Stay Hungry (1976)

In between directing and producing Five Easy Pieces (1970) and The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), Bob Rafelson whipped out his muscular …flick Stay Hungry (1976). The R-rated dramedy focuses on rich guys who have everything, including good looks and an impeccable pedigree. Yet these greedy bastards still want more, which explains why they are forever forsaking their rarefied dating pool and falling in love with spunky chicks from the skimpy side of the tracks. As this cinematic gem charmingly illustrates, love and lust are so much earthier and real when unhampered by considerations of protecting and expanding vast personal wealth. So, it’s no surprise a shirtless Craig Blake (Jeff Bridges) tries to hide his background of privilege and high-priced orthodonture to make time with gym receptionist Mary Tate Farnsworth (Sally Field). The movie also includes Ed Begley Jr., Fannie Flagg, Joanna Cassidy, Robbie Robinson, Scatman Crothers, and a newcomer named Arnold Schwarzenegger! If an average man is said to be “smuggling plums” when wearing tight jockeys, then Mr. Universe contestant Joe Santo (Schwarzenegger) “smuggles cantaloupes.” And even though we’re not treated to the Austrian hunk’s whole basket of goodies, we do get to admire his fantastic abs! No doubt that’s why the Hollywood Foreign Press gave the body building babe a Golden Globe for Best Acting Debut in a Motion Picture despite the fact that Hercules in New York (1970) was actually Arnold’s first film. Nevertheless, the impeccable pecs on the then-rising star had all of us pumping more than iron!