as the Broadway and Hollywood success "My Fair Lady". Some historians assess "The Opening of Misty Beethoven" as attaining a mainstream level in storyline and sets. Author Toni Bentley called the film the "crown jewel" of the Golden Age. The film is also satirical, with many added comic touches and dialogue designed for laughs. It includes Mark Margolis's first role. "The Opening of Misty Beethoven" has the distinction of being the first widely released porn movie to feature female-on-male pegging.