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Death of a Centerfold

1981 television film by Gabrielle Beaumont From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Death of a Centerfold
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Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story is a 1981 American biographical drama television film, optioned by Larry Wilcox and his company Wilcox Productions. Wilcox signed the paperwork at midnight and beat out Hugh Hefner and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Later, Wilcox developed the story and pitched it to MGM, where he had a production development deal and subsequently to NBC. MGM and Wilcox then hired director Gabrielle Beaumont.[1] It is a dramatization of the life and the murder of Playboy Playmate of the Year Dorothy Stratten, played by Jamie Lee Curtis.[1] The film aired on November 1, 1981.[2] Two years later, the same story was developed by director Bob Fosse in his film Star 80, starring Mariel Hemingway and Eric Roberts.

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Plot

The film depicts the life and times of model, actress, and 1980 Playboy Playmate of the year Dorothy Stratten, who was killed at age 20 in a murder–suicide committed by her estranged husband Paul Snider.

Cast

Production

The TV production was optioned and owned by Larry Wilcox of CHiPs fame, and he negotiated a deal with MGM and NBC for the story to become a movie of the week. At the family's insistence, the names and relationships of her mother and sister were altered.[2]

Reception

The New York Times critic John J. O'Connor praised the film, writing: "the movie works remarkably well in building a dramatic momentum. Jamie Lee Curtis's Dorothy is a thoroughly understandable, if not sympathetic figure. And Bruce Weitz is extraordinary".[3] People magazine also praised the film, writing: "Jamie Lee Curtis is just right as Stratten, and Bruce Weitz is a standout as her ex".[4] Film critic Leonard Maltin described the film as "exploitative".[1]

Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story finished 27th in the Nielsen ratings. When the film was broadcast a second time on NBC in July 1983, it fared better by finishing fourth in the ratings.[2][5]

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Home media

The film was first issued on VHS on September 1, 1998. It later was released on January 25, 2010, on DVD.

See also

References

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