Star 80 (1983)

About ten years before the advent of star 69, there was Star 80 (1983). Not to be confused with the French comedy Stars 80 (2012), this R rated flick showcases Mariel Hemingway. Under the skinematic direction of choreographer Bob Fosse (who also penned the screenplay), the nudecomer portrays doomed beauty Dorothy Stratten. For those who don’t know, the blonde babe was a Canadian Playboy model who was killed by her scam artist husband Paul Snider. He’s played by Eric Roberts in a pitch-perfect turn as the archetypal “suitcase pimp.” The film also includes Carroll Baker, Ernest Thompson, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Roger Rees, Stuart Damon, and Cliff Robertson as Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner. Moody, macabre and emotionally draining, this bleak biopic takes the audience on a disturbing ride into the reality of victim and victimizer alike. But, at least, there are plenty of sexy sights to enjoy along the way. Perhaps that’s why the movie was a box office and spank bank hit! In one scene, Mr. Roberts shows off his glistening six pack and bulging briefs. No wonder, he nabbed a Golden Globe nomination and was named Best Actor by the Boston Society of Film Critics Awards. At the risk of repeating himself, Eric flashes his flesh again at the 01:40:00 mark. In this climactic scene, he bares his back and buns when his cheeky character is lying down after a murder suicide. In other words, after watching this movie, you’ll be the only one who gets to have a happy ending!