The late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner was one of the most controversial figures in the public eye, and one of the scandals that severely tarnished his name was the alleged assault of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten.
Dorothy Stratten via The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
She was only 18 when she was hired to do a photo shoot for the famed magazine and later invited to the Playboy mansion where the assault took place. Hefner’s valet witnessed the event but was told to keep silent.
Suggested“I had hours of video, hundreds of sexy tapes”: Hugh Hefner’s Widow Reveals Playboy Mogul Filmed A-List Actors Having S*x in His Bed With Spycams Without Consent
Hugh Hefner Denied Assaulting Late Playboy Model Dorothy Stratten
Director Peter Bogdanovich, who allegedly had an affair with Dorothy Stratten, released a memoir on the model’s behalf entitled The Killing of the Unicorn:...
Dorothy Stratten via The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
She was only 18 when she was hired to do a photo shoot for the famed magazine and later invited to the Playboy mansion where the assault took place. Hefner’s valet witnessed the event but was told to keep silent.
Suggested“I had hours of video, hundreds of sexy tapes”: Hugh Hefner’s Widow Reveals Playboy Mogul Filmed A-List Actors Having S*x in His Bed With Spycams Without Consent
Hugh Hefner Denied Assaulting Late Playboy Model Dorothy Stratten
Director Peter Bogdanovich, who allegedly had an affair with Dorothy Stratten, released a memoir on the model’s behalf entitled The Killing of the Unicorn:...
- 2/27/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
With striking beauty, undeniable charisma, and promising talent, Dorothy Stratten quickly rose to fame with her works in Playboy magazine. The actress had a photogenic appeal that endeared her audiences, but her life was cut short by her ex-husband who felt sidelined after her success. The Playboy Murders is a docu-series that showcases to its viewers the tragic and disturbing insight of the murder that will surely send shivers down your spine.
Dorothy Stratten with Paul Snider
The Playboy Murders looks back into the tragic end of the actresses who were once associated with Playboy. The episode which airs on ID tells the gruesome end of Dorothy Stratten, the Playmate of the Year in 1980 who was brutally murdered by her ex-husband It will share chills down your spine.
Trigger Warning
The Playboy Murders Delves Into The Horrifying Murder of Dorothy Stratten by Her Ex-Husband
In the episode of The Playboy Murders,...
Dorothy Stratten with Paul Snider
The Playboy Murders looks back into the tragic end of the actresses who were once associated with Playboy. The episode which airs on ID tells the gruesome end of Dorothy Stratten, the Playmate of the Year in 1980 who was brutally murdered by her ex-husband It will share chills down your spine.
Trigger Warning
The Playboy Murders Delves Into The Horrifying Murder of Dorothy Stratten by Her Ex-Husband
In the episode of The Playboy Murders,...
- 2/27/2024
- by Tushar Auddy
- FandomWire
Chris Rock touts Bob Fosse’s final film Star 80 for top viewing as part of the October 2023 Turner Classic Movies lineup in his own TCM Picks video that dropped on Friday.
“First of all, everything Bob Fosse ever touched was amazing – Lenny, Cabaret,” Rock says in a video that follows the lead of Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson, who unveiled their own TCM Picks film recommendations to help save Turner Classic Movies.
This month, it’s Guillermo del Toro and Rock going to bat for TCM with their own film fave recommendations, and the Hollywood comic legend taps Fosse’s 1983 film inspired by the notorious murder of Playboy playmate Dorothy Stratten.
“There’s something about Star 80 that is so L.A.,” Rock continues, especially as it tackles the themes of Hollywood fame and greed.
Star 80 starred Mariel Hemingway and Eric Roberts in a drama...
“First of all, everything Bob Fosse ever touched was amazing – Lenny, Cabaret,” Rock says in a video that follows the lead of Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson, who unveiled their own TCM Picks film recommendations to help save Turner Classic Movies.
This month, it’s Guillermo del Toro and Rock going to bat for TCM with their own film fave recommendations, and the Hollywood comic legend taps Fosse’s 1983 film inspired by the notorious murder of Playboy playmate Dorothy Stratten.
“There’s something about Star 80 that is so L.A.,” Rock continues, especially as it tackles the themes of Hollywood fame and greed.
Star 80 starred Mariel Hemingway and Eric Roberts in a drama...
- 9/29/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This year’s batch of Emmy-nominated series is rich with visually arresting locations that subtly buttress dramatic themes and flesh out the lives of its leading men, from the Altadena Craftsman that serves as the home of grieving therapist Jimmy (Jason Segal) in Apple TV+’s “Shrinking” to the California prisons (the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi and the Stark Youth Training Facility in Chino) that house Bill Hader’s title character in HBO’s “Barry” to the downtown L.A. high rise where covert-agent-on-the-lam Dan Chase (Jeff Bridges) lives when he’s posing as a wealthy investor in FX’s “The Old Man.”
And, it turns out, choosing a location is not dissimilar to casting an actor, with looks, price, and personality all factoring into the decision.
For the fourth and final season of HBO’s “Succession,” the production traveled from its New York City base in search of...
And, it turns out, choosing a location is not dissimilar to casting an actor, with looks, price, and personality all factoring into the decision.
For the fourth and final season of HBO’s “Succession,” the production traveled from its New York City base in search of...
- 8/20/2023
- by Todd Longwell
- Variety Film + TV
There’s substance underneath all the cocaine and thongs,” says Welcome to Chippendales creator Robert Siegel. The writer/producer behind Pam & Tommy, Hulu’s 2021 dramatisation of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s sex tape scandal, has turned his attention to the wild story behind the establishment of America’s first male strip club. The eight-episode drama – out now on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK – follows Kumail Nanjiani as Somen “Steve” Banerjee, the Indian entrepreneur who founded Chippendales, as he grasps for the American dream. Banerjee’s hubris, however, ultimately led to destruction, murder, and suicide.
The story began in 1975 with Bombay-born Banerjee purchasing a failing discotheque in West Hollywood, which he intended to turn into the city’s first backgammon club. He named the venue “Destiny II” – there was no Destiny I but, as Nanjiani’s Banerjee explains in the series, “The II implies it’s a sequel,...
The story began in 1975 with Bombay-born Banerjee purchasing a failing discotheque in West Hollywood, which he intended to turn into the city’s first backgammon club. He named the venue “Destiny II” – there was no Destiny I but, as Nanjiani’s Banerjee explains in the series, “The II implies it’s a sequel,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Watching the premiere episode of Hulu’s limited series “Welcome to Chippendales” left me thinking about the 1997 comedy classic “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.” To look impressive to their former classmates, Romy (Mira Sorvino) tells them she invented Post-Its and that her bestie, Michele (Lisa Kudrow), thought to make them yellow.
In Hulu’s new limited series “Welcome to Chippendales,” Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten (Nicola Peltz) is presented as the person behind putting the Chippendales dancers in their soon-to-be-iconic cuffs-and-collars look. With 10 minutes left in the pilot, Stratten pitches an idea to Chippendales creator Steve Bannerjee (Kumail Nanjiani): “I know how much you admire Hugh Hefner…which got me thinking, what if Chippendales did a Playboy Club thing? Cuffs and collars, just like the Bunnies.”
It’s understandable why the series wants to show Stratten had autonomy, especially considering that her name is now synonymous with her murder.
In Hulu’s new limited series “Welcome to Chippendales,” Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten (Nicola Peltz) is presented as the person behind putting the Chippendales dancers in their soon-to-be-iconic cuffs-and-collars look. With 10 minutes left in the pilot, Stratten pitches an idea to Chippendales creator Steve Bannerjee (Kumail Nanjiani): “I know how much you admire Hugh Hefner…which got me thinking, what if Chippendales did a Playboy Club thing? Cuffs and collars, just like the Bunnies.”
It’s understandable why the series wants to show Stratten had autonomy, especially considering that her name is now synonymous with her murder.
- 11/25/2022
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
On the wildly fascinating limited true-crime series, “Welcome to Chippendales”, Nicola Peltz portrays the ill-fated Playboy model and actress Dorothy Stratten. She, along with her husband at the time, promoter Paul Snider (Dan Stevens), were two of several unexpected real-life figures who were key in making Somen “Steve” Banerjee’s (Kumail Nanjiani) dreams of running a successful nightclub a reality as he transformed his Los Angeles property from a backgammon club into a male strip revue.
While Peltz’s portrayal is brief, with her only appearing in the premiere before her untimely death is revealed at the end of the episode, Stratten has a lasting legacy of her own. “I’ve never actually played a real person and so being able to do that was amazing and scary,” Peltz tells Et about taking on the role.
Originally from Canada, Stratten moved to Los Angeles in 1978, just one year before the Chippendales were founded,...
While Peltz’s portrayal is brief, with her only appearing in the premiere before her untimely death is revealed at the end of the episode, Stratten has a lasting legacy of her own. “I’ve never actually played a real person and so being able to do that was amazing and scary,” Peltz tells Et about taking on the role.
Originally from Canada, Stratten moved to Los Angeles in 1978, just one year before the Chippendales were founded,...
- 11/23/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
When ladies of the 1980s were looking for a naughty night out, Chippendales was the way to go. The premiere of Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales fills us in on how the household-name, all-male revue got started — and how even its bump-and-grind beginnings were steeped in scandal.
Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley), who also executive-produces the limited series, stars as Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who’s running a gas station when we meet him in the first episode of the two-ep premiere. It’s the 1970s, and Steve’s boss, who’s very happy with his performance, is offering...
Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley), who also executive-produces the limited series, stars as Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who’s running a gas station when we meet him in the first episode of the two-ep premiere. It’s the 1970s, and Steve’s boss, who’s very happy with his performance, is offering...
- 11/23/2022
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Image Source: Everett Collection
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of sexual abuse. Please proceed thoughtfully.
Hulu's miniseries "Welcome to Chippendales" takes a deep dive into the early beginnings of Chippendales, the first ever all-men strip club in the United States, and the turbulent years that followed. Established by Somen "Steve" Banerjee in 1979, the club quickly garnered attention from women in the Los Angeles area. The growing buzz spurred Banerjee to briefly partner up with Paul Snider, a local nightclub promoter and husband of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten.
Stratten, played by Nicola Peltz Beckham in the series, was named Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1980 and a rising star in the modeling and film industries, but her potential was cut short when Snider murdered her in August 1980.
Ahead of "Welcome to Chippendale's" hitting Hulu on Nov. 22, here's a deeper look at the tragic murder of Stratten.
Who Was Dorothy Stratten?...
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of sexual abuse. Please proceed thoughtfully.
Hulu's miniseries "Welcome to Chippendales" takes a deep dive into the early beginnings of Chippendales, the first ever all-men strip club in the United States, and the turbulent years that followed. Established by Somen "Steve" Banerjee in 1979, the club quickly garnered attention from women in the Los Angeles area. The growing buzz spurred Banerjee to briefly partner up with Paul Snider, a local nightclub promoter and husband of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten.
Stratten, played by Nicola Peltz Beckham in the series, was named Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1980 and a rising star in the modeling and film industries, but her potential was cut short when Snider murdered her in August 1980.
Ahead of "Welcome to Chippendale's" hitting Hulu on Nov. 22, here's a deeper look at the tragic murder of Stratten.
Who Was Dorothy Stratten?...
- 11/22/2022
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
Hulu's "Welcome to Chippendales" crime drama depicts the true life story of Somen "Steve" Banerjee (portrayed by Kumail Nanjiani), the Indian immigrant who founded the multimillion dollar global male stripping empire that swept the nation in the '80s and '90s.
The eight-part limited series from "Pam & Tommy" creator Robert Siegel centers on Banerjee's rise and fall in an outrageous plot filled with greed, scandal, and murder. In addition to Nanjiani, the show also stars Nicola Peltz Beckham as Dorothy Stratten, Dan Stevens as Paul Snider, and Murray Bartlett as Nick De Noia - the Chippendales choreographer/Banerjee's business partner who (spoiler alert) was murdered in 1987.
"Welcome to Chippendales" isn't the first retelling of this tragic crime saga. Discovery+ released a four-part docuseries in September 2021 titled "Curse of the Chippendales," which chronicles the same harrowing tale through interviews with former Chippendales dancers and original business leads.
The eight-part limited series from "Pam & Tommy" creator Robert Siegel centers on Banerjee's rise and fall in an outrageous plot filled with greed, scandal, and murder. In addition to Nanjiani, the show also stars Nicola Peltz Beckham as Dorothy Stratten, Dan Stevens as Paul Snider, and Murray Bartlett as Nick De Noia - the Chippendales choreographer/Banerjee's business partner who (spoiler alert) was murdered in 1987.
"Welcome to Chippendales" isn't the first retelling of this tragic crime saga. Discovery+ released a four-part docuseries in September 2021 titled "Curse of the Chippendales," which chronicles the same harrowing tale through interviews with former Chippendales dancers and original business leads.
- 11/22/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Now considered one of the biggest male revues in the world, Chippendales has a surprisingly dark past, including arson and murder, that is revisited in “Welcome to Chippendales“. The true-crime saga stars Kumail Nanjiani as Somen “Steve” Banerjee, the unlikely man behind the male-stripping empire whose ambitions eventually led him down a deadly path, as well as Murray Bartlett, Juliette Lewis and Annaleigh Ashford.
“All of the stuff that happens in it is so unbelievable,” Nanjiani tells Et about the eight-part series, which is adapted by co-showrunners Robert Siegel and Jenni Konner and director Matt Shakman from the 2014 book Deadly Dance: The Chippendales Murders. “There are, like, 20 unbelievably bonkers things that happen in this thing.”
With the limited series premiering Nov. 22 on Hulu, here’s what to know about Banerjee, his many crimes and other figures key to the Chippendales’ legacy.
Steve Banerjee and Other Key Figures
Born in Bombay,...
“All of the stuff that happens in it is so unbelievable,” Nanjiani tells Et about the eight-part series, which is adapted by co-showrunners Robert Siegel and Jenni Konner and director Matt Shakman from the 2014 book Deadly Dance: The Chippendales Murders. “There are, like, 20 unbelievably bonkers things that happen in this thing.”
With the limited series premiering Nov. 22 on Hulu, here’s what to know about Banerjee, his many crimes and other figures key to the Chippendales’ legacy.
Steve Banerjee and Other Key Figures
Born in Bombay,...
- 11/22/2022
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Whether you've ever seen the show or not, you've definitely heard of Chippendales.
Popularized in Saturday Night Live sketches and still going strong to this day in Las Vegas, the legendary troupe is famous for its distinct costumes and gasp-worthy performances. But have you ever wondered how Chippendales came to be?
If the answer to that question is yes, then it's your lucky day because Hulu has brought you an eight-episode look into its founder, Somen 'Steve' Banerjee, and the creation of one of the biggest cultural phenomenons in history.
There's a much deeper story within a story when you look into the creation of Chippendales that revolves around Steve and some of his later actions in life. And with the fast-moving series, we'll surely get there before all is said and done.
But Welcome to Chippendales Season 1 Episode 1 is about three things: Steve's aspirations, Chippendales' humble beginning, and the...
Popularized in Saturday Night Live sketches and still going strong to this day in Las Vegas, the legendary troupe is famous for its distinct costumes and gasp-worthy performances. But have you ever wondered how Chippendales came to be?
If the answer to that question is yes, then it's your lucky day because Hulu has brought you an eight-episode look into its founder, Somen 'Steve' Banerjee, and the creation of one of the biggest cultural phenomenons in history.
There's a much deeper story within a story when you look into the creation of Chippendales that revolves around Steve and some of his later actions in life. And with the fast-moving series, we'll surely get there before all is said and done.
But Welcome to Chippendales Season 1 Episode 1 is about three things: Steve's aspirations, Chippendales' humble beginning, and the...
- 11/22/2022
- by Whitney Evans
- TVfanatic
This article contains spoilers for Welcome to Chippendales episodes 1 and 2.
Fans of Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens will likely find themselves unsettled by his role in Hulu’s new true crime drama, Welcome to Chippendales. Although Stevens has certainly played villains before, and none so iconic as his murdering psychopath David in 2014’s The Guest, in the new limited series from the creator of Pam & Tommy he stars as real life creep Paul Snider, who murdered his wife Dorothy Stratten (Nicola Peltz Beckham) in 1980 and took his own life soon after.
Welcome to Chippendales shows us how Snider first became involved with Chippendales owner Somen ‘Steve’ Banerjee (Kumail Nanjiani) as the legendary male stripping club first evolved in late-70s Los Angeles, but it also reshapes and glosses over the grim true story of Snider and Stratten’s relationship, and uses a brief and shocking moment in one episode...
Fans of Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens will likely find themselves unsettled by his role in Hulu’s new true crime drama, Welcome to Chippendales. Although Stevens has certainly played villains before, and none so iconic as his murdering psychopath David in 2014’s The Guest, in the new limited series from the creator of Pam & Tommy he stars as real life creep Paul Snider, who murdered his wife Dorothy Stratten (Nicola Peltz Beckham) in 1980 and took his own life soon after.
Welcome to Chippendales shows us how Snider first became involved with Chippendales owner Somen ‘Steve’ Banerjee (Kumail Nanjiani) as the legendary male stripping club first evolved in late-70s Los Angeles, but it also reshapes and glosses over the grim true story of Snider and Stratten’s relationship, and uses a brief and shocking moment in one episode...
- 11/22/2022
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
When Nicola Peltz Beckham auditioned for the chance to play Dorothy Stratten in "Welcome to Chippendales" she wanted the part very, very badly. Peltz Beckham tells Popsugar that for the audition, she wanted to sound like her, look like her, move like her. "I really did every bit of research I could find, whether that be physical or just the way she spoke, the way she sounded, how she looked, just everything," she explains about her performance.
But Peltz Beckham's connection to the Playboy bunny and actor goes back a lot further. "I knew about Dorothy's story years ago," she explains. "I watched the film 'Star 80' and it stuck with me and it just is one of those films and stories that has always just lived in my head." The 1983 film "Star 80" told the story of Stratten's life and death; the title came from Stratten's vanity license plates.
But Peltz Beckham's connection to the Playboy bunny and actor goes back a lot further. "I knew about Dorothy's story years ago," she explains. "I watched the film 'Star 80' and it stuck with me and it just is one of those films and stories that has always just lived in my head." The 1983 film "Star 80" told the story of Stratten's life and death; the title came from Stratten's vanity license plates.
- 11/22/2022
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Somen “Steve” Banerjee was “an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire — and let nothing stand in his way in the process,” Hulu says. But if you’ve seen the trailer for Welcome to Chippendales, Hulu’s upcoming true crime saga, you know that Banerjee’s story is less the American dream and more of a murderous nightmare. The eight-episode series, debuting on November 22, dramatizes the Chippendales’ real-life origin story, with Kumail Nanjiani playing the dance troupe’s infamous founder. As the Los Angeles Times reported in 1994, Banerjee was a native of Mumbai, India, who bought a failing bar in Los Angeles’ Westside neighborhood, changed that establishment’s name from Destiny II to Chippendales, and launched a ladies-only “male exotic dance night.” The idea for a show starring scantily-clad studs came from Paul Snider, a promoter that Banerjee’s former lawyer called “sleazy and oily,...
- 11/21/2022
- TV Insider
Come for the dirty dancing, stay for the lurid drama. Throbbing to a disco beat that propels a familiar yet fascinating story of how quickly the American dream can curdle, Hulu’s eight-part Welcome to Chippendales docudrama is great fun. Until it isn’t. Primarily a character study of the glittery male-stripper club’s uptight and insecure founder, Indian immigrant Steve Banerjee (Silicon Valley’s Kumail Nanjiani in a nuanced performance), the series foreshadows his tawdry fall from the start of his giddy rise. A Playboy-lifestyle devotee who hero-worships Hugh Hefner, Steve is socially awkward with his robotic gait and inappropriately stuffy suits. He only comes alive in the presence of smarmy promoter Paul Snider (Downton Abbey’s unrecognizable Dan Stevens), who, with doomed Playmate wife Dorothy Stratten (a touching Nicola Peltz Beckham), helps him transform a dying backgammon space in L.A. into a rowdy cash cow for lusty women.
- 11/21/2022
- TV Insider
True crime stories continue to pop up on every network and every streaming service. As the stories get weirder and more bizarre, the tales become more and more sensational. Some of the stories are ones that were big news when they happened while others fell under the radar until they get retold in a limited series format. Welcome to Chippendales hits all of the boxes for what a true crime story needs to be but adds in the fun of a retro look at the 1980s as well as dramatic turns from actors we have come to see in comedic roles.
Welcome to Chippendales follows Somen ‘Steve’ Banerjee (Kumail Nanjiani) as he opens a nightclub that evolves into the first all-male strip club that became famous around the world. With the input of Paul Snider (Dan Stevens) and his wife, Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten (Nicola Peltz), Banerjee meets his future...
Welcome to Chippendales follows Somen ‘Steve’ Banerjee (Kumail Nanjiani) as he opens a nightclub that evolves into the first all-male strip club that became famous around the world. With the input of Paul Snider (Dan Stevens) and his wife, Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten (Nicola Peltz), Banerjee meets his future...
- 11/21/2022
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Click here to read the full article.
There is perhaps no universe in which a true story that combines murder, money and scantily clad men is not going to be at least a little bit interesting, so Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales has that going for it.
Also in its favor is an apparently generous budget to recreate the tale’s cocaine-fueled 1980s setting, through lavish sets, carefully curated costumes and an all-bangers soundtrack (Abba, Queen, Kiss). Then there’s the undeniably talented cast — led by Kumail Nanjiani — each of whom get the opportunity to show off what they can do with a meaningful gaze, a twitch of the cheek, a trace of hysteria in an otherwise measured voice.
What Welcome to Chippendales lacks, however, is a grander vision to hang all these blessings on. Over eight 45ish minute installments, the miniseries never quite works its way to a distinctive tone or style or perspective,...
There is perhaps no universe in which a true story that combines murder, money and scantily clad men is not going to be at least a little bit interesting, so Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales has that going for it.
Also in its favor is an apparently generous budget to recreate the tale’s cocaine-fueled 1980s setting, through lavish sets, carefully curated costumes and an all-bangers soundtrack (Abba, Queen, Kiss). Then there’s the undeniably talented cast — led by Kumail Nanjiani — each of whom get the opportunity to show off what they can do with a meaningful gaze, a twitch of the cheek, a trace of hysteria in an otherwise measured voice.
What Welcome to Chippendales lacks, however, is a grander vision to hang all these blessings on. Over eight 45ish minute installments, the miniseries never quite works its way to a distinctive tone or style or perspective,...
- 11/21/2022
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Plot: A sprawling true-crime saga that tells the outrageous story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire—and let nothing stand in his way in the process.
Review: An overwhelming majority of limited series these days are based on true crime stories. I feel deja vu just writing the words “true crime” as I start any review over the last year as it starts to all run together. Most of the big-name stories have been covered with niche tales adapted from podcasts and network exposes taking the next round. With fewer marquee stories to choose from, now is the time for lesser-known but no less sensational crimes to get the spotlight. One such story is Welcome to Chippendales, a story that meets all of the requirements for being too crazy to not be true. With development going back...
Review: An overwhelming majority of limited series these days are based on true crime stories. I feel deja vu just writing the words “true crime” as I start any review over the last year as it starts to all run together. Most of the big-name stories have been covered with niche tales adapted from podcasts and network exposes taking the next round. With fewer marquee stories to choose from, now is the time for lesser-known but no less sensational crimes to get the spotlight. One such story is Welcome to Chippendales, a story that meets all of the requirements for being too crazy to not be true. With development going back...
- 11/18/2022
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
The story of the Chippendales dancers is far more intense and scandalous than one might expect it to be. While the troupe today is known for the shirtless gyrating and silky-smooth chests of its dancers, it is also a company plagued by the things founder Somen "Steve" Banerjee did to fuel its meteoric rise. Nothing was off limits for the business owner as he chased his version of the American Dream. Human lives didn't even matter, as long as they had wronged him in some way.
A story that is truly stranger than fiction, it's now been turned into "Welcome to Chippendales," the latest biographical limited series from Hulu. Having immigrated to the United States from India, Banerjee (Kumail Nanjiani) envisions himself as a businessman along the likes of Hugh Hefner. However, he realizes that achieving such success isn't as easy as simply buying an abandoned club and hosting niche events.
A story that is truly stranger than fiction, it's now been turned into "Welcome to Chippendales," the latest biographical limited series from Hulu. Having immigrated to the United States from India, Banerjee (Kumail Nanjiani) envisions himself as a businessman along the likes of Hugh Hefner. However, he realizes that achieving such success isn't as easy as simply buying an abandoned club and hosting niche events.
- 11/17/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
The scene in “Welcome to Chippendales” in which we get the clearest sense of the male striptease troupe’s appeal comes around the midway point of the series. Kumail Nanjiani, playing the group’s founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee, is sitting and watching the action unfold around him. Self-satisfaction plays out over Steve’s face as he declares “I’m sitting in a Chippendale chair”; the dancers take their act’s name from the Rococo furniture designer. He’s wearing a very nice suit, and a server drops a bottle of Champagne into his ice bucket; for Steve, having created Chippendales is all about access to an exclusive, finely polished lifestyle.
Except… that’s not all Chippendales was, or all that it stands for in the public imagination. And this eight-episode series tends to leave something on the table by treating the most titillating aspects of the exotic-dance phenomenon as background...
Except… that’s not all Chippendales was, or all that it stands for in the public imagination. And this eight-episode series tends to leave something on the table by treating the most titillating aspects of the exotic-dance phenomenon as background...
- 11/17/2022
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to your fantasy.
Kumail Nanjiani transforms into Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee for Hulu series “Welcome to Chippendales,” streaming November 22.
Created by Robert Seigel (“Pam & Tommy”) and Jenni Konner (“Girls”), “Welcome to Chippendales” shows Somen’s rise and fall in the adult entertainment industry. Matt Shakman directs the series, with Nanjiani, his wife Emily V. Gordon, co-showrunner and writer Siegel, co-showrunner Konner, and writer Rajiv Joseph among the executive producers.
Per the official synopsis, the sprawling true crime saga “Welcome to Chippendales” tells the outrageous true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire, and let nothing stand in his way in the process. The series charts how Bannerjee went from gas station manager and failed backgammon club owner to the founder of Chippendales and being caught up with drug cartels and hitmen.
“It’s bananas,” Nanjiani told Entertainment Weekly.
Kumail Nanjiani transforms into Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee for Hulu series “Welcome to Chippendales,” streaming November 22.
Created by Robert Seigel (“Pam & Tommy”) and Jenni Konner (“Girls”), “Welcome to Chippendales” shows Somen’s rise and fall in the adult entertainment industry. Matt Shakman directs the series, with Nanjiani, his wife Emily V. Gordon, co-showrunner and writer Siegel, co-showrunner Konner, and writer Rajiv Joseph among the executive producers.
Per the official synopsis, the sprawling true crime saga “Welcome to Chippendales” tells the outrageous true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire, and let nothing stand in his way in the process. The series charts how Bannerjee went from gas station manager and failed backgammon club owner to the founder of Chippendales and being caught up with drug cartels and hitmen.
“It’s bananas,” Nanjiani told Entertainment Weekly.
- 10/18/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
You might know the Chippendale erotic dance troupe, but do you know the story of how it came to be? Probably not, but you are about to thanks to Hulu's upcoming limited series "Welcome to Chippendales".
Believe it or not, the story behind Chippendales is wild. It's one that involves dancing, mud wrestling, and intricate murder plots, with Kumail Nanjiani playing the man at the center of it all.
Somen Banerjee, nicknamed Steve, was an ambitious businessman who, after a few failed investments, decided to fill a significant gap in the striptease market with the creation of Chippendales. Wanting to ensure the longevity of the company and brand, he did whatever he could to secure its success -- including some things that sound almost too wild to be true. Check out the limited series' newest teaser below to learn more about this salacious story.
Check Out The Welcome To...
Believe it or not, the story behind Chippendales is wild. It's one that involves dancing, mud wrestling, and intricate murder plots, with Kumail Nanjiani playing the man at the center of it all.
Somen Banerjee, nicknamed Steve, was an ambitious businessman who, after a few failed investments, decided to fill a significant gap in the striptease market with the creation of Chippendales. Wanting to ensure the longevity of the company and brand, he did whatever he could to secure its success -- including some things that sound almost too wild to be true. Check out the limited series' newest teaser below to learn more about this salacious story.
Check Out The Welcome To...
- 9/20/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
There’s no “magic” at Chippendales. Instead, it’s just jealousy, murder, and unsolved mysteries at the heart of the shockingly sinister true crime story behind iconic male exotic dance troupe Chippendales.
Kumail Nanjiani transforms into Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee for Hulu series “Welcome to Chippendales,” streaming November 22. Created by Robert Seigel (“The Wrestler”) and Jenni Konner (“Girls”), “Welcome to Chippendales” shows Somen’s rise and fall in the adult entertainment industry. Matt Shakman directs the series, with Nanjiani, his wife Emily V. Gordon, co-showrunner and writer Siegel, co-showrunner Konner, and writer Rajiv Joseph among the executive producers.
Per the official synopsis, the sprawling true crime saga “Welcome to Chippendales” tells the outrageous true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire, and let nothing stand in his way in the process.
Nicola Peltz Beckham stars as Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten,...
Kumail Nanjiani transforms into Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee for Hulu series “Welcome to Chippendales,” streaming November 22. Created by Robert Seigel (“The Wrestler”) and Jenni Konner (“Girls”), “Welcome to Chippendales” shows Somen’s rise and fall in the adult entertainment industry. Matt Shakman directs the series, with Nanjiani, his wife Emily V. Gordon, co-showrunner and writer Siegel, co-showrunner Konner, and writer Rajiv Joseph among the executive producers.
Per the official synopsis, the sprawling true crime saga “Welcome to Chippendales” tells the outrageous true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire, and let nothing stand in his way in the process.
Nicola Peltz Beckham stars as Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Chippendales appear to be making a comeback — on the screen, at least. Hulu is developing the eight-episode “Immigrant,” following the story of Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee, while Dev Patel and Ben Stiller have been attached to a project about the 80s-era male revue, from producer David Permut, for several years.
But beating them both to the punch is A&e’s latest documentary series, the four-part “Secrets of the Chippendales Murders,” which launched March 14. The series continues this Monday with a hefty contribution from longtime Hollywood publicist Jay Schwartz, who in his 20s served as an associate producer at the Chippendales nightclub. Schwartz worked for Nick DeNoia, who was Banerjee’s business partner — until their relationship soured and DeNoia ended up dead.
“Nick was my boss, and you could describe him as a cross between Harvey Weinstein and Scott Rudin,” Schwartz said. “He was not a very nice man.
But beating them both to the punch is A&e’s latest documentary series, the four-part “Secrets of the Chippendales Murders,” which launched March 14. The series continues this Monday with a hefty contribution from longtime Hollywood publicist Jay Schwartz, who in his 20s served as an associate producer at the Chippendales nightclub. Schwartz worked for Nick DeNoia, who was Banerjee’s business partner — until their relationship soured and DeNoia ended up dead.
“Nick was my boss, and you could describe him as a cross between Harvey Weinstein and Scott Rudin,” Schwartz said. “He was not a very nice man.
- 3/21/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Dan Stevens has joined the cast of the upcoming Hulu series ‘Immigrant’ which is starring and executive produced by Kumail Nanjiani.
The series follows the true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee (Nanjiani), the Indian-American entrepreneur who started Chippendales. It will detail the insane, darkly comedic, crime-ridden story behind the unique male revue that became a cultural phenomenon.
Stevens takes on the role of Paul Snider. A hustler and serial schmoozer, Snider stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime in the form of Steve Banerjee (Nanjiani) and his struggling LA backgammon club. Through their unlikely partnership, the iconic male stripping institution Chippendales is born.
Also in news – Bill Murray to star in Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut
Stevens joins Murray Bartlett, Annaleigh Ashford on the cast as well as recurring/guest stars Quentin Plair, Andrew Rannells, Nicola Peltz.
‘Pam & Tommy’ creator Robert Siegel created the series. Matt Shakman will direct,...
The series follows the true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee (Nanjiani), the Indian-American entrepreneur who started Chippendales. It will detail the insane, darkly comedic, crime-ridden story behind the unique male revue that became a cultural phenomenon.
Stevens takes on the role of Paul Snider. A hustler and serial schmoozer, Snider stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime in the form of Steve Banerjee (Nanjiani) and his struggling LA backgammon club. Through their unlikely partnership, the iconic male stripping institution Chippendales is born.
Also in news – Bill Murray to star in Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut
Stevens joins Murray Bartlett, Annaleigh Ashford on the cast as well as recurring/guest stars Quentin Plair, Andrew Rannells, Nicola Peltz.
‘Pam & Tommy’ creator Robert Siegel created the series. Matt Shakman will direct,...
- 2/25/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Dan Stevens ("Downton Abbey." "Legion") has joined the cast of the Kumail Nanjiani-led Hulu limited series, "Immigrant." The show will be based on the true story of Somen "Steve" Banerjee, an Indian-American entrepreneur who started Chippendales, and Nanjiani is set to play Banerjee in the series. Stevens is set to play Paul Snider, a Canadian businessman who formed a partnership with Banerjee to form what became the male strip club format of Chippendales. The series will purportedly be a darkly comedic, crime-ridden tale, exploring the orchestrated murders that took place within the male revue.
Chippendales was founded by Banerjee as a stunt in Los Angeles...
The post Dan Stevens to Play Paul Snider in Hulu Chippendales Series Immigrant appeared first on /Film.
Chippendales was founded by Banerjee as a stunt in Los Angeles...
The post Dan Stevens to Play Paul Snider in Hulu Chippendales Series Immigrant appeared first on /Film.
- 2/24/2022
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Dan Stevens has been tapped for a key role in the Hulu limited series Immigrant (working title), starring and executive produced by Kumail Nanjiani, from Pam & Tommy creator Robert Siegel.
Immigrant is the true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee (Nanjiani), the Indian-American entrepreneur who started Chippendales. The series will detail the insane, darkly comedic, crime-ridden story behind the unique male revue that became a cultural phenomenon.
Stevens will play Paul Snider. A hustler and serial schmoozer, Paul Snider stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime in the form of Steve Banerjee (Nanjiani) and his struggling LA backgammon club. Through their unlikely partnership, the iconic male stripping institution Chippendales is born.
The cast of Immigrant also includes Murray Bartlett, Annaleigh Ashford as well as recurring/guest stars Quentin Plair, Andrew Rannells, Nicola Peltz.
Siegel and Nanjiani executive produce alongside Dylan Sellers,...
Immigrant is the true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee (Nanjiani), the Indian-American entrepreneur who started Chippendales. The series will detail the insane, darkly comedic, crime-ridden story behind the unique male revue that became a cultural phenomenon.
Stevens will play Paul Snider. A hustler and serial schmoozer, Paul Snider stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime in the form of Steve Banerjee (Nanjiani) and his struggling LA backgammon club. Through their unlikely partnership, the iconic male stripping institution Chippendales is born.
The cast of Immigrant also includes Murray Bartlett, Annaleigh Ashford as well as recurring/guest stars Quentin Plair, Andrew Rannells, Nicola Peltz.
Siegel and Nanjiani executive produce alongside Dylan Sellers,...
- 2/24/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Quentin Plair (The Good Lord Bird) is set to recur opposite Kumail Nanjiani and Nicola Peltz (Transformers: Age of Extinction) will guest star in Hulu limited series Immigrant (working title), from Pam & Tommy creator Robert Siegel. Additionally, WandaVision and The Great director/executive producer Matt Shakman has joined as director and executive producer. He replaces originally announced Ramin Bahrani ahead of the series’ start of production.
Written and executive produced by Siegel, Immigrant (wt) is the true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee (Nanjiani), the Indian-American entrepreneur who started Chippendales. The series will detail the insane, darkly comedic, crime-ridden story behind the unique male revue that became a cultural phenomenon.
Plair will play Otis, the sole black dancer at Chippendales’ LA outpost until a dramatic falling-out with its owner Steve Banerjee (Nanjiani) over the club’s questionable admission policies regarding race.
Peltz will portray Dorothy Stratten. Both sexy and wholesome,...
Written and executive produced by Siegel, Immigrant (wt) is the true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee (Nanjiani), the Indian-American entrepreneur who started Chippendales. The series will detail the insane, darkly comedic, crime-ridden story behind the unique male revue that became a cultural phenomenon.
Plair will play Otis, the sole black dancer at Chippendales’ LA outpost until a dramatic falling-out with its owner Steve Banerjee (Nanjiani) over the club’s questionable admission policies regarding race.
Peltz will portray Dorothy Stratten. Both sexy and wholesome,...
- 2/3/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Bogdanovich, the celebrated, Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind classics like The Last Picture Show and Paper Moon, as well as a frequent actor, died Thursday, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 82. Bogdanovich’s daughter, Antonia Bogdanovich, confirmed his death, saying the director died of natural causes.
Bogdanovich began his career as a film critic and reporter before meeting producer Roger Corman, who’d been so impressed with some of his work that he enlisted him to help out on some of his films. Despite this ostensibly unconventional path into the film industry,...
Bogdanovich began his career as a film critic and reporter before meeting producer Roger Corman, who’d been so impressed with some of his work that he enlisted him to help out on some of his films. Despite this ostensibly unconventional path into the film industry,...
- 1/6/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: New Regency, Bold Films and Permut Productions’ Chippendales movie, which tells the wild story about the male exotic dancing enterprise, is gaining momentum. Sources tell Deadline that Seth Rogen and Elle Fanning are in talks to join the cast. Dev Patel is already on board to star with Craig Gillespie set to direct. If deals close, the project would mark a reunion for Rogen and Gillespie, who just wrapped production on the anticipated Pam and Tommy series for Hulu that bows in February. New Regency is co-financing Chippendales with Bold Films.
David Permut, who has been shepherding the project for two decades, will produce with New Regency and Bold Film. David Litvak, Gary Michael Walters, Michel Litvak and Svetlana Metkina of Bold Films are also producing.
Lauren Blum and Rebecca Angelo are rewriting the script after Craig Williams and Isaac Adamson penned previous drafts.
The movie will follow Steve...
David Permut, who has been shepherding the project for two decades, will produce with New Regency and Bold Film. David Litvak, Gary Michael Walters, Michel Litvak and Svetlana Metkina of Bold Films are also producing.
Lauren Blum and Rebecca Angelo are rewriting the script after Craig Williams and Isaac Adamson penned previous drafts.
The movie will follow Steve...
- 12/9/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery+ on Monday said that Curse of the Chippendales, its four-part true-crime drama docuseries, is set to premiere on September 24.
The project, from Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmakers Simon and Jonathan Chinn via Lightbox, unravels the dark side of the 1980s all-male striptease dance troupe founded by Steve Banerjee. On the crime side, it tackles the murder-suicide of Playboy Playmate of the Month and actress Dorothy Stratton and her estranged husband Paul Snider, as well as the murder of Emmy-winning producer Nick De Noia orchestrated by Banerjee.
But it also highlights what being part of the wild shows was really like from the point of view of the dancers and their throngs of female fans.
“I tell anyone who makes a documentary about the Chippendales that it’s hard to put in the feeling of what went on in the shows because it wasn’t only the women, everybody was part of the show.
The project, from Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmakers Simon and Jonathan Chinn via Lightbox, unravels the dark side of the 1980s all-male striptease dance troupe founded by Steve Banerjee. On the crime side, it tackles the murder-suicide of Playboy Playmate of the Month and actress Dorothy Stratton and her estranged husband Paul Snider, as well as the murder of Emmy-winning producer Nick De Noia orchestrated by Banerjee.
But it also highlights what being part of the wild shows was really like from the point of view of the dancers and their throngs of female fans.
“I tell anyone who makes a documentary about the Chippendales that it’s hard to put in the feeling of what went on in the shows because it wasn’t only the women, everybody was part of the show.
- 8/16/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: We are hearing that New Regency has boarded Craig Gillespie’s Chippendales film project starring Dev Patel as co-financier with Bold Films.
Deadline previously reported on the Permut Productions movie with Bold attached. David Permut, who has been shepherding the project for two decades, will produce with New Regency and Bold Films. David Litvak,, Gary Michael Walters, Michel Litvak and Svetlana Metkina of Bold Films are also producing.
Lauren Blum and Rebecca Angelo are rewriting the script with Craig Williams and Isaac Adamson having penned previous drafts.
The Chippendales movie will follow Steve Banerjee (Patel), who emigrated from India to Playa del Rey to chase the dream of fame and fortune. Bored with pumping gas in the Mobil station he owned, he found an outlet for his entrepreneurial dreams when he acquired the struggling L.A. rock club Destiny II. He transformed it with a new name and theme...
Deadline previously reported on the Permut Productions movie with Bold attached. David Permut, who has been shepherding the project for two decades, will produce with New Regency and Bold Films. David Litvak,, Gary Michael Walters, Michel Litvak and Svetlana Metkina of Bold Films are also producing.
Lauren Blum and Rebecca Angelo are rewriting the script with Craig Williams and Isaac Adamson having penned previous drafts.
The Chippendales movie will follow Steve Banerjee (Patel), who emigrated from India to Playa del Rey to chase the dream of fame and fortune. Bored with pumping gas in the Mobil station he owned, he found an outlet for his entrepreneurial dreams when he acquired the struggling L.A. rock club Destiny II. He transformed it with a new name and theme...
- 7/30/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Chippendales” has found its director. Craig Gillespie, who helmed the 2017 Oscar-winning film “I, Tonya,” is officially on board to direct the movie, a source close to the project tells Variety.
The film has been in development for two decades by Permut Productions’ David Permut. Bold Films is also set to produce, and Craig Williams has written the newest draft of the script. It was announced back in 2017 that “Lion” actor Dev Patel will star.
“Chippendales” follows the true story of Steve Banerjee, played by Patel, an Indian immigrant who acquires the struggling L.A. club Destiny II and transforms it into a hot spot. The club features women’s mud wrestling and a ladies-only male exotic dance night, which becomes the basis for the famous “Chippendales” group. Soon enough, Banerjee finds himself earning $8 million a year, and with the help of co-creators Paul Snider and his playboy bunny girlfriend Dorothy Stratten,...
The film has been in development for two decades by Permut Productions’ David Permut. Bold Films is also set to produce, and Craig Williams has written the newest draft of the script. It was announced back in 2017 that “Lion” actor Dev Patel will star.
“Chippendales” follows the true story of Steve Banerjee, played by Patel, an Indian immigrant who acquires the struggling L.A. club Destiny II and transforms it into a hot spot. The club features women’s mud wrestling and a ladies-only male exotic dance night, which becomes the basis for the famous “Chippendales” group. Soon enough, Banerjee finds himself earning $8 million a year, and with the help of co-creators Paul Snider and his playboy bunny girlfriend Dorothy Stratten,...
- 10/14/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: After years of development, the incredible American Dream gone wrong story behind the ’80s male strip club Chippendales, is getting closer to the big-screen treatment. Sources tell Deadline that Craig Gillespie is attached to direct the murder saga with Dev Patel attached to star. Insiders say several studios are pursuing the package with a decision expected shortly on where the film will end up.
Permut Presentations’ David Permut, who has been developing the project for 20 years, will produce along with Bold Films. Craig Williams penned the most recent draft. Isaac Adamson penned a previous version.
The story follows Steve Banerjee (Patel), who emigrated from India to Playa del Rey to chase the dream of fame and fortune. Bored with pumping gas in the Mobil station he owned, he found an outlet for his entrepreneurial dreams when he acquired the struggling L.A. rock club Destiny II. He transformed it...
Permut Presentations’ David Permut, who has been developing the project for 20 years, will produce along with Bold Films. Craig Williams penned the most recent draft. Isaac Adamson penned a previous version.
The story follows Steve Banerjee (Patel), who emigrated from India to Playa del Rey to chase the dream of fame and fortune. Bored with pumping gas in the Mobil station he owned, he found an outlet for his entrepreneurial dreams when he acquired the struggling L.A. rock club Destiny II. He transformed it...
- 10/13/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Fresh off the heels of selling their films Where’s My Roy Cohn? and Knock Down the House at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Wavelength Productions announces their involvement as producers of the feature documentary Chippendales, directed by award-winning documentarians Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce (HBO’s Believer).
Chippendales tells the true story of the first strip club for women whose rise during the drug, sex and rock-and-roll fueled world of 1980’s Los Angeles left a trail of greed, extortion, jealousy, mob infiltration, and murder. The nightclub arose at the epicenter for the women’s liberation movement and was in part responsible for changing the culture. Playboy centerfold Dorothy Stratton, her pimp husband Paul Snider, a newly arrived immigrant from Calcutta named Somen “Steve” Banerjee, and a flamboyant New York choreographer named Nick DeNoia would all play a part in the founding of the nightclub.
The documentary...
Chippendales tells the true story of the first strip club for women whose rise during the drug, sex and rock-and-roll fueled world of 1980’s Los Angeles left a trail of greed, extortion, jealousy, mob infiltration, and murder. The nightclub arose at the epicenter for the women’s liberation movement and was in part responsible for changing the culture. Playboy centerfold Dorothy Stratton, her pimp husband Paul Snider, a newly arrived immigrant from Calcutta named Somen “Steve” Banerjee, and a flamboyant New York choreographer named Nick DeNoia would all play a part in the founding of the nightclub.
The documentary...
- 2/11/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Dorothy Stratten had the world at her fingertips in 1980.
She had rocketed to fame as the Playboy Playmate of the Year. Now, Hollywood was calling. She landed guest roles on TV shows such as Buck Rodgers and Fantasy Island.
Things got even better for her when she earned a substantial role in the movie They All Laughed, a comedy film starring Audrey Hepburn, Ben Gazzara and John Ritter.
She maintained warm relationships with several Hollywood heavy hitters, including Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.
But Stratton’s personal life was messy. Her marriage to her controlling small-time manager, Paul Snider, was on the rocks.
She had rocketed to fame as the Playboy Playmate of the Year. Now, Hollywood was calling. She landed guest roles on TV shows such as Buck Rodgers and Fantasy Island.
Things got even better for her when she earned a substantial role in the movie They All Laughed, a comedy film starring Audrey Hepburn, Ben Gazzara and John Ritter.
She maintained warm relationships with several Hollywood heavy hitters, including Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.
But Stratton’s personal life was messy. Her marriage to her controlling small-time manager, Paul Snider, was on the rocks.
- 5/13/2017
- by Steve Helling
- PEOPLE.com
MGM's show is a surprising powerhouse musical bio about the personality clash between an ambitious singer and the powerful enabler who wants her in his bed. Doris Day and James Cagney are at their best in an only slightly compromised telling of the real-life showbiz relationship of 'twenties star Ruth Etting and the domineering mobster Martin Snyder. Love Me or Leave Me Blu-ray Warner Archive Collection 1955 / Color / 2:55 widescreen / 122 min. / Street Date September 13, 2016 / available through the WBshop / 21.99 Starring Doris Day, James Cagney, Cameron Mitchell, Robert Keith, Tom Tully, Harry Bellaver, Richard Gaines, Peter Leeds, Claude Stroud, Audrey Wilder, John Harding. Cinematography Arthur E. Arling Art Direction Urie McCleary, Cedric Gibbons Film Editor Ralph Winters Original Music Nicholas Brodszky, Percy Faith, George E. Stoll Written by Daniel Fuchs and Isobel Lennart Produced by Joe Pasternak Directed by Charles Vidor
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
MGM's early CinemaScope musical bio holds up extremely well,...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
MGM's early CinemaScope musical bio holds up extremely well,...
- 8/20/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The Conversation is a feature at Sound on Sight bringing together Drew Morton and Landon Palmer in a passionate debate about cinema new and old. For their sixth piece, they discuss Bob Fosse’s film Star 80 (1983).
Drew’S Take:
To say that Bob Fosse’s Star 80 (1983) has a bad reputation is a bit of an understatement. Even after the critical and commercial success of his previous hit All That Jazz (1979), 20th Century Fox executives turned their backs on Fosse. Less than three years after the rape and murder of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten (to say nothing of the necrophilia), a film dramatization seemed to be in poor taste. To magnify the discomfort, Fosse not only left the filming of the grim finale for last – keeping his two lead actors in the dark – but decided to film in the actual house and bedroom the crimes occurred in. The grim...
Drew’S Take:
To say that Bob Fosse’s Star 80 (1983) has a bad reputation is a bit of an understatement. Even after the critical and commercial success of his previous hit All That Jazz (1979), 20th Century Fox executives turned their backs on Fosse. Less than three years after the rape and murder of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten (to say nothing of the necrophilia), a film dramatization seemed to be in poor taste. To magnify the discomfort, Fosse not only left the filming of the grim finale for last – keeping his two lead actors in the dark – but decided to film in the actual house and bedroom the crimes occurred in. The grim...
- 6/20/2015
- by Landon Palmer
- SoundOnSight
Most people today would likely be shocked to think that in 1972, The Godfather went into the Oscars anything but a sure bet for Best Picture. Aside from Casablanca and Citizen Kane it is recognized as the greatest American film of all time and in hind sight most people forget that not only was it tied for nominations in 1972, but Coppola lost Best Director.
Because hindsight is anything but 20/20 when popular consensus takes over, the narrative of the Hollywood Renaissance is one of Scorsese, Spielberg and Lucas getting snubbed for Taxi Driver, Jaws, Close Encounters, and Star Wars. But looking at the 1970s and the race for Best Director, what you see instead is two directors fighting it out for director of the decade, each earning three nominations.
Obviously one of them is Francis Ford Coppola. With both Godfathers, The Conversation, and, Apocalypse Now most people would say that he won that fight.
Because hindsight is anything but 20/20 when popular consensus takes over, the narrative of the Hollywood Renaissance is one of Scorsese, Spielberg and Lucas getting snubbed for Taxi Driver, Jaws, Close Encounters, and Star Wars. But looking at the 1970s and the race for Best Director, what you see instead is two directors fighting it out for director of the decade, each earning three nominations.
Obviously one of them is Francis Ford Coppola. With both Godfathers, The Conversation, and, Apocalypse Now most people would say that he won that fight.
- 7/7/2014
- by Mynt Marsellus
- SoundOnSight
In Martin Scorsese’s GoodFellas, a pre-Quentin Tarantino movie that is turning out to be the post-Tarantino touchstone for how to make a drama about the lethal seductions of bad behavior (Boogie Nights, The Sopranos, and American Hustle are all honorary sons of GoodFellas), Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), the shark/schlub wise-guy antihero, sucks the audience right into his dream of doing whatever the hell he pleases the moment he announces, in that opening voiceover, “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” To watch GoodFellas is to think: And who wouldn’t?...
- 1/3/2014
- by Owen Gleiberman
- EW - Inside Movies
Throughout the first half of February, the Sound On Sight staff will take a look at the Academy Awards.
By any reckoning, 1980 was an extraordinary year for film. From the sublime to the ridiculous, this was the year that gave the world both Jean Luc Godard’s Sauve Qui Peut and Alan Parker’s Fame. This was the year that gave us Steve McQueen’s last film, Bob Hoskins’ break out to greatness in The Long Good Friday, Goldie Hawn proving women can be funny in Private Benjamin and an orangutan out-acting Clint Eastwood in Any Which Way You Can.
And it was also the year that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences committed its worst and most heinous error.
This was the year that Ordinary People won the Oscar for Best Picture.
Now Ordinary People is a perfectly good film. It’s a little tedious. A little predictable.
By any reckoning, 1980 was an extraordinary year for film. From the sublime to the ridiculous, this was the year that gave the world both Jean Luc Godard’s Sauve Qui Peut and Alan Parker’s Fame. This was the year that gave us Steve McQueen’s last film, Bob Hoskins’ break out to greatness in The Long Good Friday, Goldie Hawn proving women can be funny in Private Benjamin and an orangutan out-acting Clint Eastwood in Any Which Way You Can.
And it was also the year that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences committed its worst and most heinous error.
This was the year that Ordinary People won the Oscar for Best Picture.
Now Ordinary People is a perfectly good film. It’s a little tedious. A little predictable.
- 2/11/2012
- by Cath Murphy
- SoundOnSight
(Eric Roberts in "Crash," above.)
Rediscovering Roberts
Eric Roberts never really left, but 2009 audiences are learning (or relearning) the charms of the actor Mickey Rourke has called the best he ever worked with.
By Terry Keefe
(This article is currently appearing in this month's Venice Magazine.)
“Eric Roberts is the [expletive deleted] Man,” proclaimed Mickey Rourke at this past year’s Independent Spirit Awards, while accepting his trophy for Best Male Lead, at the very beginning of a speech which then saw him singling out Roberts, his one-time co-star in 1984’s The Pope of Greenwich Village, as someone who was worthy of a comeback like Rourke had with The Wrestler. From the audience, Roberts himself watched his friend at the podium with what looked to be a combination of embarrassment at being mentioned and some pleasure at the same, finally throwing it back at Rourke by shouting good-naturedly, “Accept your award!” For...
Rediscovering Roberts
Eric Roberts never really left, but 2009 audiences are learning (or relearning) the charms of the actor Mickey Rourke has called the best he ever worked with.
By Terry Keefe
(This article is currently appearing in this month's Venice Magazine.)
“Eric Roberts is the [expletive deleted] Man,” proclaimed Mickey Rourke at this past year’s Independent Spirit Awards, while accepting his trophy for Best Male Lead, at the very beginning of a speech which then saw him singling out Roberts, his one-time co-star in 1984’s The Pope of Greenwich Village, as someone who was worthy of a comeback like Rourke had with The Wrestler. From the audience, Roberts himself watched his friend at the podium with what looked to be a combination of embarrassment at being mentioned and some pleasure at the same, finally throwing it back at Rourke by shouting good-naturedly, “Accept your award!” For...
- 11/2/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
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