Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist, and Rebel

Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist, and Rebel

I am not a fan of Hugh Hefner. I find him unattractive in every way. His morals are despicable. However, I was a reader of Playboy when it was first a new magazine. I certainly could appreciate the artistry of the beautiful bodies. There were some well written articles. Many controversial political topics of the day were discussed.

It is the image of this overage, unattractive man in his smoking jacket surrounded by a bevy of beautiful young girls that really turns me off.

I went to the film because there was nothing else to see. I also was curious to find out how he remained a lasting icon. It all boggles the mind.

I was surprised to realize that this is a Canadian project. Brigitte Berman has done an outstanding job. I was fascinated with the presentation. I now admit that I have learned a great deal and even have a measure of respect for Hugh Hefner.

Many famous writers, comedians, and artists are interviewed and help to give an insight into the real Hugh Hefner. To balance the arguments presented several feminists are interviewed as well as some political spokesmen from the right.

One friend stated that Hugh Hefner seemed to be working for the devil and God at the same time. The title is so appropriate because he actually helped to shape history and make changes. Partly as a result of his articles and his actions we now live in a less repressive society.

I was shocked to learn that Hugh Hefner majored in psychology. He seems to be fixated on love. It probably stems from the fact that he had no outward show of love from his parents.

The audience is reminded that the 50’s were still a time of oppression. Rigid rules were in place. People were not ready for nudity.

His first magazine was started from his apartment. It gradually developed into the Playboy magazine we know today. Many of the articles tackled difficult topics that were not spoken of in the media. He wrote about abortion, racism and homosexuality. He gave a start to many excellent writers that did not have a forum. Ray Bradbury claims that his success as a writer is due to his articles being printed in Playoy magazine.

The Playboy Mansion was a home for musicians and entertainers. In this film we see some of the great singers of the day having fun and entertaining in the mansion. Hugh Hefner gave jobs to many that were out of work in the McCarthy days. Many black musicians and comedians were welcomed here and performed for the bevy of beauties in the mansion. It was party time all the time.

It was well known that a guest could have sex with the girls while in the house. Hefner speaks openly of his need for having young girls around him all the time. They kiss him and play up to him. These are the aspects of the man’s life that are hideous.

He certainly did show courage in even starting such a controversial magazine. He was hounded by the FBI at times. He gave refuge to others that were in trouble politically. He was a very creative person. He also was very generous. He offered his personal plane to transport some Vietnamese orphans that had arrived in the United States. His playgirl bunnies went along to act as helpers with the babies. There is no doubt that Hugh Hefner is a controversial character. This is an excellent documentary.